Where am I? Time to buy a helmet

[stephdunkin]

Hi yall - it's been forever since I visited a BB. Life has been like a tornado this past year.

I wanted to share with yall a story that has sold me on getting myself a helmet.

Friday afternoon I went out to the barn to play with Freedom. He's still recovering from a quarter-crack (4 months now) but I am able to get on him now and just walk around.

I tacked him up and moved him out to the grass - out of the way - because the trainers, Monchy and Lauren, were tacking up horses too.

When I went to get on Freedom he looked down at the ground where he saw fresh dark dirt they just put down to help the grass fill in faster. The change in light and dark freaked him out. I was half on him by now and he lunged backwards where I landed on his neck. This scared him even more and he began to spin.

I couldn't get myself stable on his back so I thought I'd better bail off so he could settle down. When I half fell, half jumped, I caught his hip on the spin and he flung me to the ground where I snapped my neck backwards and hit the back of my head on a tree trunk.

I remember laying on the ground watching Monchy and Lauren coming over to me. I remember grabing the back of my neck and saying I'm okay but dang my neck is in full throttle spasm.

The next thing I know I am standing in the roundpen with my horse and Lauren is standing beside me. She's calmy saying, "you had an accident Steph - are you okay" About 20 minutes of time was lost. I don't remember getting up from the fall, catching Freedom or walking to the roundpen. Lauren said it was probably 10 minutes more that I kept asking her what happened, how did I get here, whats going on.

When I did kind of come to my senses I kept having memory lapses. I would do something then not remember how I got from point A to point B. I actually got on Freedom and rode some in the roundpen and barely remember that.

Lauren insisted I call my Dr. sister in FL to see if it was okay that I was not able to get my brain sparks to hook-up. I did call her, but I barely remember the conversation. I do know she said get to the ER now!

Thank heavens Lauren was with me to be able to tell someone what happened and to keep me awake. I had a spliting headache and wanted to go to sleep so badly.

At 10:45pm, after neck xrays and catscans, I (thank God) didn't have any bruising or a bleeder. I had a concussion though - the type that is somewhat similar to a stroke.

I was in bed all weekend. I can tell I did some damage because I have to concentrate so much on what I am doing still. It seems to take a couple of seconds more to understand what I am doing and how to do it. My sister says this will pass in about a week or so thank heavens.

This has really made me take a step backwards and think about the whole picture and reality. I have become so complacent with riding and mounting a horse. I was so used to Tesoro and in knowing every miniscule move he made. I really never worried about safety with him because he got me out of so many scrapes with his own intuition. Freedom is so much NOT like Tesoro and I think it has finally hit home with me.

I hope so much that by my sharing this I can help someone else. I will be purchasing a helmet before I get back on him again and hope I never forget what happened and what could have happened to me.

Thanks for listening,
Steph

[Pasogirlz]

Wow Steph, that is a REAL eyeopener for us ALL. I hope you have a speedy recovery and I'm so sorry you had to experience that. But I suppose it could have been MUCH worse. :shock:

((((hugs))))

Just curious....when was the last time Freedom was ridden? I know the last time we talked a while back he had just injured himself. Was this his first time back under saddle too?

[stephdunkin]

About 7 weekes ago he was back undersaddle again working. We thought the crack was healed. Then, his fourth day undersaddle we saw another crack off the main crack (but he wasn't sore). So, we stopped riding him for 2 weeks untill the farrier could check it.

The farrier came, removed all the bondo and checked the crack. It was completely healed. What we were seeing was scaring from where he clipped the coronary band. It was new growth scaring.

I got back on him probably a week and a half ago and I'm just doing walking rehab with him untill after the Asheville show.

So, this wasn't his first time back undersaddle. Lauren described Freedom really well - She said he's a 5 year old that's been stuck in his playpen for quite some time. The world outside of his stall is such a scary place for him. He's such a sweet, kind soul but he just goes into sensory overload. He's more like a cat really. He get's very upset when things are moved, things are gone where they were before, or new things are where they didn't used to be. He's getting so much better but we have a ways to go.

Thanks for asking Lori. He's just so scared most of the time. If I would have looked down I would have known that was going to scare him. It was new and he needed to be introduced.

[Pasogirlz]

Glad to hear you are finally getting to enjoy him more. Sounds like he just needs more time and perhaps some extra desensitizing. ;-) Too much stall rest can take it's toll on a young mind.

