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RE: [RC] helmet thread - Rae Callaway

>> As Kathie points out, it won't protect you from everything.>>

 

I am always confused as to why people bring this up.  I mean, isn’t it glaringly obvious that a helmet won’t protect you from non-head related injuries?  I certainly don’t wear my helmet in order to protect my pelvis.  It’s there to protect the brain, not the neck, spine, elbow or even the big toe.

 

Also, Kathie, (not trying to refute your stand on helmets as it is your choice) I don’t quite get how a helmet keeps you from hearing in the forest.  What brand of helmet did you use?  I’m assuming it covered your ears?  I’m deaf and wear a cochlear implant processor and I’ve never had my helmet restrict my hearing.

 

Rae

 

 

From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of richardson.carla@xxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 4:54 PM
To: Kathie Ford; ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxx; ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [RC] helmet thread

 

I agree, we should not tell adults they must wear a helmet; it's their choice. As Kathie points out, it won't protect you from everything.

Personally, I do wear a Tipperary with a Salamander brim to shade my eyes. I feel comfortable with it, but I don't mind if other riders wear nothing on their heads.

It's a slippery slope, if we (AERC) required helmets, someone could later demand that we all wear protective vests, or stirrup cages, etc. Or, not ride at all -- after all, horses are dangerous.

Brings to mind the old, old (70's) cartoon of an OSHA-approved horseback rider, complete with seatbelt and parachute and various other safety additions.

Carla Richardson

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry


From: Kathie Ford
Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:34:44 -0700
To: <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [RC] helmet thread

Well, I don't wear a helmet w/my mare because I just don't want to. My choice. Period. I do however support the use of others wearing them and made my kids wear them too, although at times I found their helmets hidden in the bushes which wasn't good and they did get in trouble for that. No helmet no riding. I do make my husband wear one because he is a novice rider and his horse can be silly sometimes.  My girls that ride are all in their 20's and make their own decisions. I'd like to see them wear one, and sometimes they do...but it is still their choice too.

I know they are important, and protect the head.to a point..but they don't protect the neck or spine area at all.. the bottom line is it is an individual's choice. I will use a helmet w/some of my younger horses but not w/my endurance mare. My younger horses are on short rides and very local or at home.

Once when I did wear a helmet, years ago, during a schooling session and doing some very minor jumping over caveletti's, my horse shied and I slid right down her neck (had given her a bath and she was TOO clean!)...My head hit the ground slightly and went one way, my neck went the other..I heard 3 distinctive cracks from my neck. Ended up somehow doing a flip and ended up on my feet in a squatting position. Anyway, my thoughts DURING my fall right when my neck cracked were "these darn helmets don't protect the neck!"

I have to also say I get a little mad when people suggest people that make the choice not to wear one as I do, that we are vain. That is hog wash!  There are many reasons. My choice to not wear a helmet is because I cannot hear well with one, especially in the woods), I get horrible headaches from the heat to the point of my eyes not being able to focus, and it has been very tough to even find one that will fit. Last time I wore a helmet was on Tevis. I had a Tippeary. I was absolutely miserable in that helmet so I sold it. My head was so hot and hurt so bad I couldn't think straight. So back off it came. 

None the less, it is nice that people care enough to want all persons to wear them...but we don't need this issue policed. We are policed enough in so many ways now.

One of my friends the other day was not wearing a helmet and had a terrible horse accident. But, as her daughter said, a helmet would not have protected her pelvis, which she fractured in 4 places. 

You just never know.

Additionally, for me personally, when my time comes to leave this earth I have no desire to stick around or try to extend my life in any way. No heroics or anything. I'm a DNR. My family knows and respects my wishes as my own personal choice.

So we should just leave it at that. To each their own choices and go on to another subject.

kathie


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Replies
[RC] helmet thread, Kathie Ford
Re: [RC] helmet thread, richardson . carla