I've ridden and trained dressage horses since my teens, but despite 20 years of riding - or perhaps because of it - I know that accidents can happen at any time, to anyone.
I was riding my 8-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Mr. Matcho (nickname "Matcho") in an indoor arena where I board him. The ground had been worked, but little did I know that one area of the arena had been flooded. The dirt on top looked fine, but underneath was an area sopped with water - in effect, a slippery hidden puddle of mud.
We were warming up at an easy canter when Matcho hit the wet spot. Before I could say "boo," he slid down onto his front knees, pitching me over his head. We continued to slide into the 42"-inch barrier wall, and I was pinned underneath my 17.1 hand, 1,200 pound horse. With the wall there, I had no open ground as means of an escape.
As one might expect, Matcho was spooked and afraid, and immediately began trying to get up. Unfortunately, he did so by stepping on me repeatedly. During the struggle, he broke my arm and caused a number of cuts and bruises. He also stepped on the back of my head, just at the base of my skull.
Fortunately, I was wearing a Troxel helmet. It is my belief that, had I not had it on, I would have suffered severe head trauma. I have no doubt that I would have died or been in a vegetative state had it not been for the protective shell.
I know people say dressage isn't as dangerous as, say, jumping or cross-country. I know experienced riders who believe they can protect themselves in a fall and who never wear helmets.
Speaking from experience, I know they are wrong. You can't anticipate what will happen around or atop a horse - accidents happen so quickly that no reflexes can prevent you from being hurt under some circumstances.
I always wear my helmet while riding. More and more, I am wearing my helmet while working around horses too. I hope this sets a good example for the students I teach, as well as the less experienced riders who I meet at dressage events.
I also think I look pretty attractive in my Troxel helmet - I'll miss my forest green helmet (I have replaced it, as it is now compromised by a big dent from Matcho's hoof), it looked really good with my blonde hair!
Simone
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Schooling - Trudy