[Jasfino]

Sounds like you had a nasty fall! I am glad you are ok. (((hugs))

Thanks for posting about your fall. It reminds me that accidents can happen when we least expect them. I have had a few close calls myself.. and still sometimes am guilty of not wearing my helmet. I hope you get feeling better soon.

[LynnG]

HI Steph.

My article "Every Ride, Every Time" regarding the use of safety equestrian helmets will be in the July PFHW....it is based on industry facts and real riders' experiences....

Its better to get a helmet before its too late with serious injury.I've heard too many bad stories including accidents with experienced riders.

If you sharing our story and getting a helmet will also help someone else to wear a helmet when riding.....that is a good thing.

I hope you are feeling better, and take it easy.

Best place to get a helmet is to go to a tack shop with a person there that is qualified to fit a helmet properly. I have found some fit better then others. There are some real attractive designs also.

[PasoPerson38]

Holy cow... God sure was watching over you! Glad to hear that you are interested in getting a helmet. Praying that you have a quick and easy recovery! Get back in that saddle girl! With a helmet! ;-)

[Carol Nelson]

Wow, Steph...first, welcome back, and second, I'm glad this wreck didn't turn out worse than it did!
I am going to print out your story and give it to our son's girlfriend. She is a beautiful, young girl ready to turn 21, with her whole life ahead of her. She has been at our farm most every weekend for the past year and has ridden several of the horses. She never rode a horse til she came here to us. She doesn't feel she needs to wear a helmet, I guess these young girls think they look "funny" in them. They want to look sexy with their long ponytails flowing in the wind behind them.
I love this girl like a daughter, and try to get her to wear a helmet, and one time a couple of weeks ago, she did put one on but then left it off again the next time she rode. I'm going to give her this, tell her I love her, and then perhaps she'll see WHY I want her to wear a helmet.
I always tell these kids:
"If you think you look dumb in a helmet, think how you'll look drooling on your shoes." She works in a nursing home, you'd think she'd particularly understand.

[motorgypsy]

OWWWWW Steph!!! So sorry to hear about your accident. Hope you get well soon!!! Welcome back! We've missed you!

We had so many dents in our helmets we had to send them back for a replacement! Sure glad it wasn't our head!

[Brigitte]

Same thing happened to a guy I know, only that he fell off bareback hit his head on a lil concrete wall and the horse kinda stepped on him. Glad you're ok !

[moonrize]

Glad you're okay Steph and that this was just and eye-opener for getting a helmet. I wear one everytime I ride - feel funny without one. I also have a sign up at my barn that says helmets required when mounted! So everyone wears them and thinks nothing of it.

[Cathy]

Wow Steph glad your on the mend. I take a lot of razzing from my friends because I wear a helmet. Here's my story:
I was about 20 minutes into an endurance ride when we came to a water crossing. The first two riders were standing at the water hesitating about going in. Tsar has always been bold about water and lunged right in. We were about half way through when he fell in a hole. I went off and in his struggle to get up he kicked me in the head twice. I was under water at the time. I rembered thinking is he ever going to stop kicking me? He eventually got up and took off running. They caught him quite a bit later. A little girl who had never ridden a Paso rode him into camp, wearing that paso grin. I carry that helmet in my trailer to this day. It has the perfect imprint of his hoof all the way thru the helmet. Don't think I'd be here today if I hadn't been wearing it. Yea I look goofy in it but at least I'm here to talk about it :D

[pasohappy]

No your not goofy, helmets show how smart the rider is, its the one's with no helmet, that are lets say a little goofy.
my experience ,( many years ago), I was meeting my girl friend to go for a ride, I was almost ready to go, and thought should I wear my helmet, and ya I did. while I was waiting at the top of the drive way, I dropped my glove, and proceded to get off, my 1/4 horse Black Jack, I was wearing clip on spurs that day, and anyway I guess I was lazy and didn't lift my leg high enough and my spur got caught in the back rigging, I lost my balance and my other foot slipped out of the stirrup, and I landed on my back, my head hit a small rock on the ground, it made a small hole into the helmet, (could have been my head). And Black Jack just turned his head and looked me, like what are you doing there. So thats how fast a accident can happen , even with the horse just standing still. I am so glad Steph that you are going to get a helmet, :yay and you are going to be okay.

