In the late 1980’s, I was fulfilling a life long dream at the age of 38 to learn to ride, taking English riding lessons. No helmet, no ride was the barn rule. Each week brought new skills and confidence, and as I progressed to jumping, was feeling quite proud of myself. Then came the jump that my horse decided he just did not feel like taking, which would have been fine if he had not made the decision in that last nano second before lift off! Needless to say, I made the jump solo. That helmet saved me from what could have been a life changing head injury, and allowed me the capacity to get right back on and have my horse complete the jump with me. It was a wonderful gift and life lesson. Now, as a NARHA certified instructor teaching lessons to persons with disabilities, where helmets are always mandatory, I am able to use my story to help our riders understand the importance of wearing that helmet. And I am so thankful for my instructor who insisted on our safety, which in turn has made what I do now possible.

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