Arizona
As we are all keeping Courtney King-Dye's recovery in our thoughts and prayers, one cannot help to also think, without being critical, that as we ride, we would all be better protected by wearing helmets. And while there are so many people using them now, even at the CDIs, I worry that this precaution and concern will dwindle once Courtney is back in the saddle, and there are no accidents for a while.
My concern stems from the knowledge that some trainers and barns have laughed at and kidded riders for using helmets, and that many riders wonder if judges have a subconscious belief that a helmet vs. a top hat is an indicator of rider insecurity, a naughty horse or rider lack of confidence, and that helmets are for amateurs and kids. I am not suggesting that USEF and the FEI change the rules to require protective headgear, but I would like to hear regular announcements at shows that strongly encourage riders and handlers to wear helmets. I would like these announcements to be encouraged by judges, TDs, show management and trainers. A huge positive influence for helmet use is the encouragement of our top trainers who write articles in Dressage Today, USDF Connection, USA Equestrian and other publications. Without their support of helmet use, some riders will not use them.
I would like to see the attitude about helmets change from something you only put on when you are riding a young horse, or working on the changes, or working through a naughty or difficult issue with a horse, or that only fearful riders wear them, or that they ruin your hairdo, or that it doesn't look "cool" to wear one, to being something that every trainer encourages, if not demands, of their clients, to something that every horse owner demands of their trainer when he/she is riding their horse, to something that is viewed as smart and responsible to do, and that riding without one is reckless and unwise.
One idea for encouraging competitors to wear protective headgear during competition would be to add a point or points to the test for use of a helmet with a chin strap. I don't know the mechanics of test writing or how that could be implemented, but if there were points associated with helmet usage, there would be little need to mandate usage during tests.
Most of us who ride regularly and love horses and love this sport, want to continue to do so into our golden years. I personally have worn a helmet for many years. I wore a top hat when I competed my daughter's very quiet mare to get my Bronze Medal, but always wear the helmet when schooling. Now that I have two fairly young horses, there is no question about the helmet in the show ring, as well as when schooling at home or clinics. I hope our mentors and coaches will encourage us to wear helmets whether at home, or competing at open shows or at CDIs.
Kay Lorenzen
Phoenix, Arizona
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