Starting out the symposium was Kemi O’Donnell sharing her heart-wrenching story of losing her 12-year-old daughter Christen in a riding accident in 1998 (The Tragic Loss of Christen O’Donnell). Christen was wearing a velvet hard hat with a chinstrap, as required at all times by her trainer – but it wasn’t a certified safety helmet. Had she been wearing an actual helmet that day, she may have survived her fall.
Since then, Kemi has been working to get legislation passed to ensure that every hard hat or helmet on the US market meets basic safety standards. She hopes to prevent other unsuspecting parents of young riders – like herself – from purchasing something they think is protecting their child and isn’t.
If you can help Kemi’s cause to introduce the Christen O’Donnell Equestrian Helmet Safety Act, please email admin@riders4helmets.com and we will connect you with Kemi).
See below for Kemi’s video presentation from the 2nd Riders4Helmets Helmet Safety Symposium and please always wear a helmet when you ride. (Read an overview report of the helmet safety symposium by Jackie Baker at this link).
Photo copyright: Riders4Helmets
God bless you Christen.
October 2010: Hayley O’Donnell (sister of Christen O’Donnell) – “Can You Tell The Difference?. Approved Safety Helmets v’s Non-Approved Safety Helmets.” The O’Donnell family couldn’t and they lost Christen as a result. Non-Approved safety helmets are still being sold in the US.
October 2010: Hayley O’Donnell – “If Only We Knew“
oh my right on…. AQHA still allows the hard hat in hunter under saddle classes. IF they even use it the chin strap is just an elastic band with a chin cup. I agree many are fooled into thinking hard hats are helmets.
The fact that Congress has turned this down several times is disgusting! This poor girl would be turning 26 soon. States can pass helmet laws for bicycles and motorcycles, but they cannot pass a law about a sport we allow small children to participate in that involves an animal with a mind of its own! If there is any way to help I would love to.
I was born the same year Kemi was, and to this day my mom still calls me to make sure I am waring my helmet ANY time I take my horse out.