I have long been a supporter of wearing helmets while riding and I have done my best to use my influence to set a good example in the horse industry. Unlike other so called “adventure sports,” equestrians have been resistant to the common sense approach to safety equipment. You wouldn’t think of mountain biking without a helmet and it is standard equipment for the hardcore skiers and snowboarders. Just like most of us wouldn’t dream of getting in a car without fastening the seatbelt, why then would we climb on board a 1000# animal that is capable of spontaneous violent combustion without a simple thing like a helmet?
After hearing of Courtney King-Dye’s accident, I cried quietly, knowing firsthand the suffering she and her family were going through. Last fall, my son and only child was in a motorcycle accident, sans helmet (even though he had recently promised me he always wore it), and suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. Nine days in a coma, three weeks in ICU and another three weeks in the hospital was a nightmare I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. I know firsthand the heartbreak and anguish Courtney’s mom has gone through and I know exactly the pain and suffering that Courtney and her family will experience as she goes about the business of reconstructing her life. Now ten months post-accident, given the chance I would say to Courtney and her mom that it will get better; just be patient. One day, life will be normal again. My son is doing well and defying all odds in his recovery.
In the case of my son and of Courtney’s accident, a helmet would not have prevented the accident from happening and there would likely still have been some serious injury. But no doubt a helmet would have lessened the severity and protected the brain. Broken bones heal; scars fade away; but the brain is far more delicate. I have to say, from what I have seen, the capacity of the brain for healing and compensation is huge—I have witnessed it myself and I know that no matter what the doctors and researchers say, there is no accounting for individual strength and determination when it comes to dealing with a brain injury. But the brain is a delicate organ and once it has endured severe injury, it will never be the same again. So why not do the best we can to protect it from injury?
I struggled, as a young and up-and-coming clinician some 15 years ago, with the decision to wear a helmet when I did presentations. I saw an opportunity to set a good example and be a positive role model; why not do it? I was concerned that some people might think I was not cool and I was reluctant to be the one to stand out because none of my peers wore a helmet. In the end, and with the encouragement of good friends, the decision was easy. I realized that no one was going to not like me because I wore a helmet and that the positive impact I might have by setting a good example in an industry sorely lacking that, far outweighed my slight discomfort at being “uncool.” As part of my efforts to resolve this coolness dilemma, I joined forces with Troxel, whose design team has worked hard to make helmets look great. After all, it’s important to be safe, but why not look good too? Although I confess to an occasional lapse of a helmet on my head for a photo shoot—for the “vanity shots,” I try to set the best example I can when riding in front of the public.
Wearing a helmet when you ride is nothing more and nothing less than common sense. I would encourage everyone, but especially professionals and leaders in the industry to be a good role model and set the right example. Although nothing could make Courtney’s tragic accident worthwhile, if this helmet awareness campaign saves just one rider and one rider’s mom from going through the pain and suffering Courtney and her family are enduring now, perhaps some good has come of it.
Ride hard, but ride safe!
Julie Goodnight
http://www.juliegoodnight.com
http://www.horsemaster.tv
4 Comments
Julie, thank you for emphasizing the need to wear a helmet while riding. About a year ago, I was riding my green mustang in the pasture when the next thing I heard was someone asking me if I knew where I was and who was the president. During the ride in the emergency vehicle to the trauma center, the details of the horse spooking and throwing me into the fence was explained to me. After being released two days later, I checked my helmet for damages and found a noticeable dent where my head hit the fence post plus the inside straps were all pulled loose. Needless to say I would not get back on my horse until my helmet was replaced. Now I am certain to wear my helmet anytime I’m riding and make sure my riding buddy does the same.
Thank you, Julie for being a super role model and excellent Horse Master.
Hope you will see you near the Jacksonville, Florida area next year.
I agree, trust me, I’ve learned my lesson. I fell off my horse about a year and a half ago cause I was new to the horse world and the saddle I bought was one that I liked but didnt fit my horse. We rode up a steep hill on a wagon train, the saddle slipped, I fell and smacked my un-helmeted head against the pavement. It could have been a lot worse, only spent a couple days in the hospital, but I’ve learned my lesson. I wear my helmet all the time and encourage my friends’ kids to wear them too…
Way to go, Julie, for bein an awesome role model! 🙂
Julie, the impression I get when I see you wear a helmet in your role as a clinician, is that you have more common sense, humility, wisdom and empathy than the clinicians and trainers who don’t. From this member of your target audience’s standpoint, wearing a helmet, even in your photo shoots, is a golden opportunity to differentiate yourself in very important ways from your peers! You have the best reason in the world in your son to take a stand about helmets and grab this opportunity before someone else does!
Bless your heart….that is all I can say…just speechless. I will be wearing a helmet. I use to ride a motorcycle and would never have thought of not wearing a helmet and would be upset if I saw anyone riding without one…but didn’t think too much about wearing one while riding my horse….from now on….a helmet will be on my head and anyone who rides on my horse or my place….Thanks Julie..and God Bless Courtney and your Son! Hugs from Kansas