I thought I got this, But I didn't. Until now. Why to wear your hat.

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trottingpole

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I thought I really understood this issue... I wear a hat in training most of the time after all...

But until today, a small part of me was still cross that the rules are changing to make helmets compulsory in Dressage competitions. I felt personal choice was important, and if I wanted to wear my beautiful beagler hat on my well-trained, safe horse, then I should be able to!!! And these plastic hats look daft!!

Today I came across this video: a brief message from Courtney King-Dye, who famously had a terrible head injury after falling from her horse.

Now I have changed my mind. Choice is irrelevant. Taking care of ourselves for the sake of the people we love is what really matters.

Please take a few minutes to watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awJDY...layer_embedded

(also in CR, forgive me but I wanted as many people as possible to see this.)
 
I come from a time when you wore your hat for lessons, for PC rallies, for shows and for hunting. The rest of the time you didn't bother. I still find it unpleasant to wear a hat especially on supersafe horses like my big mare.

This video shows that even the kindest, nicest, best schooled, safest horse can cause you lifechanging injuries without even trying.

Courtney King Dye's presentation, through her speech problems, will serve to remind me that no matter what I feel about wearing a hat the feelings of those around me who would have to pick up the pieces ALWAYS deserve to be taken seriously.
 
My friend was walking her big, sweet natured dope on a rope ISH around the school one evening, just to stretch his legs. He got spooked by something, leapt in the air and caught her full in the forehead with his dinner plate sized, shod hoof. She immediately was knocked out and fell face down, fortunately (and rarely) someone else was at the yard late, saw what happened and called an ambulance, putting her in the recovery position and covering her up etc., probably saving her life.

She had to have extensive reconstructive surgery to her skull, including plates fitted, she has ongoing headaches and vision problems years later, as well as a hoof shaped scar. Needless to say, she always wears a hat when leading out now - and encourages us to do the same. Just because you love your horse and think it cares for you/is a plod, it is still a potentially lethal weapon, just by it's sheer size. When I am being a bit blase,I think of my friend...
 
I used to think 'my head my problem', but my horse slipped and fell on the road through no fault of his own, I've broken my hip badly but am recovering. But it's the sound of my hat exploding round my head as I hit the floor that keeps my up at night, and still, 4 months later, brings tears to my eyes.
 
Totally agree with you all, there is no excuse for not wearing a hat whilst sat on a hoss's back
Must admit don't wear one with lunge/ long rein but I will try to
 
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