I personally have chosen to wear a helmet when I ride. I have had 2 serious concussions from freak accidents that occurred while horse back riding. Research has shown increased incidents of Alzheimers in people who have had serious concussions. I've decided that I don't want my loved ones to have to care prematurely for me and that I need to take better care of myself to protect them. Rainsong

Had this argument with my 13 year old when we were Northern BC. I said if he wanted to work with horses he had to wear the helmet. He did get in a wreck and thanked me, then no more trouble from him, I wear on to set an example , miss my cowboy hat though.

Onehorse.. only one problem. Strong traditionalist well. They're stubborn and refuse to change. Take bull riding for example. Many of the older riders (and even some of the young ones like say Ross C.) won't wear helmets due to the fact they say it affects thier prefial (Sp?) vision. Others (mostly strong cowboy traditionalist) Just don't like wearin helmets. They grew up ridin with just cowboy hats. They think wearin said helmets just plain ain't cool weather riding horses, bulls or 4 wheelers. I don't see much changing but then I could be wrong on that count.

The latest statistics related to equestrian head injuries have just been released by the CPSC for 2004. Please keep them in mind when deciding the appropriateness of wearing a helmet. Horseback riding head injuries 2004: 14,218 Serious head injuries requiring hospitalization: 2,434 That's 17% of head injuries that are deemed serious: when it comes to the head, a 'serious' injury relates to paralysis, memory loss, loss of movement, etc. ...extremely, long-term debilitating, life changing injuries. NOTE: For the record, helmets are designed to protect the head/brain from concussion and offer no protection for neck and spinal injuries. I urge all of you to not let the vanity of the 'cowboy/cowgirl' image to influence your decision. The most important aspect of the 'cowboy/girl lifestyle' is to BE ABLE to 'cowboy up' physically in body and mind. I wear a helmet every ride.