The
point here is that the helmet did not protect this area of her head.
Nothing provides protection from all eventualities. It is a matter of
protecting what can reasonably be protected without excessive intrusion.
So
when you start admonishing people about wearing helmets/not wearing
helmets, I don't think it is anyone's place to tell someone else what
kind of safety gear they should be wearing.
I've not been a supporter of an AERC rule requiring helmets for adult
riders, but I'm no longer opposed either. Many sports, including many
equine sports, require them. Because a private organization -- that
sanctions events which have an element of physical danger to
participants -- does have the right, and maybe the responsibility, to
mandate some minimum level of safety gear.
