My "From This Week" photo update is a bit sparse this time because of a forced few days off due to an "unplanned dismount". One of the green horses I was working with lost his balance after a crow hop and we went down together, resulting in a concussion and trip to the hospital in a shiny red and white van.
Being more on the introverted side, I am not usually one to draw attention to myself. However, in this case, I'd like to use my experience to draw attention to the importance of wearing a helmet while riding.
In January of 2020, Mission Creek Ranch implemented a mandatory helmet policy, and I am so grateful that they did! (Thank you D & L!) Twice since then I have had horses fall and both times, thankfully, I was wearing a helmet.
I have always been confident in my riding seat and in my ability to stick with a horse. Unfortunately, these two incidents had nothing to do with my own skill or athleticism and everything to do with the balance, fitness, and state of mind of the horse. Growing up on a ranch in the prairies, we almost never wore helmets - they were for "English types". Ironically though, I wasn't allowed on our family's quad or dirt bike without one. Helmets saved me under that horse power on more than one occasion. As equestrians, we are sitting on animals with their own minds who are reacting to stimuli in their environment. Never mind simple incidents such as stumbling on footing or, more seriously, a host of medical conditions that can arise suddenly. I recently heard of a horse who had a heart attack and passed away while simply working in a round pen.
I do want to comment briefly on the quality and fit of headgear. Initially, I wore a $95.00 helmet, which in comparison now, looks more like a bike helmet. This week, I purchased something priced at least three times more, but also feels 10 times better in quality and fit. After the accident this week my original helmet possessed no new noticeable scratches. Zero! This has piqued my interest in researching the topic of concussions caused by ill-fitting headgear.
I do confess that wearing a helmet still doesn't feel natural for me, even after using one five days a week for the past 16 months. Regardless, you will be hard-pressed to find me on a horse without one.
Thankfully, my CT scan came back normal, although the outcome could have been much different. As it is, there are about 30 minutes post-accident that I have no recollection of. Apparently, I handled the horse on the ground, spoke to a number of people, and initially presented as 'normal'.
My hope is that, in sharing my experience, you the reader will consider your decision regarding helmet wearing, (regardless of the discipline), and will be motivated to evaluate the current condition, quality, and fit of your helmet. As a coach and judge, I will place an even greater emphasis on protective headgear, not only for minors, but for adults alike. Together, we will set industry standards and norms.
Ride safe, friends.