There have been several times over the years when I know wearing a helmet has allowed me to walk away from riding mishaps relatively unscathed. Once was with re-training/rehabbing an older mount — he would have given any bronco rider a run for his money! I broke two ribs, but was otherwise all right. But perhaps the worst, because it was the most innocent, was just a ride at home on my own rock-steady horse. We were only going for a walk around our property. My horse happened to spook, uncharacteristically, and he scooted and bucked, catching me by surprise and throwing me — literally — off-balance. I came off forward over his shoulder, somersaulting, before landing on the back of my head and shoulders.

The terrain was such that we were on a small incline and I rolled head over heels completely. Because I was wearing a helmet I had little more than a headache and stiffness. I know I was really lucky that time just given the nature of the fall. And I was just at home, tooling around on my horse. The circumstances didn’t indicate a big risk. I know people argue a helmet won’t keep you from breaking your neck and this is true, but wearing a helmet can prevent so many other things. I am guilty of not wearing a helmet in the past, but I always wear one now, because, God willing, I still want to ride when I am too old to walk.

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