The Helmet Question

I've been showing primarily dressage and eventing for the last couple of years. As a result, there hasn't been much of s helmet debate in my circles. We ride, therefore, we helmet. The end.

Yes, that *is* blue animal print on my helmet cover...

However, I was introduced to the world of Arabian Sport Horse this year. It seemed a beautiful combination of everything I have always loved most in the realm of horses. 

Now, I have gotten so used to seeing riders in helmets (even Western riders!) that it now jars me to see any rider with a bare head.  My mind can overlook the rider in a cowboy hat, but I feel a tiny bit queasy to see a ring full of riders and no helmets.
There is no real reason that this should bother me. At the places I see this, there is no 'helmet required' rule. Just because I have made the choice to always use my helmet (even in Western classes, even if it is a big-deal show), doesn't mean that everyone else must make the same choice.

Some choices are better than others, right?

On a side note, I saw photos of one of the most talented youth riders I know. She was wearing her fanciest western show gear, and a helmet. I don't know how long I looked at the photos before I realized that she was wearing a helmet in place of her cowboy hat. She still looked perfectly put-together and professional. I loved it!

So, the helmet debate still rages in the Arabian Horse Association. Tempers flare on both sides. There is finger-pointing and name calling. This year, a motion to make helmets required for Sport Horse classes was defeated. My initial thought was, "That is a shame."
Understand, I followed the rise of Courtney King-Dye. I told myself for years, 'We are close in age. If she can do it, why can't I?' Her injury also struck close to home. I've had my own riding accidents, and I was lucky I wasn't more severely injured. Concussions are bad enough. Scary, in and of themselves. Traumatic Brain Injury is a very real danger.
I don't see anything wrong with an organization requiring helmet use at shows. However, many people will disagree. I asked someone why they voted against the helmet rule. I was told it was because they didn't feel like it was right to force their opinion on to everyone else.
You know what? I respect that point of view.

Yup, that one is, in fact, sparkly purple!

I advocate helmet use. I love seeing our top riders sporting protective headgear with their tails. I continue to set the example.

And I find myself back on the fence about the requirement of riding helmets.