Riding helmets, do you wear one?

I have always wore a helmet but thats because I tend to believe that if we plan on being good examples to younger riders then we should wear a helmet. I always wore a bright colored bandanna under my helmet...two purposes...help with summer sweat and it was just "my thing". I know that many riders don't wear a helmet. I rode English and not western so I never wore a Cowboy Hat....its just personal preference I suppose.

If you take lessons at a reputable barn they should REQUIRE a CERTIFIED helmet. If this it not a requirement I would think twice about taking lessons at such a shoddy establishment. Riding without a helmet is idiocy.

i can honestly say i don't need to wear one, my heads big enough to take the impact. lol (joking) I've never used one. personally i wouldn't and never will if i have my way if they made 'em nicer and lite but kept the safety then of course i might consider it but i can't really be bothered with taking it off and on. i would find it annoying hehe Kudos! ~Joey

Hi! I would say that anyone just starting out to ride, should be wearing a helmet. You have to fall off a lot of horses to become a good rider. Each one is different. I do not wear one because they give me a headache. True, if I landed on my head I would have a greater headache but I hate to return from a wonderful ride with a migraine. My rides are fairly uneventful, mainly I walk or trot on rural roads with a companion. My mare will not go anywhere without her buddy so I have to ride with someone. Yes, please, wear a helmet and, if necessary, back protection as well. Enjoy your horse and be safe.

At the moment I am part of a riding group where u are required to wear a helmet at a set safety standard.. Even when riding my own horses I wear a helmet. You can never go past yourt own safety. I have friends that ride without helmets and so far have been lucky not to get injured, but personally I wear one when ever i step foot in a stirrup... (my exception is when i am on the beach.. i dont have a saddle, therefore no stirrup, therefore no helmet)

You definately need a helmet. As far as a cowboy hat goes - that comes much later, after you have ridden a long time..

I haven't ridden in quite some time, but the last time I did, I think my helmet might have saved me from a skull fracture. I have a western hat with a helmet built into it. It's great! It can also shelter you from the sun. Some people thought it was quirky, though. But, if you live in an area where western riding is common, it should be OK. I don't know if you still can buy them, I had bought it over twenty years ago. I also have an English riding helmet, too. I would definately wear them unless I was taking an unexpected trail ride somewhere on vacation.

I don't usually wear one, because I'm really difficult to fit and they usually hurt, and for how long at a time I ride, they get really itchy and sweaty for me. And I've been breaking mustangs for awhile, pretty dangerous business. And I try to be as comfortable as possible so I can do everything possible to avoid getting thrown and not get distracted. But I figure you're just riding for a little fun? Definitely get a helmet. It's not a part of your livelihood and it's definitely not worth getting killed/crippled for a hobby. Your riding stable will probably require it, and may even provide one. You may want a back protector as mentioned, but remember that horse riding (correctly) is a lot more physical work than you'd think, so you want to make sure it's very comfortable if you'll be riding for hours at a time like I do.

I always wear a helmet. I have been bucked off enough times to know that if I wasn't wearing a helmet I would probably be half retarded by now. Even when I go trail riding I wear one for safety. I make my boyfriend wear one, and I don't care if people make fun of me. I know if I get bucked off i have a thousand times better chance of getting up and walking away, than if I wasnt wearing a helmet.

Yes, I always wear a helmet. I have ridden all my life and in my opinion, not wearing a helmet is just dangerous. If you have a fall, not only can you hit your head on the ground, a fence or whatever, but your horse could accidentally step on you or kick you. I never bothered to hide my helmet unless I was in a show arena. Who cares what you look like if you are safe. Have fun. Riding is wonderful!

I have been riding horses all my life, and I'm 38 by the way, and I have never worn a helmet. I have been bucked off, fallen off, rolled off, etc... and never been seriously hurt. I really don't see the need for a helmet, thats just my opinion.

I agree with the other posters who said any reputable lesson barn should require a helmet. Troxel is a well-respected brand of helmet. I didn't use when when I was younger, but you know? I've figured out my brain is worth $50 ;-)