Whatever Your Ride - Wear a Helmet
Last month, at the resort we ski at, a youngster on a school trip hit a tree and was killed. No helmet in this case either. My kids started wearing helmets when they were little. Now none of us would think of going on a ski run without a helmet. Even if you ski carefully, conditions can change quickly and other skiers aren't always skiing in control. My husband has been crashed into twice by snowboarders who were going too fast and couldn't steer. We also suggested (strongly) to my soon that he wear his bicycle helmet, especially as he's known as "Captain Catwalk" and likes tricks and jumping. My daughter and I never get on a horse without helmets and safety stirrups.
I've had concussions twice in my life. I can tell you concussions do not feel good. The first time I fell off of a horse, the second time I was hit by a drunk driver who ran a stoplight. There's not much we can do about drunk drivers, except not be one. But every time you ride--whether you ski, horseback ride, board, ride any kind of bike, or participate in any sport where your head could meet a hard surface, please wear an ASTM helmet approved for that sport. Bike helmets aren't made for horseback riding, and ski helmets might be too hot for cycling.
Yes, helmets give you hat hair, they don't always look cool and there are a myriad excuses for not wearing one. But there are two reasons that over ride any excuse you may have for not wearing one: your own life, and the lives of those who love you. Please, whatever your ride - wear a helmet!
Read More About Helmet use
Thank you for this great blog post. Such a tragic sad story.We bike and ski and wear helmets. A couple of years ago, my then 8-year-old daughter, skiing carefully down a run, was plowed into by a man going too fast and not wearing a helmet. Equipment everywhere. She was shook up, but ok. I was glad she was wearing a helmet, but it was very scary.
You’re right. Helmets don’t make you bulletproof. But they do help to protect the one part of your body that is really hard to fix.
Most adults I see riding without a helmet say the same thing – it’s my life, etc. To which I say, what example are you setting for those kids you are riding with? Those kids who look to you for leadership with fragile and still developing brains? Their skill on a horse may or may not be better than yours but their ability to react to a situation is slower – hence they are not driving a car.
Adults believe they have earned the right to be stupid but never think of those they affect. While there were no safe helmets when we grew up, there are now. Deal with helmet hair. Be a leader for those around you.
Never worry about what someone else is thinking….. they probably aren’t.
Great point, Geoff – setting an example for kids. I grew up on my bike, day in and day out. No helmet back then, but I wear one now! I admit originally I wore a bike helmet as an adult, to be an example for my kids, but really… it is crazy not to protect the “one part of your body that is really hard to fix”!
PS I ‘met’ Geoff (@EquinePractice) on Twitter – nice to see you here!
Hear! Hear!
Random thoughts on helmets:
Good to see the Docs chiming in!
Kudos to Julie Goodnight for making a decision to wear a helmet when she rides. I’m sure she took some flack when she initially showed up to a ranch horse competition with it on. No one is NOT going to like you if you wear a helmet. And Kudos to Troxel for providing the helmets to the folks on her program.
I consider my helmet as a protection for the investment my folks made in my college education!
When I took up dressage, I gave up my helmet. My trainer assured me I was safe. (He’s no longer my trainer for other reasons) Then a mom in a hunter-jumper barn came up to me and said, “My 8-year-old daughter idolizes you. It would be so helpful if you would wear a helmet when you ride.”
THen my chiropractor said, “Suz, I can put just about everything in you back together, but I can’t replace your gray matter. Wear the helmet.”
That did it. I wore a helmet every ride, every time! I also learned cool ways to cammouflage unsightly helmet hair: baseball cap, straw hat. (We should be wearing hats anyway for UV protection, yes?) Mock me if you will, but my helmet’s on. While it doesn’t make me “bulletproof” it’s one thing I can do to improve my chances of avoiding serious injury. (Too bad my body isn’t made of “NERF!”)
I’ve also noticed that I ride more confidently when I wear my helmet. I won’t back off as easily when the horse needs to be schooled through a rough patch.
Katherine, thanks for saying what needed to be said!
And thank you all for your comments. Not only are we role models but we have to consider who picks up the pieces when the worst happens. By refusing to wear a helmet, or buckle up, or drive sober, or whatever, we are not only jeopardizing our own lives. I know families whose lives have been changed forever by one foolish decision that could have been avoided.
When you decide not to play safe, you’re making a decision for your loved ones too.
I went off my horse this morning after a strong buck and a high kick. I am so grateful for my helmet since I hit the back of head very hard on the ground. I will be wearing it from now on.
I’m sorry to hear that your horse acted up–but glad you were wearing a helmet. If the helmet to a hard blow it may need to be replaced.
One more thing… I’m grateful that the helmet makers have developed lightweight helmets that provide even better protection.
I got whiplash during one of my nastier spills because I was wearing an old-school, heavyweight, watermelon-esque helmets.
(I thought I could prevent myself from hitting the ground and ending up landing in a sitting position, which ultimately propelled me backward. It was comical! As the old saying goes: It’s only funny until someone gets hurt, then it’s hilarious.)
Best comment to someone wearing a helmet: “You never forget the first time you’re shot out of a cannon!”
Sally, aside from your head, I find icing, Advil and warm water soaks do wonders. And I go no where without my chiropractor! Heal quickly!
S
Yes, helmets are so much more comfortable than they were when we wore big ‘buckets’ with no vent holes!
Troxel has a great new tool out for people to share their stories about helmets and close calls. Check it out!
http://www.troxelhelmets.com/safety/