Comments on: Using Your Head http://americashorsedaily.com/using-your-head/ The Complete Source for All Things Horse Sat, 26 May 2012 01:01:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: laura http://americashorsedaily.com/using-your-head/comment-page-1/#comment-3813 laura Sun, 23 Aug 2009 12:42:56 +0000 http://americashorsedaily.com/?p=5020#comment-3813 "A horse is a horse"....when it comes to injuries and riding. Stated above in a few of the blog comments it mentions "the horse that pawed me in the head, was NOT a quarter horse" and "NOT a Quarter Horse by the way"...THATS COMPLETE STUPIDITY to select out a breed! I love most all horses and personally own and love my Morgans. I've raised/raising 5 sons on a farm where few places in the barn are safe for two 6 year olds. My boys have been thrown from calves while "playing" and now looking back on those years I think OMG THEY SHOULD HAVE HAD ON HELMETS!!! Yes, it's our choice to wear or not to wear, but to single out a breed is ludicrious to say the least! This wasnt an article about who thinks what breed is the best, blah blah blah, it's about safety. Especially when it comes to our children and grandchildren. GREAT ARTICLE. BIAS, IGNORANT PEOPLE BLOGGING “A horse is a horse”….when it comes to injuries and riding. Stated above in a few of the blog comments it mentions “the horse that pawed me in the head, was NOT a quarter horse” and “NOT a Quarter Horse by the way”…THATS COMPLETE STUPIDITY to select out a breed! I love most all horses and personally own and love my Morgans. I’ve raised/raising 5 sons on a farm where few places in the barn are safe for two 6 year olds. My boys have been thrown from calves while “playing” and now looking back on those years I think OMG THEY SHOULD HAVE HAD ON HELMETS!!! Yes, it’s our choice to wear or not to wear, but to single out a breed is ludicrious to say the least! This wasnt an article about who thinks what breed is the best, blah blah blah, it’s about safety. Especially when it comes to our children and grandchildren.
GREAT ARTICLE. BIAS, IGNORANT PEOPLE BLOGGING

]]> By: Kevin Bowles http://americashorsedaily.com/using-your-head/comment-page-1/#comment-3208 Kevin Bowles Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:01:48 +0000 http://americashorsedaily.com/?p=5020#comment-3208 Growing up around horses, I never wore a helmet until I started riding English and my instructor has a rule that while mounted the rider must wear a helmet. About 3 years ago I took a nasty fall off of our pony Angel, she slipped and fell off landing on the back of my neck and head. Luckily I had a nice helmet and it withstood the blow, though I still suffered a concusion and found out later that I also herniated 3 disks in my neck which required surgery to repair. I still ride, and wear a helmet without thinking twice about it, as does my daughter. It saved my life no doubt about it, even though I was hurt it could have been much worse. Growing up around horses, I never wore a helmet until I started riding English and my instructor has a rule that while mounted the rider must wear a helmet. About 3 years ago I took a nasty fall off of our pony Angel, she slipped and fell off landing on the back of my neck and head. Luckily I had a nice helmet and it withstood the blow, though I still suffered a concusion and found out later that I also herniated 3 disks in my neck which required surgery to repair. I still ride, and wear a helmet without thinking twice about it, as does my daughter. It saved my life no doubt about it, even though I was hurt it could have been much worse.

]]> By: Barbara http://americashorsedaily.com/using-your-head/comment-page-1/#comment-2695 Barbara Sun, 05 Apr 2009 13:18:15 +0000 http://americashorsedaily.com/?p=5020#comment-2695 Here's another helmet story. I was trail riding and my 10 year old niece was behind me. We were riding up a hill and my mare was anxious because another rider had ridden off from us. She stepped over a small fallen tree that was laying vertically up the trail. She then tried to step back over it and instead stepped on the side of it. The log rolled up and I heard a noise behind me. The log had a limb attached and when the log rolled, the limb came up from the ground and struck my niece on the head. Her helmet was cracked. I feel the helmet saved her from a trip to the ER. She always wears her helmet! Here’s another helmet story. I was trail riding and my 10 year old niece was behind me. We were riding up a hill and my mare was anxious because another rider had ridden off from us. She stepped over a small fallen tree that was laying vertically up the trail. She then tried to step back over it and instead stepped on the side of it. The log rolled up and I heard a noise behind me. The log had a limb attached and when the log rolled, the limb came up from the ground and struck my niece on the head. Her helmet was cracked. I feel the helmet saved her from a trip to the ER. She always wears her helmet!

