I went for a routine hack yesterday and didn’t realize that it would end the way that it did. My horse (who is usually very road safe) spooked at a trailer being towed by a truck. Well, it was a combination of the horse spooking, having too mild of a bit and me not being in good riding condition to ride a runaway horse (or the massive bucks) since I just had a baby and haven’t ridden because of the pregnancy for over a year.
She bucked me off and her back is over 6 feet high and I landed directly on the paved road. I didn’t regain consciousness until the ambulance arrived. I didn’t even remember tacking up to go for a ride. The police even had the road closed in both directions!
I am not a beginner rider since I have ridden my whole life and have completed on a high level jumping circuit here in Canada. However, I am have always been an advocate for NEVER getting on a horse without an approved helmet and yesterday just proved my beliefs again. I was released from the hospital the same day and only ended up with a concussion and bruised ribs. After seeing my helmet, there is no doubt that it saved my life and I wouldn’t be writing this today if I hadn’t been wearing it.
Thank you Troxel!!
Teri,
In my years at Troxel I have not seen a helmet photographed in this condition. It is apparent that this was a serious impact on a hard surface. Our R&D team would like to study your accident and the helmet to learn as much as we can about your specific impact. Troxel is committed to continuous review and improvement of its product and it is through accidents such as yours that we have this opportunity. A Troxel representative will be in contact with you shortly to get more details on your accident.
I’m so very glad you were wearing a certified helmet. Best to you in your recovery. All of us at Troxel appreciated your post, thank you.
Shay Timms
Ms. Timms,
Thank you for comments and your best wishes – I am recovering very well (just a bit sore!) I have heard from one of your representatives and I would be happy to forward Troxel my broken helmet for R&D to study along with details of my accident. I am so grateful for the helmet’s ability to protect me during such a traumatic accident (along with my family, including my new 7 week old son). I hope that anyone who reads my post realizes that accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of riding experience. Thank you again!
Amazing and Blessed Be! My ex-husband rides the world’s most level headed, honest and road-worthy shire mare — and from day one in a Troxel helmet — for EXACTLY this reason. There is no way to anticipate the incident that leaves you in this condition. And thank all such Gods as be, it is your HELMET and not your head. So thankful you are safe, for the sake of you, your little one and your horse. You’re so right. It’s a long way down off an 18 hh horse.
This is exactly why we wear and trust Certified Troxel Helmets for ourselves and our children, we would buy no other.
Teri- We are glad you are doing well. Best Wishes to you and yours.
Davis Family
Oregon USA
Dear Troxel,
As you probably know, the entire US dressage communtiy is still reeling over Courtney King-Dye’s traumatic head injury. We dressage riders are too complacent about wearing our helmets. Ms. King still remains in a semi-coma, and everyone is praying for her complete recovery. USDF and USEF have not, in my opinion taken a strong enough stand on wearing a helmet for every ride. (Puh-leeze! We compete in silk top hats!) Please forward this photo to USDF. ….Karen McGoldrick…comitted helmet wearer.
Dear Karen,
Thank you for your comments and for your support in helmet safety.
Please see the note on Troxel’s Facebook page from Troxel’s CEO Shay Timms in regards to support for Courtney King-Dye:
http://www.facebook.com/TroxelHelmets?v=app_2347471856
Best,
Karisa Dern
Troxel Marketing Associate