Here's something for you non-helmet-wearing folks to consider....
IF you fall off your horse, for whatever reason, and land on your head, and
become unconscious....have you ever thought about the fact that it's the
folks you are riding with who are forced into dealing with the situation,
such as what to do with you? how to get help? etc... True, this situation
could arise, with or without a helmet. But I think "without a helmet",
increases your chances. Just my opinion. I chose to wear a helmet, because
I realize there are risks involved, and I'd like to lessen those risks,
however and whenever I can. I do not want to be a statistic, leaving my
family behind to wonder if the accident could have been avoided, had I been
wearing a helmet.
I used to ride when I was a kid, without a helmet, about 20 years ago. I took
my share of falls. I was never hurt. Lucky?? Who knows? I've taken up
the sport of riding, again, for the past 3 years, with a helmet. I have made
a conscious decision to wear a helmet. I have seen 2 helmets, with splits up
the back. It's obvious to me, had those folks NOT been wearing those
helmets, it would have been their HEADS that were split!! My younger kids
don't have a choice. They wear a helmet when they ride (bikes- before it
became a law, horses, motorcycles....) When they are old enough to make their
own decisions, then they can decide for themselves. My 17 year old son
skateboards, and has not worn his helmet for the past year. I used to "make"
him wear a helmet. Then, I decided it was time for him to make his own
decision. He chooses not to. I do not like his decision, but I can accept
it. I'm sure he'll make more decisions that I do not "like". Fact of life.
As it was said in a Bicyling Forum....
>My final comment in the ongoing helmet wars:
> Those of us who have something to protect
>will wear one.
Leslie