I just sent out an email to AQHA (3/3/2015).  They just insist upon upsetting me.

I was reading the article about World Champion Barrel Racer Fallon Taylor, who had the guts to wear a helmet at the 2014 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.  Then at the bottom of one of the pages they put in AQHA’s Helmet Rule.  “The 2015 rule on English attire reads: SHW320.2.  It is mandatory for riders in all hunter, jumper and equitation over fence classes, including hunter hack, where jumping is required and when jumping anywhere on the competition ground to wear properly fastened protective headgear that meets ASTM/SEI standards or equivalent international standards for equestrian use.  The helmet must also be properly fitted with harness secured.  It is mandatory that all youth wear an ASTM/SEI-approved hard hat with harness during all English classes, including flat and over fences classes.  It is recommended that amateurs wear an ASTM/SEI-approved hard hat with harness in all English classes.”  In all other AQHA classes, exhibitors have the option to wear a helmet with harness.

So I proceeded to ask the AQHA if only English youth were worth saving?  So that means Western children aren’t?  All children and adults are worth saving.

Come on people, is anybody listening to the professional riders who have had serious accidents?  Have they read the news and saw people, who are at the top of the industry, being killed?  Aren’t we supposed to be smart enough to make our sport not only pretty and interesting to watch, but also safe for both the horse and rider.  We have the technology and the intelligence to do this now, what are we waiting for?  How many more brain injuries must people have?  How many more top riders have to die?

I spoke with a friend yesterday who was in a practice ring at a show.  Two Roosters flew out of the bushes and spooked her horse.  The horse went sideways, bucking and she was flung, hitting her head on the rail of the ring.  She’s fine, she had her helmet on.

Once again AQHA is not standing up to the “pretty people” with money and influence, and they are not taking a stand on what is right and safe.  I can’t believe their insurance company isn’t forcing this issue.  If adults make the conscious decision not to wear a helmet, and choose to take a chance, sure fine.  Have them sign a release stating they know the facts, don’t care, and swear they won’t sue.  But let us, step up and save the children who just want to do what the “big guys” are doing.

Don’t give me the “Oh, it won’t happen to me.”  I pray that it doesn’t, but I bet you it can.  Just go on-line and see the odds.  Statistics show that riding a horse is one of, if not the most dangerous sport.

Children have to wear helmets to ride their bikes now.  I rarely see a bike just take off, drop its shoulder, do a roll-back, do a sliding stop, buck, or drag a child.  Horses can, and do.

Okay, now do we have a thinking, responsible adult here?  At all?  In the crowd somewhere?  Hello?  Is anybody out there?  Is anybody listening?  Does anybody care?

AQHA sent a response saying that they are giving my email to the committee to review.

I never wore a helmet when I was a kid, but I do now.  I need to save what little mind I have left.  Again quoting Jane Savoie “I like my brain, I use it everyday.”

If you are not into wearing a helmet, would you like to try Russian Roulette?