Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Title: FW: Helmet frenzy with a positive spin

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From: Kassandra <kassandrad@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:01:26 -0700
To: Karen Everhart <rainbowmeadowsranch@xxxxxxxxx>, <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Cc: Centella Tucker <centella@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Conversation: Helmet frenzy with a positive spin
Subject: Helmet frenzy with a positive spin

My positive spin..

Yes, there is the fact that their decisions cost us money if they cannot provide for themselves, etc, etc.  But I like to look at the glass as half full....On the bright side, those that like to gamble and live life on the edge are in turn providing job opportunities for those who rescue them (paramedics/airflight) and the medical personnel who have to care for them!  

When I don’t wear my helmet I feel I am being an optimist......thinking positively that I wont need it!  Primarily it is comfort, finding one that won’t make you batty after an hour on your head.  :-)

I do believe it is a good idea to wear a helmet, but in no way do I support mandating it.  

So, in closing, if you wear your helmet you are cutting jobs but sparing your loved ones and citizens the cost of caring for you.   If you don’t wear one then you are creating job opportunities.  A win win situation!

Forever the optimist...

Now go hug your horse


On 9/17/09 6:31 PM, "Karen Everhart" <rainbowmeadowsranch@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> Kathie - a DNR means DO NOT RESUSCITATE - that means if your heart stops or you stop breathing that they are not to attempt to restart those biological functions.  It does not mean that if you are breathing on your own, though never regain consciousness, that they will pull the plug.  It does not mean that when you are unable to recognize anyone in your family or are drooling down your chest that they will take you out and shoot you.  It does not mean, when you must have your diaper changed or must be in a nursing home, that anyone will end your suffering.  So, please do not count on a DNR to save you from a head injury.  By the way, I hope you also have a medical power of attorney because if you are "young" enough and vital enough, your DNR may well be ignored by medical personnel.  AND, I hope that your DNR is also on your person in some form or, when you arrive at the ER, they may never know your advanced directive is in place.
>  
> Yes, we are policed, because we don't police ourselves very well.  The cost to each of your riding friends to provide for your medical care if you are severely injured, even IF you have insurance, is significant.  The cost to other drivers on the road, even IF you have insurance and choose not to wear your seatbelt and are severely injured in an accident, is significant.  We ALL share the burden of foolish choices made by others everyday and it is overwhelmingly expensive.
>  
> Statistics tell us that most equestrian related deaths result from head injuries.  Period.  
>  
> I have ALWAYS said that if an adult chooses not to wear a helmet, it is their choice AS LONG AS they can pay all the costs of an injury out of their own pocket.  NOT expecting insurance companies to cover their decisions, not having their friends, family and neighbors conduct fund raising events for them because they can no longer work so cannot afford the basic costs of living, etc.  If you are one of those folk, then by all means please go without a helmet because only THEN are you 100% accountable for your decision.
>  
>  
> Karen Everhart MEd
> Co-founder and Executive Director
> Rainbow Meadows Rescue and Retirement, Inc.
> Serving the equine companions who have so loyally served us...
> www.rainbowmeadowsranch.com <http://www.rainbowmeadowsranch.com>  
> 620-725-3402
>  
>
> Owner/Operator Horse Calls - Equine Management Solutions
> Centered Riding Instructor
> Distance Horse Conditioning and Training
> www.horsecalls.com <http://www.horsecalls.com> 
> 316-648-5082
> >  
> > Kathy wrote:
> >  
> >
> > Well, I don't wear a helmet w/my mare because I just don't want  to. 


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