[LynnG]

I liked the looks of this schoolig helmet

http://www.geocities.com/lynngallup/gracewoodfarm/images/horsemanship/allisonMaja_5_27_06_1.jpg

troxel....cost retail close to $80. Some start around $30-$35 range (Troxel Spirit)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
here is my troxel helmet in hunter green

http://www.geocities.com/lynngallup/gracewoodfarm/images/horsemanship/LynnGallupSafetyHelmet.jpg

Guidelines for A Proper Fit of an Equestrian Riding Helmet
1. Always wear an ASTM/SEI certified riding helmet.
2. When the helmet is rocked backwards and forwards, eyebrows and skin on the forehead should move with the helmet.
3. The back of the harness should be snug enough to keep the helmet from moving forward.
4. The helmet should be level and sit 3/4 to 1 inch above the eyebrows.
5. The helmet's side straps should meet just below and in front of your earlobes.
6. The throat strap should go under the chin, and should be snug, but not too tight.
7. A helmet should be replaced after a direct impact from a fall.

[CarolU]

Steph, I'm SOOOO glad it wasn't worse, but believe me, a concussion is bad enough. Be prepared for mood/personality changes and depression cycles for up to a year after an injury to the brain. They don't take being bounced around inside there well!

I have to admit to not wearing mine all the time, but certainly do with green horses and always with Diablo, and always trail riding. I was once teased about wearing a helmet, my reply was, "Well, I have to protect my head because I use it."

My newest helmet is very comfortable with a screw-down adjustable band for the head. You turn a knob in the back to adjust it. Works great if you change hair styles or add a head band in the winter. Fits year-round.

http://pasobaby.tripod.com/PasoFinos/RosieWalk.jpg

[Privatetreaty]

It's a miracle you're here to tell your story.
I'm so sorry to hear about your accident.
You're lucky people were around.

Thank you for posting your story and LindaG for the valuable information.

There's an old cowboy saying:
It's not a matter of "if" you are going to get hurt around horses,
but rather a matter of "when".
Sooner or later, we all get hurt, one way or another.

[qltrlori]

My great grandfather got kicked in the head by a horse on a big trail ride and suffered brain damage. His wife got sick of putting up with him "in his condition" and had him commited to a mental hospital for the rest of his life.

I think I'd rather wear a helmet.

Lori

[GeorgeGuns]

It was a similar incedent that got me to get a helmet - i had a wonderful blind spot after whacking my head hard on the ground falling off backwards. I dont' ride without it.
Carol - tell your young rider that its a lot sexier to NOT be a vegetable in a wheelchair, and beside, its not her head the guys are lookin at anyway, lol.

[Camilla]

Great reminders everyone!
So glad you are here to tell the tale, Steph. Big phew.
good luck with Freedom...
Is there someone that would go on some leisurely trail rides with you both? It sounds like he could use some time to get to see the world with a safe trail buddy.

[Carol Nelson]

a concussion is bad enough. Be prepared for mood/personality changes and depression cycles for up to a year after an injury to the brain.

Is that right??? I took a tumble down the stairs here in December, just three steps, but I knocked my head pretty good...I had some dizziness and nausea for a couple of days so I figured I had a light concussion. I've been having those symptoms, and thought it was just menopause, but everytime I get a headache it hurts on that side. :roll: :-?

(I can't even say it was something exciting like getting thrown by a horse...) ;-)

[CarolU]

Yes, that's right. A common cause of depression is a head injury.

When you get a concussion, what you do is bruise the brain on the inside of your skull. Brain tissue will reabsorb the blood in the bruise and heal over time, but it is very slow.

If your headached continue, I'd go get it checked out. You may have a serious hematoma. I don't want to scare you, but it pays to get checked and know.

And yes, menopause causes headaches too.

[Privatetreaty]

The brain is like soft butter.
When this soft tissue hits the inside of our head cavity,
the trauma can be devastating.

Even a simple fall could be hazardous.
Look at Dr. Atkins, he fell on a sidewalk in New York City,
fell into a coma and later died.

I'm going to tell you guys something,
I wouldn't trust my head to one of those "plastic" helmets.
They can crack easier than you think.

Next time you're in a Horse Apparel store,
check out the BIG difference in the English hard hats.


Example-
http://cgi.ebay.com/Childs-Horse-Riding-Hat-Helmet-Jockey-size-6-5-8-54cms_W0QQitemZ7250689266QQihZ015QQcategoryZ47269Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Granted, new they are very expensive.
But, find out your size and buy them cheap on eBay.
Do a little research first. There's all kinds of English hard hats out there.