]]> By: nancy chotkey http://americashorsedaily.com/using-your-head/comment-page-1/#comment-2680 nancy chotkey Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:08:06 +0000 http://americashorsedaily.com/?p=5020#comment-2680 ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET even if you think you look silly and uncomfortable. A young horse I had at the time bucked and I fell off. my helmet saved my head but my back was fractured. I healed and rode that horse until I lost him a number of years later. My father had a severe head injury in a one car accident so I know about head injuries. Life is never the same after an injury like that. SO ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HELMET. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET even if you think you look silly and uncomfortable. A young horse I had at the time bucked and I fell off. my helmet saved my head but my back was fractured. I healed and rode that horse until I lost him a number of years later.
My father had a severe head injury in a one car accident so I know about head injuries. Life is never the same after an injury like that. SO ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HELMET.

]]> By: Susan http://americashorsedaily.com/using-your-head/comment-page-1/#comment-2670 Susan Thu, 02 Apr 2009 23:20:19 +0000 http://americashorsedaily.com/?p=5020#comment-2670 I ride western and always wear a helmet, except when I'm showing and then I wear a hat because that's what all the other riders show in. I would be just fine with AQHA requiring helmets in their classes, especially Youth. Last year, a horse I was riding (not a Quarter Horse, by the way) flipped over backwards with me, and even with my helmet on, I suffered a concussion. I have no memory of hitting the ground, having the horse step on me, or getting up and walking around and looking for the horse (but others have told me that's what I did) -- just the memory of seeing the horse's mane come up too high in front of me, and then finding myself sitting in the shade near the fence. Because I was disoriented, I was taken to the hospital emergency room right away, where among other tests, I had a CAT scan to check my brain. I had a concussion, and my point is, it could have been so much worse without a helmet. My helmet didn't crack during the fall, but it had a dent in it and I replaced it with a new helmet. Please know that if you fall and hit your head with your helmet on, that helmet should be replaced, because the fall's impact may have compromised the helmet's ability to protect you from another fall. I'll just add that, after hearing about an accident where somebody slipped and fell getting a horse out of an icy pasture, and then the horse stepped on the person's head -- I now wear my helmet out to the hilly pasture to get my horse whenever it's really slick out. By the way, I have one of those pretty leather-covered helmets that look a chaps' yoke design, with rhinestone studs. I get lots of compliments on it and I think it looks really great on. I ride western and always wear a helmet, except when I’m showing and then I wear a hat because that’s what all the other riders show in. I would be just fine with AQHA requiring helmets in their classes, especially Youth.

Last year, a horse I was riding (not a Quarter Horse, by the way) flipped over backwards with me, and even with my helmet on, I suffered a concussion. I have no memory of hitting the ground, having the horse step on me, or getting up and walking around and looking for the horse (but others have told me that’s what I did) — just the memory of seeing the horse’s mane come up too high in front of me, and then finding myself sitting in the shade near the fence. Because I was disoriented, I was taken to the hospital emergency room right away, where among other tests, I had a CAT scan to check my brain.

I had a concussion, and my point is, it could have been so much worse without a helmet. My helmet didn’t crack during the fall, but it had a dent in it and I replaced it with a new helmet. Please know that if you fall and hit your head with your helmet on, that helmet should be replaced, because the fall’s impact may have compromised the helmet’s ability to protect you from another fall.

I’ll just add that, after hearing about an accident where somebody slipped and fell getting a horse out of an icy pasture, and then the horse stepped on the person’s head — I now wear my helmet out to the hilly pasture to get my horse whenever it’s really slick out.

By the way, I have one of those pretty leather-covered helmets that look a chaps’ yoke design, with rhinestone studs. I get lots of compliments on it and I think it looks really great on.

]]> By: Suzanne http://americashorsedaily.com/using-your-head/comment-page-1/#comment-2661 Suzanne Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:23:24 +0000 http://americashorsedaily.com/?p=5020#comment-2661 You would have to look very hard in Canada for a boarding barn who allows boarders not to wear a helmet while on the property! I have been riding both English and Western for 45 years, I have always ridden with permission on private properties. I believe not only in wearing a helmet for safety, but that I have an obligation to protect not only my self but the owner of the property. We have all fallen off and been a little shaken. Not getting really hurt lulls you into a false sense of safety. When you are young you are "invincible". I was so invincible that I broke my shoulder and collar bone six weeks before starting high school. Hey girls, how would you like to start first year with your arm sticking out of your shirt. I can tell you the embarrassment of that far outweighs the embarrassment of messy hair! Oh and getting hurt or breaking a bone is not the worst, think about comas, brain damage, bone reconstruction etc. I am saying helmets are a good thing and all equestrians should wear one. You would have to look very hard in Canada for a boarding barn who allows boarders not to wear a helmet while on the property! I have been riding both English and Western for 45 years, I have always ridden with permission on private properties. I believe not only in wearing a helmet for safety, but that I have an obligation to protect not only my self but the owner of the property.

