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I found this a very informative write-up on how to choose the right saddle pad.
HELMET SAVVY, or not?
This could
easily turn into a bit of a 'rant' when it comes to safety issues and the use of
helmets. Our policy at the ranch is that until both the horse and rider both
need to be into Level 3 before a student has the option of 'not' wearing a
helmet. This is a guideline and many students wear their helmets full time,
which is great.
I have received a little flack for not being a 'helmet
wearer' myself. But even lately I have been wearing my 'skid lid' and am
finding it really keeps my head warm when I wear it over my touque! I have had
several horses 'fall', or stumble while arena riding, and in that coverall there
are lots of hard things so I do wear it quite a bit these days. My kids
'mostly' wear helmets too.
But
here's the bone I have to pick. . . Helmet wearing is not the key to
keeping a person safe with their horse that it is made out to be. How
many times have I seen parents put their children on 'adrenaline junkie' horses
and ponies but feel like they are doing their part because their kids are
wearing a helmet. Or the person who slaps their helmet on before they get on
their 'emotionally unfit' horse and hope for the best. Or, the person that is
going for the ribbons a sport that the horse clearly does not have the
foundation for (in these cases they might put on a vest too!)
Here's the thing, helmet wearing does not add up to
safety! Savvy is safety. Knowing how to prepare your horses to be emotional
fit when all 'he**' breaks loose. Knowing when it okay to get on, and when it is
prudent to get off. Knowing 'what happens', before 'what happens
happens', in my opinion, is the kind of thing that is likely to save your
life.
So wear a helmet because it is good common sense or
because your Mama tells you to. But be SAVVY too!
