Helmet Thoughts

[@lindacrichards]

Thank you, Karen!

[@septemberchestnut]

Great video, thank you so much for posting!

[@rendezvousfarm]

Karen, thanks for sharing your thoughts, as I know a lot of riders see you as a role model for their choices, too. As I know too well, and am still recovering from, falls happen on calm, confident horses in a quiet environment, TOO! ... not just in predictable circumstances. The more that riders of all disciplines choose to wear helmets, the fewer head injuries and the more choices we'll have for helmet styles as the market responds.

[@dsergt]

to me its like a seatbelt. and we all wear those now. you quickly forget its even on your head, till you might need it! i'm even wearing a vest lately as i'm riding a horse that still feels somewhat unpredictable. thanks for this video, its a good message. brains and skulls are hard things to fix!

[@Braveanimal]

Well said! I need to wear my helmet more often and set the right example. I find that not wearing it has nothing to do with, as you pointed out in this vid, about vanity or ego or skill. It is just not as comfortable as it should be. I wear hats and caps without noticing. For me it is the strap under my chin and around my ears. The helmets have gotten a lot better in the last decade. Maybe someday a manufacture will figure out to make it look and feel like a hat of cap and still be save. tnx

[@vtalw]

Thanks for this. i am right with you. I would feel pretty dopey (perhaps literally...) if I took a spill and hit my head and wasn't wearing a helmet. We never plan to have an accident, but it is always a good idea to be prepared. I am hoping that Parelli takes up this mantel, too, because even when we are as prepared as we can possibly be, the unexpected can happen. Cheers to you, Karen, and thanks for this. Happy safe riding to you!

[@MegF142857]

Good for you!!! I need to buy a new helmet. I didn't realize that they should be replaced every 5 years, just like trailer tires. This is whether you think they look like they need it or not.

[@espindle]

Even if it keeps just one of us out of harms way, it will be worth it for all of us to go through the routine! Very true that helmets should be worn "just because." Recently bicycled through Germany. Yes, bicycles are not finicky. Never had an accident in 40 yrs. Only reason I wore a helmet was not to be a hypocrite telling my daughter to use hers. A curve, a slip... I fell, hitting my head hard on a marble wall. The dagger shaped protrusion I hit would have done solid damage. Helmets rule!

[@sazcorp]

There was a story on NPR a few years ago about a woman that went from being an olympic rider to a paralympic rider because she didn't wear a helmet. That was enough to convince me. I never ride without my helmet.

[@krisvanroo7131]

Karen you are just too darn CUTE! Love the way you explained this all and good for you for practicing safety. You made me think about the times I ride my horses bareback, bridleless and helmetless from my trailer to the barn!!! I always think about what you said, if I tell the story later......... Bareback and bridleless is great and helpful to my seat, helmetless is just lazy and stupid!

[@zavakuria]

I think they're quite comfortable! Seem times I catch myself in my car with it still on... :P

[@fletcherfrog]

Because feeling the wind through your hair on the back of the horse is a feeling like none other. But as they say, better to be safe than sorry.

[@KarenRohlf]

Kris: because it definitely isnt as comfortable as not wearing one... my head gets hot no matter how ventilated they are... so it is an adjustment... a wise one, but not a fun one!

[@farbschlacht]

with me, it's the other way around. I feel exposed without a helmet.

[@KrisHughes]

So why does she look a little unhappy and deflated about wearing it, then?