Mary: Having had my share of unplanned
dismounts, I too wear extra protection: an eventing vest that has been one of
my best investments. I also ride with a “camel” water pack that
gives extra protection to the spine. Helmets, of course, are in my book, mandatory.
It blows my mind when I see folks riding with a western hat or no head
protection whatever. Particularly when I’ve gone through three helmets.
-- Dave
From:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of MaryBDVM@xxxxxxx Sent: Saturday, December 08, 2007
9:38 PM To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [RC] vests
I got a Casel-Equi endurance vest from
Susan (healthyasahorse.net) too. Most comfortable of the brands I tried,
great colors, won't ride without it. I had it custom fitted but it does
need a bit of tweaking yet for the shoulder pads. I plan on getting that
taken care of in the non-riding weeks. I took another
unplanned dismount and of course landed where there wasn't any padding on 5
Nov. Broke my tailbone (youch!!!) and a rib, I believe from the jarring
of the impact since I didn't land on my rib or anything else that should have
broken it. Verified with my orthopod, who has become my regular doc, that I
don't have osteoporosis. Horse-related trauma is the etiology of all my
injuries.
I am as comfortable now in my vest as I am with my helmet and feel funny
without either one, like I do if I don't put a seatbelt on.
I was very glad that on this rare occasion I was not riding alone and my two
riding companions caught my horse, went back for the trailer and got me on my
way. Friends at home helped me get to get iced, medicated (and wined) and
in bed. Still too sore to ride but the weather is bad anyway. Am going
through the debate of sticking with this very nice horse except for the
occasional 180 or going for the sane, safer and most importantly shorter horse.
I am also an "older" rider (54) with the usual assortment of aches
and pains. Vitamin M (Motrin) is about as important to me as Fish oil,
GLC (chondroitin/glucosamine), vit E, my chiropractor and Structural
Integration practitioner (Rolfer). I use all of them regularly as well as
various i.e. exercise regimes when I'm especially motivated (when in physical
therapy). Again, a little wine and Maker's Mark are good muscle relaxers
too.
Mary B
Morrow OH
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