[Privatetreaty]

One of the most serious problems associated with head trauma is excess fluid in the brain.

My Aunt had that after she missed a curb, while crossing the street. She went into surgery twice. Right after her fall, she had headaches, things got worse and it got to a point where she didn't even know how to brush her teeth.

Both of her sons are Doctors. They all live in Southern California and found the best specialists. Nothing made her better. She died earlier this year.

Take good care of your heads people.

[Abejita]

yes Carol get it checked..My previous farrier ,years ago, had a horse accident one July afternoon.(horse fought with him, think he went down and got grazed in the head with a hoof) He had a cut and was bleeding ,but finished his day ,went home mowed the lawn.Kept working for months.Said he had occasional headaches but nothing major.In Nov that year he and his apprentice went to lunch one day between calls. He got his sandwich and drink.Set his drink down and couldnt find it.Next thing he remembers is waking up in the hospital.(I believe he actually went there by himself)Dr said if he had waited one more day he would have been dead,so much blood was in his head.He had to re learn how to walk, how to talk how to take care of himself.Never allowed to be under a horse again (not just the danger of reinjury, but the position puts to much pressure on the head/old bleeder) You couldnt tell anything happened now,but he does miss his job.He also knows how darm lucky he is to be alive and still be with his wife and kids.

[LynnG]

that child's helmet is not listed as accredited certified to US standards for safety. There are helmet brands that are not certified.

[Privatetreaty]

Thanks Lynn,

I'm sorry, I jumped in eBay quickly, just to give an example of the type of "English" hard hat I was referring to. It pays to do some research when purchasing any safety hat.

A lot of times, when people start riding lessons and they don't want to use the "community" hat from the riding instructor. Instead, they go out and buy new hats.

Kids out grow them and some adult drop out of lessons. These hats later turn up on eBay and are sold way below what they were bought for.

[sandi45]

Steph! Thank goodness you had someone there to help you get to the ER and get you the exam and care you needed. Hope you mend quickly and well!

My helmet story - I did not wear my helmet one day because we were just going to practice a drill for 20 minutes in the home pasture. Nothing unusual, nothing exciting. Unfortunately, 5 minutes into the practice the Paso I was riding shied and did one of those 180 degree teleport spin things - when I wasn't holding on or paying attention (because I was reading the directions to the drill). Needless to say I came off, landed on my tailbone and next hit the back of my head on the ground so hard it bounced and my glasses flew off and landed about 6 feet away. I also caught my ring finger in the reins and obviously broke it. That was the reason for the trip to the ER. Once there I was told that my finger was broken in 3 different places and 2 of them crossed over a third, my tail bone was broken, and I had a mild concussion.

One of the interesting things I noticed about the concussion (aside from the headache, blurry vision, nausea, etc.) was that I could carry on conversations that I thought were pretty normal, only to discover that (1) they weren't my "normal" kind of conversations, and (2) my short term memory was shot.

Speaking of short term memory, I don't remember who posted it, but someone mentioned that after-efects can last up to a year - true. Very true! Family and friends didn't seem to notice (but then maybe everybody thinks I'm just a dingy blonde anyway) but they were noticible to me.

I have taken "silent" ribbing from others I ride with for always wearing my helmet (which I made a personal rule after the spill in the pasture). But I tell you, once was enough for me. I may be a little dingy, but I'm not always a slow learner.

I've heard Cathy tell the story about what happened when Tsar fell in the hole and she was underwater being kicked during his struggles. I've seen that helmet. It made a lasting impression on me. Cathy is a great rider and an endurance rider I admire. But as my father-in-law was always fond of saying, "ANYthing can happen ANY time you're on a horse."

The ONLY exception I make on the helmet rule is for parades, breed demonstrations, and costume/event exhibitions.

Hope you are on the road to rapid recovery! And hope you find the helmet that's just right for you!

