While I agree that "A life lived in fear is a life half lived." (Spanish proverb, as quoted in the movie Strictly Ballroom, one of my favourite movie quotes ever!), as the mother of a six year old and a horse related head/brain injury survivor, 'teaching the correct (safe) way to handle horses' includes making sure that my son knows he must
ALWAYS have both his helmet and his vest on before entering the barn, show site, arena, field, etc... Not because we are fearful, but because we are
careful.
Cycling? He needs a bike and a bike helmet. Skiing? He needs skis, boots, poles and a ski helmet. Hockey? He needs skates, all manner of pads (!) and a full face helmet. Etc., etc. And equine sports require special care and attention - none of the other sports he enjoys requires him to work closely around powerful animals with small brains and highly reactive natures.
(Well... unless you count some of the Northern Ontario hockey parents!
)
A sobering statistic: According to a 2006 National Injury Information Clearinghouse study, three of every five equestrian accident deaths are due to brain injuries. (From the Chroncle of the Horse article 'Are You Fully Dressed Without A Top Hat?' http://www.chronofho...without-top-hat ). And personally, I've spent far too many hours at brain injury rehabilitation to risk my child's future - not to mention his life
Have fun, be safe, live to ride/drive another day!
Cathy
PS. I sustained my injury while *on the ground* and now wear my regular helmet around the barn, as well as keeping my full face motorcycle helmet handy - just in case!
ETA - spelling, as usual!
