Dear Troxel,

Two weeks ago I was riding with some friends.  I recently acquired a new horse, Sunrise, due to the death of my 23-year-old mare and trusty trail companion whom I rode for ten years.  Sunrise is only eight and not nearly as trail-ready as I had been led to believe, but I’ve been riding him for about two months and making good progress.  Although I am an experienced rider, I always wear my helmet.

Apparently my friend’s horse spooked at a jack-rabbit and Sunrise reacted to the other horse’s spook: I say apparently because I have no memory of that day.  Witnesses say that Sunrise bolted and bucked, and although I hung on for some time, he threw me violently to the ground.  I was knocked unconscious—my helmet was cracked completely through, and I suffered a concussion, a fractured elbow and some ribs.  An ambulance was called and I spent eight hours in the emergency room—none of which I remember.

Other than the last few minutes of the ER visit, I have no recollection of that day whatsoever; not even the events leading up to that moment.  There is no doubt that if I had not been wearing my helmet, I would either be dead or severely brain-damaged.  As it is, my headaches and dizziness are expected to continue for six to eight weeks.  My broken bones will heal, but the brain can’t be put back together.  I sent pictures to all of my friends and loved ones of my shattered helmet to remind them why it is important to wear one.   

It will be a month before I can get back on my horse, but I have already purchased another helmet.  Thank you, Troxel, for literally saving my life.

Karalee

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