I'm back, just for a sec though......i dont wear a helmet, probably should, but its so nice to feel free and at one with the horse and nature..........(did i really say that!?)
I know that i should, as i lost a friend to a fall off a horse back in my teens...gave me nightmares for years. Thing is, she WAS wearing a helmet and the fall broke her neck not her head.
I guess we all take risks every day with everything. We can all find reasons why we should do certain things certain ways and most of us are beyond changing!~ ;)
I'm sure helmets have saved lives. No doubt, but it's not the cure all. I have no problem with the people who wear them, I never try to talk them out of wearing it. I just don't want horror stories throwed at me of injuries that happened to people without them, by people trying to talk me into wearing them. I'm an adult and have made my choice. I know the risks and accept them.
I ride motorcycle too, and don't wear a helmet. And I don't wear a helmet riding a bicycle. And I've had people fuss at me for those two also. I think now I've just gotten stubborn on the issue:)
I have a feeling because of liability insurance, that NATRC will eventually pass a rule that helmets are mandatory. It is already for those under 18.
Cindy: and speaking of liability insurance, about the riding club you are trying to get organized. I think it is great, but you need to look into that aspect of it too. I ran the Bixby Round Up Club. The Bixby arena is on City property, and the City made us carry liability insurance. It was about $1200 dollars a year for a $1,000,000 policy which was required. You really should look into that part of it. With people the way they are, it's almost a necessity.
Since you are going to be one of the ones organizing it, you could be held responsible for some loon that gets hurt, and blames everyone but themselves.
Becky