Goodbye to beaglers[BD]

[Weatherford]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awJDYBhBPzk

I am reposting that video of a former US Olympic Dressage rider.

The stats are out there (at least in the US) for PC, Events, and horse shows, but I am not sure about stats for home schooling and general riding. (And many accidents happen at home schooling - note Courtney's). I think the Davies Foundation in the UK is keeping track, too. In the US, it's the National Federation that keeps the stats from the show and events, and the PC keeps their stats. Accidents have to be reported by stewards.

Of course, the US PC has required ASTM/SEI helmets for a long time at this point, and the Fed has required them for juniors since the 80's, and for Eventers on XC adn jumping at least since the 80's and for anyone else jumping for at least 10 years. It's a good thing, IMHO.

I know there is a study somewhere that shows the significant DECREASE in serious head injuries since the helmet rules in the US. I will try to find it.

 

[racingdemon]

i have to say that although i think the beagler is a lovely look (top hats too) having been in the unfortunate position of picking up the pieces after some one had a seemingly innocent fall at home (while in the process of getting on.....wearing a crash helmet & BP) head injuries even when wearing a crash hat, have devastating consequences, (person in question did make a full recovery.... but it was a very slow & difficult one, that i wouldn't wish on anyone)

horses are dangerous & carry risk, rules dictate we wear certain items to minimise this risk.... risk is assessed by insurance companies in terms of cost.... cost of rehab for injured person is not just financial....

there is risk everywhere, we can cross the road with out looking, but if we choose to take part in a sport governed by rules, then IMO, abiding by them is part of the compliance, when i was in PC (years ago) the 'new mushroom sized' crash helmets came in, we all hated them, but we shut up, put up & crash hats gradually got a lot more stylish, dressage & top hats will evolve too.

 

[Booboos]

I would like to know statistics, what discipline was involved, what the rider experience was etc. In all the years I have ridden, and all the riders I know, I haven't personally known anyone suffer brain injury as a result of a fall from a horse, but I have known 4 people break their backs - doesn't mean I'm going to start wearing a back protector to ride though!

Statistics are very easy to come by. Here's a few quick ones from Google Scholar:
http://bjsportmed.com/content/21/1/22.abstract

http://bjsportmed.com/content/21/1/22.abstract
This one is particularly interesting as it's a 20 year later study and shows a 46% decrease in injuries due to the introduction of hats.

http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/175_12_171201/holland/holland.html
and
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/89/6/1173.short
57% of all paediatric horse related deaths due to head injuries. I don't see how a parent can read this and still allow their child to ride without a hat!

The references are endless really...

As for not wearing a BP, why ever not???

 

[Helbert]

I have noticed on the H&H feed from Burghley that Anna comments whenever someone enters the arena wearing a 'helmet' as she puts it. Don't know whether she means it in a positive or negative way...

I don't know if this is the case... but it might be because Anna has spent time training and competing abroad, as I have noticed that most other countries (esp USA and Germany) tend to call riding hats, helmets. Which technically they are, as a helmet relates to safety and hat tends to suggest clothing.

 

[bluemouse]

If anyone is interested (I appreciate there is a big divide on here, as on BD forum) there is an online petition running.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/keepbeaglersforbd/

 

[bluemouse]

If anyone is interested (I appreciate there is a big divide on here, as on BD forum) there is an online petition running.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/keepbeaglersforbd/

 

[nononsense]

I am not against the ruling per se, just the way it has come about which was underhanded and lacking in forethought. BD has not allowed much time for the change over and many will not be able to afford the prices that are now being asked for the latest crash hats. Riding is a high risk sport no question, but the majority of accidents happen at home. There are no statistics for head injuries or deaths at BD competitions. When BD competitions come under the FEI banner these rules will not apply whether in this country or abroad. A crash hat will protect your head if you fall on it but so will a fitted Patey hat as has been proved in the hunting field. A crash hat can slip or fall backwards causing the chin strap to cut off the windpipe. There are more spinal injuries from falls than head injuries. Most riders at the lower levels these days are overhorsed and not in control either on the horse nor on the floor. The high rate of people becoming involved in horses has, up until the recession, increased ten fold. The majority of these people have no family involvement in horses and therefore have to learn horse sense the hard way. Long gone are the local nagsmen who would give words of wisom, instead we have behaviourists and natural horsemen with clickers and carrot sticks. It would be far better for BD to address the poor standard of riding seen and lack of seat due to the fact riders now come straight into dressage without the experience of hunting, eventing and show-jumping. It is common sense to wear the appropriate safety equipment when riding young horses or fit naughty ones! For those recently joined or who feel the need for safety gear in all classes up to GP, I ask why? Are you likely to ride at GP ? Would you say our GP riders have a lack of seat and would fall off in the arena whilst cantering a pirouette? If the answer to these questons is no, please carry on with your own safety and leave these riders to decide for them selves. The rule has been brought in to a wider field because the FEI rule: Crash hats for young horse classes and young rider classes could not be applied here since our young riders ride at all levels and not just in young rider classes.

If you find that you are wearing more and more protective gear then maybe its time to rethink your sport.