We have all fallen off and been a little shaken. Not getting really hurt lulls you into a false sense of safety. When you are young you are “invincible”. I was so invincible that I broke my shoulder and collar bone six weeks before starting high school. Hey girls, how would you like to start first year with your arm sticking out of your shirt. I can tell you the embarrassment of that far outweighs the embarrassment of messy hair!
Oh and getting hurt or breaking a bone is not the worst, think about comas, brain damage, bone reconstruction etc.
I am saying helmets are a good thing and all equestrians should wear one.

]]> By: Melissa http://americashorsedaily.com/using-your-head/comment-page-1/#comment-2652 Melissa Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:13:54 +0000 http://americashorsedaily.com/?p=5020#comment-2652 I agree with this also. Although, un horse related, last month I was at a waterpark and fell off of the tube. I hit my head hard inside a waterslide and slid down the rest of the way on my face! Besides being shaken up, I felt completely fine, until an hour or so later I felt nautious and got completely sick to my stomach for about 12 hours following unknowing that I had a concussion. I didn't go into the Dr but now realize that I was sick for a reason and that was connected to hitting my head earlier in the day. I don't wear a helmet when riding but after that and of how easily tragic mistakes happen. I will consider wearing one also!! I agree with this also. Although, un horse related, last month I was at a waterpark and fell off of the tube. I hit my head hard inside a waterslide and slid down the rest of the way on my face! Besides being shaken up, I felt completely fine, until an hour or so later I felt nautious and got completely sick to my stomach for about 12 hours following unknowing that I had a concussion. I didn’t go into the Dr but now realize that I was sick for a reason and that was connected to hitting my head earlier in the day. I don’t wear a helmet when riding but after that and of how easily tragic mistakes happen. I will consider wearing one also!!

]]> By: Mary Hill http://americashorsedaily.com/using-your-head/comment-page-1/#comment-2651 Mary Hill Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:04:50 +0000 http://americashorsedaily.com/?p=5020#comment-2651 ...I too didn't want to wear that darn big, heavy, hot thing. But years ago, after my sister took a serious fall off a friend's horse and ended up in a coma for 3 days and almost lost her life - it changed my view of helmets. Then, the very next summer another tragedy happened when my sister's sister-in-law was killed in a riding accident. While riding down the side of a road in the ditch with a friend, "Mary's" horse spooked on to the road. Not being able to settle the horse, an impatient motorist blew his horn at them which totally freaked the horse and it reared and Mary fell off on her head. She died almost instantly. Mary was only 16 years old. I know of many other instances of injury, and near death accidents. I would totally be o.k. with AQHA requiring helmets for showing, especially in all Youth classes. Just my opinion - but I've seen first hand the results of not wearing helmets - and I haven't even mentioned my own near death experiences! Mary …I too didn’t want to wear that darn big, heavy, hot thing. But years ago, after my sister took a serious fall off a friend’s horse and ended up in a coma for 3 days and almost lost her life – it changed my view of helmets. Then, the very next summer another tragedy happened when my sister’s sister-in-law was killed in a riding accident. While riding down the side of a road in the ditch with a friend, “Mary’s” horse spooked on to the road. Not being able to settle the horse, an impatient motorist blew his horn at them which totally freaked the horse and it reared and Mary fell off on her head. She died almost instantly. Mary was only 16 years old. I know of many other instances of injury, and near death accidents. I would totally be o.k. with AQHA requiring helmets for showing, especially in all Youth classes. Just my opinion – but I’ve seen first hand the results of not wearing helmets – and I haven’t even mentioned my own near death experiences!

