Ridecamp: Re: [RC] why wear a helmet?

In a message dated 8/15/2002 6:31:59 AM Mountain Standard Time, ridecamp-digest@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:


> Hi... 
> I love what you guys have said about making sure you wear your helmets. But 
> for the people who dont use helmets, i would like to know  why. I will not 
> critisize anyones reasons I just want to see your reasoning for not wearing 
> one. So i am open to everyones suggestions or opinions. 
>
> Thanx 
> Michelle Schifman 


I got in the habit of wearing a helmet which endurance riding about 15 years ago. One of the riders in our group had a horse fall and roll over her, her helmet was dented badly and cracked, she had a concussion but was alive. That made a believer out of me. At first I rode with a traditional English helmet which I found much too hot, then a bicycle helmet, which was too loose, for the past 10 years I've had one that fit pretty good, although it tends to be hot too. I'd been feeling so confident lately that I haven't used it consistently. Even rode the horse that dumped me a few weeks ago without it. Somehow riding without it gave me a greater sense of "freedom", "confidence" or whatever You know, the "wind in the hair" thing. Thank God I put it on when I was dumped 2 weeks ago or who knows how hurt I would have been. My friend who was with me was adamantly against wearing a helmet, she said they were too hot, uncomfortable, plus she'd had a bout of melanoma and wanted a broad brimmed hat. She was astounded at how hard my head hit f
rom a sideways saddle ejection. She said it sounded like a rock hitting the ground. She bought a good helmet the next day and we've made a promise to each other that she will wear a helmet to trail ride and I will practice bareback to improved my balance. 
Deb