Last week was Helmet Safety Awareness Week, so I thought it was important to address the importance of wearing a helmet when we are around our horses; particularly when we are riding.
As an equestrian that has had a few spills and mild concussions as a result over the years, and also witnessed these happening around me at events too, I strongly support the wearing of helmets. There are so many falls that I have either had or witnessed, that if a helmet had not been adorned, the injury would have been far more severe!
Multiple concussions can cause long term damage to the brain, and death is a very surreal possibility for those who choose not wear a helmet, and then have a bad fall that hits the head in the wrong way.
So please please please, wear a helmet no matter how experienced you are, or how quiet the horse is, freak accidents unfortunately do happen, and helmets can prevent and/or reduce the injury sustained to your precious noggins. The saddleries quite often have specials on helmets at this time of year, so make sure your helmet is up to date with safety standards, and that if it is dropped or takes a hit in a fall, that it is ideally replaced.
Happy horsing!
Feature Image courtesy of SafeBee.com
– Skye Pickering Dip. Horse Business Management.