Mary

]]> By: Heather H http://americashorsedaily.com/using-your-head/comment-page-1/#comment-2649 Heather H Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:18:22 +0000 http://americashorsedaily.com/?p=5020#comment-2649 I too was wishy washy with helmets until I recently started taking private lessons and my instructor demands helmet wearing anytime you are on or near a horse. I think it saved my life last week when I took a fall off my horse. it's all explained in my blog if ya wanna read it www.ridinglessonslateinlife.blogspot.com I too was wishy washy with helmets until I recently started taking private lessons and my instructor demands helmet wearing anytime you are on or near a horse. I think it saved my life last week when I took a fall off my horse. it’s all explained in my blog if ya wanna read it
http://www.ridinglessonslateinlife.blogspot.com

]]> By: Judith van der Meer http://americashorsedaily.com/using-your-head/comment-page-1/#comment-2644 Judith van der Meer Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:29:51 +0000 http://americashorsedaily.com/?p=5020#comment-2644 Wearing a helmet is very important. I learned riding when I was thirteen (very late though)and was used to riding with a helmet. When I was eighteen I bought my first horse and trained her myself. At that age you think you can do everything. After a while I never used a helmet any more because of my "hair". Later on I had a filly with this horse and when she was four years old I started riding her. At some day I said to my husband I'm going to wear my helmet again. You never know with a young horse. I now think that it was my sixth sense because that same day I had an accident during ridingclass and woke up three days later at hospital. I can't remember anything of it. But people told me that I had fallen of with my head on top of the wall of the riding arena. I had a fracture of the skull at the right back side of my head, a split membrane and a severe concussion. I had to recover for about half a year and I'm very glad that I completely recovered. I still enjoy riding but I always ride with a helmet. Wearing a helmet is very important. I learned riding when I was thirteen (very late though)and was used to riding with a helmet. When I was eighteen I bought my first horse and trained her myself. At that age you think you can do everything. After a while I never used a helmet any more because of my “hair”. Later on I had a filly with this horse and when she was four years old I started riding her. At some day I said to my husband I’m going to wear my helmet again. You never know with a young horse. I now think that it was my sixth sense because that same day I had an accident during ridingclass and woke up three days later at hospital. I can’t remember anything of it. But people told me that I had fallen of with my head on top of the wall of the riding arena. I had a fracture of the skull at the right back side of my head, a split membrane and a severe concussion. I had to recover for about half a year and I’m very glad that I completely recovered. I still enjoy riding but I always ride with a helmet.

]]> By: Horsebits http://americashorsedaily.com/using-your-head/comment-page-1/#comment-2641 Horsebits Wed, 01 Apr 2009 03:57:33 +0000 http://americashorsedaily.com/?p=5020#comment-2641 Just wanted to add, the horse that pawed me in the head was young, not broke to ride, and NOT a Quarter Horse. Just wanted to add, the horse that pawed me in the head was young, not broke to ride, and NOT a Quarter Horse.

]]> By: Horsebits http://americashorsedaily.com/using-your-head/comment-page-1/#comment-2640 Horsebits Wed, 01 Apr 2009 03:55:11 +0000 http://americashorsedaily.com/?p=5020#comment-2640 I learned about the dangers of NOT wearing protective headgear when riding, through 4-H, when I was a kid. The horror stories scared me enough to wear a helmet ever since. Because of that I wear my helmet about 95% of the time when riding, even in a round pen near the house. It just takes a split second for an accident to occur. I just had a horse paw me in the head and knock me to the ground two days ago. I had a little cut and was bleeding, but never went unconscience, nor have the wind knocked out of me. But, since Natasha Richardson's incident, it sure scared me. My head still hurts a little as I write this. The next day I went to work with that horse, I wore my helmet, even though I was just leading her from the ground. My son thinks I look funny wearing my helmet when I ride. It smashes my hair every which way and makes me hot in the summer. But I value my brain and my life more than I mind looking a little strange. I also respect the fact that a horse is bigger and stronger than me and unpredictable at times. A helmet starts around $50; a life is priceless. I learned about the dangers of NOT wearing protective headgear when riding, through 4-H, when I was a kid. The horror stories scared me enough to wear a helmet ever since. Because of that I wear my helmet about 95% of the time when riding, even in a round pen near the house. It just takes a split second for an accident to occur.

I just had a horse paw me in the head and knock me to the ground two days ago. I had a little cut and was bleeding, but never went unconscience, nor have the wind knocked out of me. But, since Natasha Richardson’s incident, it sure scared me. My head still hurts a little as I write this. The next day I went to work with that horse, I wore my helmet, even though I was just leading her from the ground.

My son thinks I look funny wearing my helmet when I ride. It smashes my hair every which way and makes me hot in the summer. But I value my brain and my life more than I mind looking a little strange. I also respect the fact that a horse is bigger and stronger than me and unpredictable at times. A helmet starts around $50; a life is priceless.

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