 |
“You’ve Got Trail” May Newsletter
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Seeing equestrians donning helmets on the trail has become more and more common. One cannot deny however, that the Western world in particular remains steeped in years of tradition. Stigma against wearing helmets still exists in many disciplines, geographic areas and equine social circles… sadly, unbelievably, even for junior riders.
When choosing this month’s newsletter topic, I picked the helmet issue because it seemed like the right thing to do. Yet in all honesty, I myself was “on the fence”... wearing a helmet based on the day’s horse of choice or the length of the ride. What I didn’t expect was to be fully convinced that this should be a permanent turning point for my own helmet choices. And it’s such a simple decision, really! Please join me, “every time... every ride!”
-- Julie, Long Riders Gear
|
True Helmet Story
by Vanessa
I am the kind of person who would never put a child or a beginner on a horse without a well-fitting helmet. Ever. Period. But I am older, more experienced - and I don't plan on falling off of the horse I ride. So the other day I debated whether or not I needed to wear my helmet during an “ordinary” dressage lesson. More out of habit than sense, I buckled it on.
Less than an hour later, I was in the emergency room. If I hadn't been wearing that helmet, I would have been in the morgue.
Please understand I am a good rider. I've been on horses for almost 20 years; I'm a training level eventer who up until recently was riding three or four young, green horses every day. This time, I was riding a dead-quiet, sweetheart schoolmaster in a lesson.
Unfortunately, that schoolmaster was stung by the King of All Bees about ten minutes into the lesson. I don't remember hitting the ground. I don't remember riding in the ambulance or having my clothes cut off me. I don't know what my attending physician told my parents and my boyfriend when no one could say with any certainty if I was going to be alright.
Thank heavens, I ended up with “only” a nasty concussion and (hopefully only temporarily) impaired vision. When I returned to the barn, I found in my tack closet, my helmet with a neat crack running up one side. Without that helmet, that crack would have been in my head.
I've taken a lot of ribbing for wearing a helmet, but as my finger caught on one sharp, broken edge, the chilling reality of my situation dawned on me. It occurred to me, I'm not a kid anymore. I don't heal as fast or as well, and I have certain responsibilities as an adult. I thought, "How could I have ever explain to my loved ones that I was lying there horribly injured (or worse) because I cared more about what a people said and thought than about how much I meant to them?" I am not immortal - but I am inestimably precious to those who love me. To them, I cannot - I dare not - make excuses.
Please understand: accidents can happen any time, on any horse. It doesn't matter whether or not you're a good rider. AND, the better the horse the more sensitive and powerful he is and will be when the King of All Bees visits YOUR ride.
|
| More Helpful Helmet Headlines & Resources |
Convinced? Click on over to our very own Long Riders helmet gear section. Tipperary helmets offer streamline design and ultimate lower-head protection. Mention this newsletter for a 10% discount on your helmet purchase.
American Medical Equestrian Assoc., Safe Riders Foundation “Support for the Thinking Rider”, published this fun article telling of a award-winning drill team’s helmet choice. “Windy Ridge Riders Drill Team Doffs Cowboy Hats for Helmets”
Questions about helmet usage or fitting? The beloved United States Pony Clubs, Inc. offers trusted and detailed information.
“Every Time... Every Ride...”
An absolutely compelling informative video available through Washington State University. Narrated by William Shatner, this documentary received commercial television time in Great Britain, and has aired on many PBS stations in the United States.
|
| Trail Reader's Tip |
In the spring I take my winter blankets and lay them on the living room floor after they’ve been washed and dried. I fold them in half (or thirds) the long way. Then I roll them up like a sleeping bag and put them in 8 gallon buckets with lids. Just seal them up and set them on a shelf in the barn. Come winter, they are clean and ready to go. Or you can put a blanket bucket in the trailer so you have your heavy blanket along, just in case.
This helpful tip was submitted by customer Trudy Kincade of Little Rock, AR.
|
|
Share your savvy... Do you have tips and tricks you would like to share with fellow Long Riders? Send your tips to julie@longridersgear.com or reply to this email. If we publish your submitted trick we'll gratefully offer you a 10%-off coupon code for your next purchase!
Check out our Specials and Clearance items for savings
on must-have trail gear and horse care products!
|
|
|
