As 2012 sweeps in across the globe, we would like to honor some individuals who are either making a difference in the equestrian world through their tireless campaigning for rider safety, or who have been exceptional role models for helmet wearing in 2011. The list below is by no means inclusive. We appreciate all of you out there who are advocates for equestrian safety.
Wishing each and every one of you, a very Happy and Safe New Year!!! “Strap One On”!
Helmet Heroes of 2011:
Courtney King-Dye – Since Courtney suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2010 she has supported the riders4helmets campaign 100% in order to educate equestrians on helmet use, in her efforts to ensure that no equestrian ever has to go through what she has. Courtney not only ignited discussions on helmet safety on a global level but was also prepared to speak out about her accident in a special video produced for the riders4helmets campaign that has been viewed over 43,000 times. Thank you Courtney for keeping your accident from being labelled as a tragedy.
Life As She Knows It: Courtney King-Dye – By Erin Gilmore
Therapeutic Riding: Courtney King Dye Video. Ride Smart, Always Wear A Helmet.
Courtney King-Dye – note to Brita Theriot (fellow TBI survivor)
Sallie Stewart -Sallie got on a horse without a helmet on February 17th, 2008. Sallie suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of a fall while riding that day and three years later stood up at the 2nd Riders4Helmets Safety Symposium (July 2011) to share her experience. Sallie wasn’t sure what she should say during her presentation, our advice was to simply “speak from the heart”. One of Sallie’s quotes from the symposium has been tweeted and shared on Facebook countless times….”“The price that you pay for a TBI is huge. You will emotionally bankrupt yourself. The post traumatic stress disorder you live with is an absolute nightmare. The financial ruin is something else.” Thank you Sallie for being brave enough to share your story with others.
Shiwon Green- FEI level dressage rider Shiwon Green from New Zealand made a bold statement in February when she swapped sexy for safety by donning a helmet instead of the more traditional top hat. ”You’ll hear riders saying ‘all I want to do is wear a top hat and tails’ and that will literally be their life goal with their riding, to get the top hat and tails” said Shiwon. “The sport needs to change its mindset she said, putting performance over aesthetics.” Way to go Shiwon!!!
Top rider keeps a lid on it – by Imogen Neale
Kemi O’Donnell – Kemi thoroughly deserves her place on this list for stepping up not once but twice, to discuss her daughter Christen’s death from a head injury sustained while riding. We all shed tears with Kemi at the 1st helmet symposium in January 2011 and cried again in July when she recounted Christen’s death. Kemi has campaigned for helmet legislation to be introduced in congress (USA) that would prevent the sale of items that are “pieces of apparel” and are not certified helmets. The Christen O’Donnell Equestrian Helmet Safety Act has been turned down three times to date, please support Kemi’s cause by following her page on Facebook.
A Parents Perspective On Helmets – Kemi O’Donnell (2nd Helmet Safety Symposium)
Elizabeth Charleston – Former top model and equestrian Lizzie received a special dedication to us already (see the link below) for campaigning for helmets in New Zealand in spite of the fact that she suffered a traumatic brain injury while riding and sometimes struggles with its effects on her daily life. Lizzie has worked hard to educate equestrians on the benefits of helmets by sharing her story. You are a clear helmet hero Lizzie!
Happy New Year Australia and New Zealand! (special dedication to Elizabeth Charleston)
Gary Hornstein - Gary lost his 12 year old daughter Nicole in a tragic riding accident 5 years ago. As a result of Nicole’s death, Gary campaigned for helmet legislation for minors to be introduced in the state of Florida which ultimately passed in 2009. Gary is now campaigning for the same legislation to be introduced in the state of New York on a mission to keep other children from suffering the same fate as Nicole, all the while keeping his daughter’s memory alive. Gary you are most definitely a helmet hero.
Advocating for Nicole’s (Helmet) Law in New York – by Tamara Matthews-Stephenson
Will You Save a Life? – by Jean White
Mary Miller Jordan – Mary is a barrel racer and Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover Competitor. In 2011, Mary made the decision to start wearing a helmet every time she rides and gave a presentation at the 2nd Riders4Helmets Safety Symposium in July. Mary partnered with Riders4Helmets to introduce the “Riders4Helmets Safety Incentive” at the 2011 Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover which awarded over $2000 cash to competitors wearing helmets at the event. Mary is our kind of cowgirl!
Helmets for Western Riders. ALL Riders. – by Mary Miller-Jordan
Isabell Werth – Olympic, World and European Medalist in Dressage, Isabell Werth, made the decision to wear a helmet for the first time in an FEI level competition in December 2011. “As an athlete in the public eye and with my responsibility as a mother and as an employer, I see accident prevention as one of my obligations,” Werth explained in a press statement. “In dressage, in particular, helmet wearing is still almost a taboo, even on the competition circuit, and there is a clear need for action.” Thank you for being a great role model Isabell!
Isabell Werth Shows Off Golden Helmet in Frankfurt and Makes a Statement
Organizations
Special mentions go to the following organizations: USEF, USEA, USDF, Equine Canada, Dressage Canada, Eventing Canada and British Dressage for implementing helmet rule changes in 2011.
Medical Field
Craig Ferrell, MD (US Equestrian Team Physician and Chair FEI Medical Council), Allan Sills, MD (Neurosurgeon) and Lola Chambless (Neurosurgeon) all deserve special recognition for their efforts to educate equestrians on the benefits of wearing helmets.
For Dr Sills videos please see www.youtube.com/riders4helmets
For Dr Chambless videos please see Concussion in Equestrian Sport – Dr Chambless (2nd Helmet Safety Symposium) and Traumatic Brain Injury in Equestrian Sport – Dr Chambless (2nd Helmet Safety Symposium).
Photo Copyright: Riders4Helmets
