Evolution of a helmet-wearer

[Jude Hall <Hall@cc.denison.edu>]

The first couple of rides I competed in, I didn't wear a helmet - didn't 
own one.   I bought one from Teddy Lancaster at a ride, and
*always* wore it during a competition, but not when I 'just rode' -

Then, I decided to wear it while doing conditioning rides, because
after all, I was riding faster than pleasure riding, and it surely 
deflected little branches as we whizzed along - but I still didn't
wear it on 'pleasure rides' - you know, no one else did, and i
never had before....

Well,  I started a young horse and just plain felt a lot more secure 
and bold wearing that helmet!  Now, I've progressed
to *always*  wearing it, I never did find it uncomfortable, I just had
to make it a habit.

The funny thing is, I hear people where we pleasure ride & condition
call me 'that endurance rider'.  <g>  Of course, I'm not, I ride CTR
& LD rides - but, I just smile.....

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              ~~   ^ ^       Jude Hall & Angel's Shot o' Whiskey (SSH)
~~~\   _  ~~/ /\ /      & Kentucky Redbud (Racking Horse)
       ( )__     ) ' '       Denison University
  __ //     __\\            Dept. of Biology
*       /     *     \	Granville, Ohio
        *             *