Pictured above is my beloved Charles Owen helmet with one of my favorite riding outfits. It was an old 2012 GR8 model that I had snagged for free at Webb in the lost and found pile. At the time a free $420 helmet was an instant prized possession no matter how old the cap was. It was a 7 1/4, it fit me perfectly with my hair tucked in, and it was like Cinderella the equestrian helmet edition.

For the next nearly 5 years it kept me safe, except for the one time last year it caused me to heat stroke due to its lack of ventilation and caused questionable judgement that ended in me being kneed in the head by Capone. I guess that should have been the real hard line and first red flag given my brain health as is, but it wasn’t apparently. I have ridden more horses in the last year than I have in my lifetime and again I have been safe each and every ride thanks to my helmet, until one of my last rides unfortunately.

Last Saturday (3/19/22), I took Sunday out on trail in the rain/stormy weather with three clients and ended up being backed into a tree with my helmet nearly ripped off my head from the back underside forward towards my nose and a concussion to match. Later that day without thinking much of the chaos, I went to ride Summer and hung my helmet on her saddle and it slid off announcing its very broken set of chin straps. I took my time to really think about it and ultimately came to the conclusion the time had come and I was officially helmetless.

I am very much the type of person who says I can’t ride without a helmet. Furthermore if my helmet without straps and a questionable inner frame isn’t good enough…then unfortunately the lesson program helmets who have seen more falls & tumbles than mine wouldn’t be a safe option for my injured brain either. With taxes looming, car registration, normal bills etc buying a new helmet that was up to snuff was going to be straight impossible. Fortunately for me, B was kind enough to help me coordinate everything to buy a new helmet for work within 24 hrs of my accident. I couldn’t be happier with my new pony squishing crown and I can’t wait to share it with you guys.