[LynnG]

here's some from my safety helmet article

Properly fitted ASTM/SEI certified equestrian helmets can prevent death and reduce the severity of head injuries such as concussion sustained with riding accidents. SEI approved helmets have a proven efficiency of preventing or reducing the severity of head injury. SEI’s program is a rigorous one which includes annual compliance testing of all SEI-certified helmets, and stringent annual quality assurance audits at the manufacturer’s plant to ensure SEI quality requirements are maintained. SEI’s certification program for equestrian helmets has provided an important contribution to the safety of persons participating in horse sports and horseback riding. When the SEI label appears on equestrian helmets you should have the assurance that the helmet not only conforms to the ASTM F 1163 standard, but that the manufacturer consistently turns out quality products. Such manufacturers have voluntarily made a commitment to quality, to ensure that only safe products make it to the marketplace. All approved and certified ASTM/SEI brands of equestrian helmets are listed online at http://www.SEInet.org.

....................

All helmets are not alike, and the public must be protected from companies making false claims of compliance to a standard or claims that a helmet is SEI-certified, when it is not. When the SEI label appears on equestrian helmets you should have the assurance that the helmet not only conforms to the ASTM F 1163 standard, but that the manufacturer consistently turns out quality products. Such manufacturers have voluntarily made a commitment to quality, to ensure that only safe products make it to the marketplace. All approved and certified ASTM/SEI brands of equestrian helmets are listed online at: www.SEInet.org.


preview at:
http://www.geocities.com/lynngallup/gracewoodfarm/articles/helmetSafety.html
for those who don't get the pfhw

[sandi45]

I, personally, would never buy either an equestrian helmet or motorcycle helmet from eBay - or from yard/garage sales. To me, the dollar savings is just not worth taking the risk.

Risk? What risk you ask?

Just because someone says the helmet is new doesn't make it so. How do you know if it's ever been dropped or not. If the helmet has been dropped on concrete, or the road or some other type of hard, unyielding surface, there is the risk of loss of structural integrity that may not show externally. I only buy (both types of) helmets from reputable dealers that I am familiar with, and that arrive in factory packaging.

Just a little food for thought.

[SarahR]

Here in the Durango area people look at you funny if you aren't wearing a cowboy hat. My husband and I wear helmets, always have, and always will. Our friends (who wear cowboy hats) keep trying to talk Todd into wearing a cowboy hat. Somehow it's 'acceptable' for me to wear a helmet since I'm disabled (not sure why that is, their heads can break open against a rock just as easily as mine could). Anyhow, they have a lovely 9 yeart old that rides with us, too. I think maybe she has her first 'girl crush' on Todd, because now she wears a helmet 'like Todd'. It's so cute, and I am so glad to see her wearing it. At least for now, until she gets a few years older and doesn't think it's 'cool' anymore, ha ha!

[Donelle]

State Line Tack has a very nice looking helmet that has a straw cowboy hat over it. Check it out.

[sporthorse]

Please Lori/AMPasoBB/post this as a sticky. Seasoned riders need to think about this and wear helmets as often as possible. I was one of the two endurance riders that Cathy passed when Tsar and her got seprated in the water.The sight is one I will never forget. A great horse in a split second can react so fast it will make your head spin.They are flight animals and that is the programing. They are doing their best when an incident happens. Being prepared is best policy.

[CarolU]

Yes..this would make a good sticky. I agree.

You know, those of you who do endurance, the toughest helmet they make is for extreme bicyclists. It is designed for going head first into rocks at 35 mph. I know if I were Endurance racing, I would probably buy one of them. I studied helmets and their testing a few years ago. The big difference in Equestrian helmets is that there is more protection in the back of the helmet, designed so you could land on a metal T-post and be protected.

I really think I'd look at the toughest helmets made if I were doing such an intense sport.

[Cathy]

I've been on some huge trail rides 200-400 horses and been the only one with a helmet on. I'm sure there's been some snickering behind my back but I don't care. A friend of mine calls the helmet her brain bucket.
I like the International helmet it fits me better than the Troxel. It's important to try different brands to see what fits best.
If anybody follows Jessica Jahiel (sp) she's a vet/author of several books who has a website. She ask people to post their helmet stories. It's a pretty interesting website.

[TrueStepPaso]

Honestly....I don't wear a helmet. I never have either.....stupid, I know. And as I get older, I'm getting closer to buying one.

