You are never "good enough" to to go without your helmet

Riding horses is an inherently dangerous activity. But I find that when I wear a helmet, it can get in the way. It's really hard for me to find ones that fit and sometimes they can be too tight and hurt, or be too loose and slip over my eyes. And when I'm breaking a horse, I can't be distracted. I've never been thrown because I suppose I'm pretty good at holding on (the people I break for call me a "leech" ) and I understand I could, but I think that moving quickly and thinking quickly are easier without a helmet for me, just because I can never get one to fit and they're very uncomfortable for me. In that split second I might be thinking about how my head itches and tryin' to get at it, the green horse could have already thrown me into the metal pipes and helmet or none- I don't feel like getting my legs broke.

Well if they fall and hurt themselves, I guess they'll learn. If they continue to ride without a helmet to bad for them.

I am not sure if the law is for all of Canada or just Ontario, the province I live in, anyone under 16 has to wear a helmet. At the barn where my daughter rides I have seen some of the owners ride without helmets and they are breaking in horses. I bought a riding vest for my daughter as soon as she started jumping. I make her wear it or no riding.

i agree your mind.

Every time, every ride. No exception. Same policy I have for seatbelts!

I have horses and I don't wear the helment I really should I hadn't had her long and she threw me so it's really a good idea we wear seat belts in cars so why not a helment on a horse makes really good smarts to me

You're right. Good enough is not the point of a helmet in any sport. Accidents happen and when they do the helmet will make sure you don't end up a vegatable.

I dont think a person who rides horses, motorcylces and things like that should ever go out without a helmet no matter how good you are or think you are. Because you never know when an accident can happen and it might not even be your fault or a lck of skill that causes it but that doesnt mean you wont get hurt.

I didn't realize you had to wear a helmet on a horse. I have never been on a horse so I guess I am not up to the rules. I have never seen anyone wear anything but a cowboy hat on a horse.

The last time i rode without a helmet I fell off, broke three bones, had a siezure, do not remember a whole week of my life and ended up having two surgeries. The injuries would have happened regardless of a helmet, but I was lucky to live through the damage I did and could have done to my brain. I NEVER ride without a helmet now, and I am a riding instructor. If I am not "too good" to ride without a helmet why should anyone else be? I ride hunter jumpers and certified helmets are REQUIRED for adults and children. I think this is a good rule.

I cannot stand to wear a helmet. I mean I think it is great to require children to wear them, and if you are more comfortable that way, good for you. They just annoy me. I cannot stand the strap (I know, a neck restraint would not be any better) but I just feel they get in my way. I specifically choose to ride in circuits where helmets are optional because I can't stand them. I have also ridden bulls in my day, and I just can't stand the face guard. I will wear a stomp vest no problem, but I willpass on the helmet. But that is just me, and I am well aware that I can come off a horse. You are not a true horsemen if you have never come off. I actually spent three days in the hospital with a concussion, but I still can't bring myself to wear a helmet. But the way I see it, if something happens, at least I went out doing something I love!

I always wear a helmet when riding and require my children and visitors to do the same. I have had people visit who have ridden before and don't want to wear one, but I make them anyway. If they won't wear a helmet they can't ride at my house. My daughter rides with a group of very experienced competetive trail riders, and they have the same policy; no helmet=no riding. Here in the US it is pretty much the same as in Australia as far as rodeos. None of the competitors wear helmets, not even in the youth events. I think there should be rules that require safety equipment, especially for the kids. If adults want to take the chance, well..... I have ridden many "bombproof" horses, and even those occasionally spook at something, you just never know when it will happen. I even encourage wearing protective gear when training a young horse on the ground. Sometimes they do the unexpected and you don't have time to react.

Well, a horse is just as dangerous as a bike. Except that it's taller. And that you're not in compleate control. I don't understand why people value their haircut or their looks higher than their lives...

I remember one time I was riding my bike and this little kid was laughing at me for wearing a helmet! The joke was on him though. I'd rather be safe than look "cool". Then there are car seatbelts. I have to yell at and force my own mother to wear hers. Same with most of my friends, and if they won't put it on I'll do it for them. LOL

I see were you are coming from. I have gone on a horse but did not wear a helmet, I also ride bikes all time and never use a helmet, thought I am think of investing in one. The streets can be dangerous, and I have had a few spills that gave me road rash.