helmets, helmets, helmets

Amy Barrington fell during a flat session at her home last week, the freak accident has left her in a coma. She was wearing a helmet. My thoughts and prayers are with her.

What would have happened if she was not wearing a helmet? I really choose not to imagine, but I bring it up because I believe their should be more of an effort to educate everyone, in all disciplines, the importance of wearing a helmet. Most accidents are freak accidents and placing a helmet on only for jumping doesn't mean that you are safe from any injury. Please consider wearing a helmet whenever you are mounted, no matter what the activity. There are so many trendy helmets out there, it is a reason to go shopping! To see some of my favorites, check out my recent post on helmets.

USEF has changed their rules to require all USEF Dressage competitors to wear a helmet. The only exception: Senior riders in an International competition under the FEI.

Go girl! Ashlet Holzer of Canada wearing a helmet in her dressage test! Canada has also adopted the rule change.

Since the dressage rule change, helmet companies have used this opportunity to spice up their helmet line to attract dressage riders who love bling. These Samshield helmets have a crystal flower design and come in navy, black, and brown.

 This below helmet is simplistic enough for a jumper rider! I love it. Check out more helmets here.

Photo from Samshield

Fixdesign Pretty

Came across this image of Fixdesign show room (in Italy, darn-it too far).  Those helmets are gorgeous! They came out with a vanilla line, which is beautiful.  Fixdesign is an Italian based equestrian apparel company, the bow is their symbol and on most of their gear.  Really cute bow by the way. They also have a line of everyday clothing, which is also pretty.

Wanna look at some more cute helmet's? Check out my previous post with tons of options here.

A girl with many hats, riding hats that is!

I know many people ride without a helmet and justify it with the fact that they are on the trail, not jumping, it's too hot, or on a calm horse, etc.  The truth is, equestrians who are riding without helmets on a daily or weekly basis are placing their lives and health in jeopardy.  For me, I have had a concussion (or two) from falling off...with the helmet on!

Some people don't have as bad luck as me, but in case you are wondering how common equestrian head injuries are here are some stats from http://www.riders4helmets.com:

1. 75-80% of horse related head injuries occur while mounted on the horse.
2. One serious accident occurs for every 350 hours of riding, motorcyclists only experience 1 serious accident for every 5,000 hours of riding.
3. Over 100 equestrian deaths per year, with 10-20 times more serious  injuries then deaths.
4. Head injuries account for 60% of deaths from riding.
5. On average their are 8 brain trauma related deaths per year for sports like football, for equestrian this number goes up to 60 deaths per year due to traumatic brain injuries.
6. Most head injuries occur at home, not at the show.

Now to stop talking serious and start talking cute, check out some of these awesome helmets that you will want to wear!

Samshield Custom Helmets  $545, check out the sparkles!  Order via Smartpak.

It looks like Samshield is also doing some work with Animo, check out this Samshield/Animo helmet:

Antares Custom Helmets  $890, color options!  Order via Smartpak.

Charles Owen Custom Helmet.  Another one with lots of color options $339.  Order via Dover

And this one is smokin' hot!

GPA, the classic look and most popular in hunter/jumper scene $350.  Order via Dover.

Harry's Hat.  It's an Ireland thing and I like it!  Order off IE site.

Tonino.  Really want a unique helmet, check out these!

IRH.  I have to throw it a more affordable helmet!  Check out IRH at really any tack store for $173.

"A hat is a flag, a shield, a bit of armor, and the badge of 

femininity. A hat is the difference between wearing clothing and wearing a costume; it's the difference between being dressed and being dressed up; it's the difference between looking adequate and looking your best. A hat is to be stylish in, to glow under, to flirt beneath, to make all others seem jealous over, and to make all men feel masculine about. A piece of magic is a hat." (Martha Sliter)