IL Rancher
Well-known member
Jersey, I have seen 3 types of helmets used when riding horses. One is the classic english helmet whichi has the chin straps and all. Good protection for the back of the head but not a lot on the sides. I have seen bicycle type helmets as well and I have seen helmets with ear protection and a face mask but those were for bucking horses I think... They basically looked like a junior hockey helmet mask combo. Or a lacrosse helmet but not many folks have seen those. I suppose as with most proective gear in most sports it boils down to the equipment will only protect you if it fits you right and stays where the heck it is suppossed to.
The only reason that it wouldn't surprise me if it is mandated at most events in this state is because they hold bikeathons and such all the time and helmets are required to be involved..
We have a horse that is now basically a lawn onrament. She can't really be ridden more than once or twice a week because she has leg issues and we barely ride her anymore. When she was ridden you were able to tell her "There is a baby on your back" and she would be a completely docile animal, refuse to make sudden movements and wouldn't go past a slow canter/lope. Don't say that and she was a much more aggressive horse. We didn't have any kids at the time we rode her but that is what she came to us like as a 13 year old. I don't know what she was like as a 4 year old. The horses I grew up around I wouldn't want to get within 30 yards of as a kid. They were just big, headstrong jumping horses that adults without tons of exp had difficulty handling. A good handler could get a out of those horses but my dad wasn't one of them :shock: :lol:
The only reason that it wouldn't surprise me if it is mandated at most events in this state is because they hold bikeathons and such all the time and helmets are required to be involved..
We have a horse that is now basically a lawn onrament. She can't really be ridden more than once or twice a week because she has leg issues and we barely ride her anymore. When she was ridden you were able to tell her "There is a baby on your back" and she would be a completely docile animal, refuse to make sudden movements and wouldn't go past a slow canter/lope. Don't say that and she was a much more aggressive horse. We didn't have any kids at the time we rode her but that is what she came to us like as a 13 year old. I don't know what she was like as a 4 year old. The horses I grew up around I wouldn't want to get within 30 yards of as a kid. They were just big, headstrong jumping horses that adults without tons of exp had difficulty handling. A good handler could get a out of those horses but my dad wasn't one of them :shock: :lol: