[HappyJoy]

well i posted this one because another thread got me thinking about it. chain reaction .

Originally Posted by naughtygirl

whats up with all the helmet threads lately?

[Morgan 1]

Originally Posted by Top Dun

You know this wearing a helmet issue is just as bad as a breed bashing thread.

Wearing a helment IS a choice just like owning or NOT owning a certain breed of horse is a choice. Either way, a person MAKES that choice. Totally agree
People who don't agree with that choice should not bash the persons involved on the OTHER SIDE of the choice. I don't wear a helmet, I've made that choice on my own, I know the risks and I accept that, BUT I don't go around telling others that they should also not wear a helmet. I ride with a friend who ALWAYS wears a helment and neither of us says ANYTHING aginst the other for wearing or not wearing a helmet.

I've had THREE equine related head injuries and every single one would NOT have been prevented had I been actually wearing a helmet. Two of the Three injuries were 'ON the ground" injuries while only one was due to a fall off a horse. That fall was a slingshot chin first off the side of the horse and I landed CHIN first on a concreate pad. The helmet would not have prevented the chin and jaw injuries. They are not designed to protect your chin

The Second head injury was a kick to the chin that also broke my nose and scraped my eyelid. A helmet would not have prevented the broken nose or the chin injury or even the resulting concussion from the brains being slammed against the back of my skull as my head snapped back. Again won't protect the chin, will offer protection if you your head is slamed, you can sustain a concussion with a helmet but that is better than a severe head trauma
The third Injury was another Kick to the head (different horse different location different situations). That resulted in 20 some stitches to my chin, two broken teeth and another mild concussion. A helmet would not have prevented that either. Sounds like it was a kick to the face, not the skull

Anyway I CHOOSE not to wear a helemt on a normal general basis although on really rare occasions I actually do put one one, but I think that attempting to FORCE people to wear a helment is a bad idea. Attempting to Bully people to wear a helmet is also a bad idea and finally calling people idiots or ignorant for NOT wearing a helmet is totally out of line. I don't recall anyone using words such as idiots or ignorant

I dont' tell other people what to do or not do. I'm not going to tell anyone that wearing a helmet is stupid or bad or what ever and in return I only ASK that no one tell me that NOT wearing a helment is stupid, bad or what ever. I know the risks when I get on a horse and it is MY decission alone it is NOT everyone's business what I do with MY life.

I totally agree it is your choice. No one can force anyone to do something againest their will. I do encourage the use of helmets. I have seen the results and devistation of severe head trauma.

[kashmirjumper]

I always wear a helmet. I've been knocked out so many times from being bucked off my boys and not wearing helmets. Now I can't ride without one.

[Abberlaze]

i ALWAYS wear a helmet.
because...
a) my mom requires it
b) my instructors would REALLY get after me if i didn't
c) i fell off once and hit my head really hard where my helmet was....if i hadn't been wearing it i would have been seriously hurt. as it was i just had to replace my helmet
d) i have a friend who fell off and has permanent severe brain damage from falling off my horse (she wasn't mine then!) she wouldn't be here today w/o her helmet

[Heavenly Jumper]

Old Thread!!

[x_Relle]

I don't wear a helmet unless jumping. I will wear a helmet when training my colt, Riding him etc as i don't fancy falling off a shirw without a hat! I know, i can fall off a 10hh pony and die or become paralysed, but if i do fall off my mare and something that bad happens there will be only 1 person to blame. Me. And i accept that.

[Thourbreds Rule]

Originally Posted by HappyJoy

the other post made me curious. do all of you wear helmets? or just for some stuff. i never wear a helmet at home, the most i do is jump little things every now and then. when i took lessons we had to for jumping, so that was the only time i've worn them (except when i was little-then i did for cantering.)

I NEVER RIDE WITH OUT A HELMET!!!!

[MissCita]

I wear a helmet, in my lessons. (required)
If i'm jumping anything higher then 2'.
When I'm on the road.
When i ride my friends pony. (She likes to throw me off and
I can't stay on caue i've got no neck to hold on to)
And at shows, of course.

When i'm doing flat work and small grids
in the arena I ride in there is a very small
chance my horse will throw me off. not saying
it's not possible as it is, but very unlikely. And
every time she's tried to throw me off, she hasn't
come close. I'm used to it. plus she's not so good
at it. And if i do fall off there's virtually nothing for me to
fall on top of/ into. I'd just land in the soft arena. Now
my friends pony.. that's a differen't story. she threw
me into a fence in another arena. Almost broke my nose.
The helmet didn't help me in that situation. Then she threw
me off half an hour later. If you're wondering why this is,
it's because she likes to run. you ask her to canter and
she wants to run. if you let her, she doesn't want to stop.
If you try to stop her she throws you off. She's an old lady though.
So it's nothing to get upset over, it's just part of her
attitude. And she'll only do it to people who have a lot
of experience. Graylite is the cutest pony ever.

[barn_babe09]

I have to, my instructor requires it! I guess its a good thing though.
Sam
~My home is where my horse is

[izzysmycat]

I always wear mine and replace it every two years whether i have had a fall or not.....and just for good measure.......I wear a body protector whenever I ride too! Jo x