The reason why I'm posting is because I want everyone to know that I have NEVER made fun of anyone who has worn a helmet. I actually admire them for being "smarter" than me.....I don't have a death wish, nor do I think riding is a beauty pagent. I just work my horses from the ground, desensitize the crap out of them, instill a bond/line of communication, and continually reinforce the horse/human heirarchy.
**I know this is "not enough"....animals (esp prey) have a mind of their own, and you can never predict their behavior**.....however, I can't predict a rock being in a lake I dive into head first tomorrow...or a drunk driver around a corner twenty minutes from now either.
I even know of a few people that are paralyzed from horse accidents that were wearing a helmet. Sometimes I think things like helmets and seatbelts give some people a false sense of security....they skip that "tune up" before getting on a fresh horse, or they drive a little faster around that corner...
Not wearing a helmet makes me EXTRA careful.......

**I am NOT recommending people to not wear helmets.....Actually, I encourage them for everyone...just letting people hear a different side, even though this is a passionate subject that will hit nerves.....I apologize in advance.**


Carol N....I really loved your story about your son's girlfriend...you are such a caring person.....

[Carol Nelson]

Aw...TrueStep...I do just love that kid. Here is a rather poor photo of her riding my old gelding (sans helmet... :roll: ). It was one of her first rides ever on a horse, much less a Paso Fino. See how she is trying so hard to follow the guidelines for seating that I gave her. She really rides well now. She is so willing to help and eager to learn when they come out here...it would be absolutely devastating to have anything happen to her.

http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/data/36931lauranevare.JPG.jpg

Hey, this old guy may be 21 but he's what you might call a spooky sort of horse, and even at his age, he's not really bombproof.

(and p.s....I didn't saddle that horse myself so please excuse the placement of the saddle blanket... :lol: )

[Camilla]

Carol,
I know you love this girl and don't want to be bossy/naggy... what if you told her that your insurance company required that all riders on your farm must wear a helmet and proper footwear or you could lose your insurance and be liable? Make them the bad guy? It probably is a requirement anyway... I know it is hard to change the rules after a precedent has been set... but then you won't have to worry (as much). :smile:
Good policy for everyone in similar situation. Nobody wants to be mr./ms. rules... Just state from the first visit that your insurance requires everyone to wear a helmet/boot and sign a waiver (mine basically says "I know I could die and I am totally cool with that"). Saves having to be the bad guy (who is really the life-saving good guy)....

[TrueStepPaso]

Carol....you're sweet to really devote time to her each time she visits - I'll bet that means alot to her. I think you are being perfect about the helmet situation with her....
You let her know that you are concerned because you care, yet you step back enough to let her make the final decision....never putting uncomfortable pressure on her and straining the relationship. This is a hard thing to do, and you do it well. Believe me, its always at the back of her mind that she is mildly letting you down.....she's young though, so your wisdom will be of great value to her....just maybe not right now ;-)





mine basically says "I know I could die and I am totally cool with that").

:lol: You should copyright that, cuz I'm going to totally steal that for my barn waiver in the future!

[Edurne]

**I am NOT recommending people to not wear helmets.....Actually, I encourage them for everyone...just letting people hear a different side, even though this is a passionate subject that will hit nerves.....I apologize in advance.**

See I'm not embarressed to wear my helmet..... nor will Steph be. Once you have had a concussion from a fall (even a slight fall from a low angle that hits the rock) and you end up in hospital you see for yourself what the results of these accidents can be.

I believe that it is people like yourself, people who are great horsemen(women) who look wonderful on a horse, who are beautiful young and accomplished, who by wearing the helmet actually "encourage them for everyone". Seems weird to me to ask one's clients to do something, not actually ask but require, that one doesn't do oneself.

Not only that..... I bet you there is no one on this board who has been around horses for a long time that doesn't know someone who has ended up in shock trauma or worse, accomplished horsepeople and not just "riders".

Apologies in advance if this is stirring the pot.

[Carol Nelson]

Here I am...coming in from a pretty nice largo...on the same horse. As you can see...he gives me quite a ride! Notice that this ole lady wears her helmet! ;-) :lol:

http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/data/36931nevaremom.jpg

He may be 21, but he ain't a "dead horse"! :lol:

[TrueStepPaso]

Hi Edurne!

I believe that it is people like yourself, people who are great horsemen(women) who look wonderful on a horse, who are beautiful young and accomplished, who by wearing the helmet actually "encourage them for everyone".

Thank you.......AND, your absolutely right. True encouragement is 'do as you say'. :oops:

[Edurne]

Thanks for being so gracious True Step...... I know you are one of the smartest gals here.

[TrueStepPaso]

:roll: I don't know about that.....but thank you Edurne.

:hug