Help! AIBU to go horse riding WITHOUT a helmet?

[Horsequestion]

Ok I know I sound completely stupid but please hear me out! I’m just posting here because I asked my friend and she said it would be a good idea to get some other opinions on this from people who aren’t biased or know me.

I've ridden horses for a long time and am an experienced (but far from perfect!) rider. Right now I’m trying to bring my horse on and hopefully event or showjump him (whichever he is better at!) this year.

ive got a condition that flares up sometimes and makes my skin extremely painful and sore. It’s all over my head, neck and ears and putting my helmet on is actually excruciating. I’ve tried covers, dressings and all sorts to stop direct pressure on my skin but nothing makes a difference and the contact on my skin is horrific. I’ve tried different helmet brands and had them all professionally fitted for me but unfortunately nothing helps because my skin is the problem.

When the flare up is under control it’s fine, but when it’s active it can last for weeks or up to months until we get the right treatment for it. I feel so much better riding without my helmet because it’s not nearly as painful or uncomfortable. I don’t fall off very often and I would obviously always wear my helmet when hacking, jumping or doing XC. But for general schooling and doing flatwork, would I be a complete idiot not to wear my helmet?

My horse is quite big (16hh) and with the added height of the saddle etc I would estimate I’m around 5 ft 6 off the ground so obviously it’s a long way to fall off and I know it’s dangerous, but if the absolute worst thing I’m doing is cantering and I’m not jumping I’m just wondering if it’s worth the slight risk because I’m not in agony with my helmet on and even with the helmet you could still have a bad head injury anyway.

worth mentioning there’s no kids at the yard so I wouldn’t be a bad influence on them to ride without a helmet

sorry that was really long, I’m probably being stupid about it all but I’m just not sure what to do😢

www.condorcycles.com/products/hovding-3-airbag-helmet?variant=30292458766474

What about something like this?

I think it depends. If you have children then no I wouldn't. If you don't and this brings you joy and you understand the risk then why not? American western style riders almost never wear hats. Could you stand a bike helmet? Anything would be better than nothing.

Not sure if anyone’s still about but just wanted to post a little update.

after posting this I realised how stupid I had been to even consider not wearing my helmet.

I was schooling my horse yesterday (with my helmet on) and he spooked (at a squirrel!) whilst in canter and I was launched over his shoulder. I smacked my head off the gate post. As I said in my original post, I hardly ever fall off so I can’t believe I fell off just days after making this post! I was only doing flat work but it was a sore fall - no concussion but I was a bit dazzled after it. I’m now having to replace my helmet too. I actually feel sick thinking about how sore it would have been I’d I hadn’t worn my helmet, and I’m so glad I posted here first. I knew deep down it was a bad idea but I was desperate but thank fuck I was wearing my helmet or it could have been much, much worse with my head hitting that gate post. I feel sick even thinking about it.

thanks everyone x

It's easy to forget that, amongst the sea of murderous leaves and horse eating crisp packets that there are sometimes squirrel assassins and Bumblebee executioners laying in wait for the unsuspecting equine.

Glad you aren't badly hurt, OP - and so glad that you posted so you could be reminded not to take risks.

As someone once said to me “sure, go ahead. If you’re happy to have your mum/boyfriend or sister change your tampons for you in future”.

glad you E decided to keep the hat, sorry you had a fall today.

Thank God you saw sense.

Thank you- I’m so, so glad I posted here and got a reality check. It’s always the squirrel assassins isn’t it- and sometimes it’s the horse-swallowing-puddles! 😂

I hope you've bought a lottery ticket ?

Thanks you for posting the update. Sorry for your fall. But well done for posting back here - maybe it will save someone else in future.

All the best and I hope you can find a way to continue to enjoy your passion.

The fact that you literally needed to fall off your horse before you could see the logic in a simple thing says a lot about you.

Look - here is a vat of hot chip fat. Do you need to stick your hand in it before reaching a conclusion about its danger?

Haha. I think I jinxed it when I said I hardly ever fall off! Thank you very much for helping me, I initially thought commenters were harsh but jesus I deserved it👍 I actually made a thread to show the photo of my helmet just in case one person sees it and it reiterates to them why helmets are important. I think I’m going to ask MN to delete this thread just in case It gives anyone the silly idea about riding without a helmet if they have similar skin problems etc x

I would rather be someone who makes a stupid mistake and holds their hand up to it to try and help others, as opposed to someone who comments to try and stick the knife in and look smart ☺️

Ok, well done on your learning experience.
I look forward to hearing about your other experiments with obvious truths.

Thanks hun!

Did you wake up on the wrong side of bed?

I'm glad you made the right decision op.

Glad you're OK OP.
Maybe someone has a hangover.

In my extensive experience most horrible life changing accidents with horses happen when hacking or schooling. Wear a bloody hat will you

I hope you feel much better soon OP and I’m so glad you were wearing your hat :)

Op sorry about your fall. And fair play for you to put your hands up and admit it happened.

I really hope you are able to solve your skin issues. My skin has become so sensitive after I decided to try a cheaper soap powder. Even changing back its left it very sensitive. GP eventually gave me a course of steroids which has helped but its still not 100%

Help others? What others? This thread is just pages of people telling you not to be so stupid.

Yeah- exactly. So in case anyone else was thinking of doing the same thing.

Not worth the risk. But as an aside, do you know what is triggering the skin condition?

But clearly no one else was.

Clearly you can’t read, as there were other posters saying they would do it or they wouldn’t bother. And if it helps one person who sees this and is maybe thinking the same then it’s helped someone. Maybe learnt to rtft, or at least most of it, before commenting!

My immune system unfortunately x

Speak with your GP about your skin. I had months of antihistamines before trying the steroids.