Wear a helmet?

I don't wear a helmet as often as I should, but usually when I fall off I'm wearing one. Maybe it's just because I only fall of when riding at home, and when I ride at home I'm sort of frightened because I usually fall off. It's a circle of fear and helmet wearing, I guess. But my not wearing a helmet is sort of because nobody else rides with a helmet at my stable. Just more of a not wanting to be judged thing, but then again I hardly ever have the confidence to get on my horse for very long. People surely would be impressed to see a tall chubby girl wearing a helmet perched on a spotted pony. Aparently tall chubby people should have a soul/feel pain. >.<

But this year I plan to ride more, so I will wear a helmet whether or not I am thought to have soul. I wouldn't want to risk brain damage or serious injury just because most of the people who train their horses at the stable I go to hit their head a few too many times. The trainer is amazing, though. So it wouldn't be worth leaving.

I don't wear one unless I'm required to. As of last year, the wranglers of the summer camp I work at have to because of a completely freak accident (a horse spooked on gravel and kept trying to rear. He slipped and fell backwards. My friend fractured her skull). So, I only do in the summer. It's just a personal choice.

I know that they are considered "show helmets" but OMG I love my Charles Owen helmet. I haven't shown in a long time but I will always buy a CO. Very comfortable and not bulky! I've gotten several riders at my barn hooked on them after trying mine out. If you have the money to spend on it, you won't be disappointed!

ButtintheDirt,

I am not tall, but am more than chubby. I can still outride many skinny people, and surprisingly enough, I am a much harsher judge of self than they are of me. Most people don't spend nearly as much time thinkingabout us as we think they do.
If you have concern, be the vanguard. Start a trend of helmet wearing.

I thought I'd be the only one choosing a Tipperary...shows what I know!

I hate people who try to force helmets on everyone, but I see no downside to wearing one. The statistics I've seen make me guess they reduce the chance of a head injury by around 50%. And the only person whose opinion on my looks matters to me is my wife, and she likes the look - or at least she says so, so I'll wear one!

Helmet is like boots - you HAVE to try it before buying. I have Troxel, nothing else fits my head unfortunately.

I have a Troxel Dakota Duratec and love it! I just started wearing a helmet regularly last fall because I was starting to pony out my colt and I felt that bringing the colt along increased my chances of a wreck.

The only downside is lack of shade. I really need to invest in one of those expensive helmet shades or something, because my face and neck are really burned. I ride almost every day and I don't understand why a helmet can't also give you the shade of a hat.

I really love my Aussie hat. But I love my Troxel helmet too. I wish I could have the best of both worlds- the shade of a western/Aussie hat and the protection of a helmet.

I know they make (or used to make) a western helmet-hat, but I read reviews that said it makes you look like Yosemite Sam- the hat was huge in order to cover the helmet.

I ALWAYS wear a helmet. Safety over appearance anyday! Even when I'm just riding casually in the arena, "You never know when a spaceship could land!" says my instructor XDD

I always wear my helmet.

I have an Ovation Schooler, and I really like it. It is extremely lightweight and cool.
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I agree. Please try on whatever helmet you decide to buy. Just because someone else likes a certain helmet does not mean it will fit your head shape comfortably.