A Rider Panel on Helmet Wearing Across Disciplines from the 2nd Riders4Helmets Helmet Safety Symposium. Riders on the panel included: Elissa Gibbs (Eventing), Cathy Wieschhoff (Eventing), P J Cooksey (Former Jockey), Reese Koffler Stanfield (Dressage and USEF Safety Committee), Kristin Possner (Young Rider Dressage), Kim Gentry (Dressage), Peter Rizzo (Polo) and Mary Miller Jordan (Barrel Racing and Extreme Mustang Makeovers). Each discussed the specific challenges for getting riders to wear helmets as well as the opportunities within his or her discipline. They generally agreed that riders need to buy in at the individual level, that top riders have a great deal of influence, and that competition regulations are just one place to start.
See below for the video presentation and please always wear a helmet when you ride. (Read an overview report of the helmet safety symposium by Jackie Baker at this link).
Thank you to the symposium sponsors: Charles Owen, Samshield, Troxel, Ovation and Tipperary.
Photo copyright: Riders4Helmets
Photo copyright: Riders4Helmets
I wish more western riders would set the example of wearing a helmet in competition. We travel to shows all over our state, and there just aren’t many barrel racers, ropers, western pleasure riders, or ranch horse riders who wear a helmet — in or out of the ring. Part of the reason for that is the “ENGLISH RIDER” stigma attached………….Would be really nice to see more top-level barrel racers, for example, racing in a helmet instead of a cowboy hat.