There are many reasons to wear a helmet. Here are just a few important ones that I have learned over the years.

1. Some are actually nice looking. They make so many kinds now a days that it is easy to find one you like. for instance if you are showing they make really professional nice looking ones and there are ones that good for lazy trail days.

2. Your head is not like your kidneys, you only have one! I couldn't’t even tell you how many times I have heard this saying when I ride. I once met a customer that knew someone that had died from a minor head injury when riding and that he himself had been to the ICU three times for head injuries when he was riding. All it takes some times is one good fall and you could be done forever!

3. They protect more than just your head! I have learned this one from personal experience. About two weeks ago I was riding my horse and decided that it would be ok to go without a helmet for one day. Boy was I ever wrong! She made the turn to sharply, I fell off smacked my head on the fence and landed in a very small pile of hay. I ended up hurting my neck so bad that the whole left side of my neck was tender, swelled and hurt like HE DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS! Turns out that I had whiplash in my neck for the third time. I had a nonstop migraine for about three or four days and there was no sleep to be had. I eventually had to have my uncle who is a massage therapist come and work on it for the first time. Which was quite an experience. However though I was lucky. My injury could have been a lot worse. Although if I had been wearing a helmet I would not have gotten the whiplash. Big lesson learned.

It just goes to show that riding horses is an extreme sport and that you need to take the extra precautions to make sure you stay safe!