First point you should know is that not every riding helmet is the same. (See also 'The riding helmet; we did the test')... But they are all designed with one purpose: protect the human neck and head from fractures. Yet a lot of people find reasons enough not to wear a helmet. The favorite excuse, in that case, is that they are hot and uncomfortable. But there are for sure many more creative excuses... :
1.: I am experienced in emergency stop and dismounting: Undoubtedly, these are significant skills to be learnt for horse riding but there is no guarantee of effectiveness. Your skill can never be an alternative to the protection a helmet is able to provide.
2.: Helmet causes headaches: Apparently, it may sound legitimate as the helmet is wrapped around your skull for quite some time. Nevertheless, its not the helmet that causes headache; it is the dehydration of your body from sweating. Moreover, there are lightweight helmets available for people who are sensitive to heat.
3.: Veteran riders don’t need helmets: As impressive as the statement may sound, statistics say otherwise. A team of Alberta based researchers has documented the reported injuries from horse riding and on an average, those riders have 27 years of riding experience.
4.: Helmets cost a lot of money: This not really a genuine excuse; you can buy a helmet for as little as $50.00 and what are fifty dollars compared to the hospital bill if (God forbid) you get into an accident and are hospitalized? Spending a small amount as precaution is wiser than leaving yourself vulnerable to some mishap
But if you would not be convinced yet that wearing a helmet is actually a must do, let us just give you some reasons why You should wear that helmet:
1.: A riding helmet is available in all shapes, colors and materials. It is a part of Your fashionable outfit. Even more it is a good excuse to go shopping, safety above all, no?
2.: Protect Your brains, you only have one pair! Unfortunatly our skull is the most vulnerable body part.
3.: Nobody wants to fall from his/her horse, although it happens to all of us. Just make sure You are prepared, wearing a helmet with a CE-mark. As such You can enjoy the ride.
4.: You could, by wearing a helmet, just safe Your own life…
