I wear my helmet every ride. I noticed that Courtney said she discovered how many people were doing things that she did, how she was a leader with followers. This should be considered by EVERY horseperson in all aspects of horsemanship, not just wearing a helmet. People imitate winners, therefore winners have a moral onus to do things PROPERLY, not just win. This goes for riding and training also! People imitate winners. If winners don't wear helmets, yank on the reins, ride with pounds of pressure on the bit, ride behind the vertical, ANYTHING people will imitate them no matter how dangerous or abusive it is.
A very brave young lady, very sad what happened to her. I always wear my helmet, but for some reason on one of my early rides this spring , I was testing some adjustments to my saddle arrangement and thought I'd just hop on for a very short unplanned test drive. Duh, didn't think of my helmet. Guess where I ended up?? I guess the adjustments didn't meet Sharif's standards. I couldn't believe how stupid I had been. Maybe I have to make a rule for myself, helmet must go on before saddle? Fortunately the ground was relatively soft.
Once I ended up a** over teakettle just leading my horse through some alfalfa before I was going to mount. Turned out the ground underneath was muck, "OMG MUCK!" says Sharif, and there I am on the ground with my horse charging over my leg. Fortunately only bruised, and thank goodness I had my helmet on. Could have been a busted leg, could have been crushed ribs, could have been a broken skull. Always wear your helmet. Always. Use your head, use it or lose it.
A very sad accident, and such a brave and inspirational young lady. I always put the helmet on before the bridle, that way there is no doubt I will be wearing it before I exit the barn. Just not worth taking a chance.