HERE'S WHAT I THINK
English riders have almost always worn helmets for cross-country, fox hunting and jumping, while Western riders rarely wore helmets until recently.
Now, many open and 4-H horse shows require helmets for young riders, and those participating in gymkhana speed classes.
What is your position on the helmets for horseback riders debate?
Helmets for Equestrians
Should all horseback riders wear a helmet?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, they should!
The_Homeopath says:
Yes, yes, and more yesses. NONE of my children ride without a helmet. Ever.
Posted July 02, 2008
Mrs. C says:
If you are a mature, responsible rider you will wear a helmet no matter what discipline you ride. Maybe you will never need the protection a helmet offers, maybe you'll never need your seatbelt, either. Why take the chance? For fashion? For an image you want to project?
Posted May 14, 2008
Kris says:
While I'm not sure about the legality of actually requiring everyone to wear one (see for example the debate about motorcycle helmet laws) I think everyone SHOULD wear one, and that certainly a show, event, or riding facility is well within their rights to have a policy requiring them for people riding as part of the event or on the property, if for no other reason than liability concerns.
Further, I really wish when people make the decision to wear one or not, they realize that it is NOT just a decision they are making for themselves. Should the worst happen and you become brain damaged but NOT die, your family or loved ones will have a number of very difficult decisions to make, and may end up having to support you (or at least your body) for a very long time. So if you must ride without a helmet, at least make sure you have some kind of plan in place should you need long term care.
Lastly, I think any adult riding who is in a position of authority over children at the time (e.g. during a riding lesson) should wear a helmet just as a matter of setting a good example. "Do as I say not as I do" doesn't tend to work very well.
Posted May 13, 2008
Deb says:
Everyone should wear one but only kids should be required to wear one. Once you're an adult you can do anything you like as long as it's only you paying the price.
Posted May 13, 2008
LizC says:
Helments are for EVERYONE regardless of age, riding ability or Style PERIOD. We all know riding is usually done "at your own risk" why not take one more precaution to ensure you can ride another day.
Posted May 13, 2008
Lucy says:
Yes yes yes
My helmet is my favourite piece of kit - I LIKE not being paralysed!
My horse was a complete nutter before I got him, confirmed rearer etc. and although I now trust him, if he has a relapse I'm prepared.
ANYONE else on him has a hat and back protector, no matter how good they are. Heavy hands send him up. BEFORE that happens, they are asked to get off.
WEAR A HELMET. EVERY TIME.
Posted May 13, 2008
green_knight says:
If they have brains to protect, they should. It's a high risk activity, and if you can easily protect yourself, why wouldn't you? If responsible adults don't wear helmets, they're sending out the message to kids and beginners that you don't have to, or worse, that you prove your skill by not wearing a helmet. I've come away with a broken/dented helmet and light concussion _twice_. Makes you think... and glad you still can.
Posted May 13, 2008
Amanda says:
Horses are, as always, unpredictable. Through no fault of your own you could end up with a brain injury. Most horse related injuries are to the head. Who wants to pay astronomical hospital bills anyway. Helmets are just smart.
Posted May 13, 2008
colorisnteverything says:
Yes. Save your brain. It doesn't just hurt you when you make bad choices. It hurts those around you, your loved ones. It also hurts the tax payer because we will have to pay for your life support.
Posted February 26, 2008
goldenfits says:
I think all minors should have to wear a helmet and that helmets should be worn for anything involving jumping, or racing (chest protectors too). Most Western riders dislike wearing helmets for competition because they feel that it doesn't fit in with the rest of their gear and detracts from their appearance IMO whereas in English a velvet covered helmet is always suitable.
Posted February 19, 2008
litacres says:
Yes i like my head and Brains My helmet has saved me from a skill fracture
Posted February 17, 2008
No way, Monkeybrain!
cancrasher says:
Cowboys have been riding without helmets for generations and are still around. People don't need helmets they just need to learn how to ride properly and how to act around their horses so the horse has respect for you. The next thing people will be doing is wearing a helmet to cross the street and walk down the stairs. Risk is a part of life, we can't all go around walking with bubblerap on.
Posted June 22, 2008
McCheese says:
I am in greater danger of a head injury while driving my car, but I don't wear a helmet for that, either. Assess the risk. If you feel the need to wear a helmet, do it. Don't gripe at me for choosing not to.
Posted May 14, 2008
helmethair says:
Required for those under 18, just like bike helmets. After that you are on your own. You just won't ride with me if you don't wear one. I'm not going to start packing a spatula in my trail pack to pick up your brain should you be launched from your horse.
Posted May 13, 2008
Ladybrinx says:
I don't think it should be required of adults, heck might help straighten out the gene pool ya know, Darwinism and all. Kids under 18 I thinks it's a great idea. I wear one everytime, but if you don't want to wear one, it's your choice.
Posted February 17, 2008
freelief says:
To me, this is a lot like the seat belt law. For children, sure. For adults, no way.
Posted February 17, 2008
ALL IN FAVOR...
If you agree, add links (proof!) that help me make my case
Add a link that makes my case.
Equestrian helmet
0 points
Children, not Norco officials, lead push for riding-helmet rule, mayor says
The latest local Southern California news includin more...0 points
ISU Extension News Release
0 points
ALL OPPOSED ...
Disagree? Put your money where your mouth is and show us why.
Post links that point out why you think I'm wrong.
Internet Helmet Wars Issues
Internet Helmet Wars Issues0 points
Why I Am Opposed to Mandatory Helmet Laws
The arguments in favor of mandatory helmet laws ar more...0 points
LET THOSE
WHO RIDE
DECIDE
Cool stuff you can do with this page:
