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Post Info TOPIC: Quote on Helmets in the Dressage Ring
Barbara F


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Date: Mar 19, 2012
Quote on Helmets in the Dressage Ring
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Eurodressage reports the following quote:

On his website Ludwig's Horse World, German journalist Dieter Ludwig quoted 63-year old German trainer Johann Hinnemann: "Not the helmet but the top hat is part of the official attire of a rider of the highest level of dressage. There is nothing against wearing a helmet while training but obedience is the top priority of the training of a dressage horse and then a helmet does not necessarily fit in a dressage test."

My goodness, sporting equipment changes and evolves all the time, and athletes' sillouettes evolve as well. If the horse is truly obedient and going in a lovely frame, I don't think a helmet will ruin the classic component of the sport. In other words, the classic beauty of a harmonious horse and rider isn't about the hat.

Anyone else's thoughts?



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MagsNMe


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Date: Mar 19, 2012
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Well, I admit, I think it should be up to the rider as to whether they choose to wear a helmet. It's their brain. Although, we end up paying for rehabilitation when they crush their skulls. Juniors should never have an option.

Now, I wear a helmet. I grew up riding hunter/jumper, always had to wear a helmet, and feel naked without one now. Even from when I left it at 23, to when I went back to it at 28, there were changes in helmet requirements. Remember those little elastic straps that kept a hunt cap on? Now there are three point harnesses. I'm all for safety, but I'd like to think that people are capable of making their own choices. Of course I'd prefer if my trainer wore a helmet when she rode my mare... she used to, but Maggie's SO much better these days...

Just my two cents.

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Figarocubed


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Date: Mar 19, 2012
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Well, dangit, I bought a lovely navy blue top hat just before Poor Courtney King's accident. Now I have to get to PSG before I can wear it legally in competition.

Yes, I am capable of making my own decisions, but TPTB have taken that away. Sorry, but I'd like to be allowed to take my chances. I have insurance, so y'all won't be paying for my rehab in case of a nasty fall.

The Nanny State has me feeling all stabby tonight.

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MagsNMe


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Date: Mar 19, 2012
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See, here (in Canada) even at FEI levels at a National show, you have to wear a helmet. And, of course, we have publically funded medical, which is why my comment about paying for rehab. I say you pays your money and you takes your chances...

I'm still going to wear mine, though!

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Marlene


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Date: Mar 21, 2012
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I'm surprised that an insurance company would pay rehab for someone injured in a risky sport if they didn't take reasonable basic precautions to limit the chance of injury. Doesn't the helmet at least increase your chances that you will live long enough that you can participate in rehab. Otherwise what you should logically be looking for is long term disability insurance, or possible a really good deal on creamation/or burial.

But at any rate, if dressage horses are so safe you can wear a tophat, and don't need a helmet, then what would you need insurance for anyway?



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Figarocubed


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Date: Mar 21, 2012
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You need insurance for illnesses, surgeries, accidents and all the other stuff that happens when you're NOT riding a horse!

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dbliron


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Date: Mar 21, 2012
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I sympathize, Figarocubed, as I have two gorgeous top hats...

I think Mr. Hinneman's comments were ill-considered.  The accidents experienced by Debbie McDonald, Guenter Seidel, and Courtney King Dye are proof positive that dressage horses are still horses.

The insurance issue is greater than what's thus far been intimated in this forum.  While any one of us might have disability insurance, and that might pay for our rehab (or lifetime care), it is entirely likely that our insurance carrier will sue everyone and anyone connected with the injurious incident, in order to recover their losses on your behalf.  That means that the show organizers, clinic organizers, trainer, coach, clinician, venue owners, etc. can all be sued with regard to your injury.  In the end, we all pay for your injury.

The situation is a lot like the seatbelt issue.  While I definitely felt a little like my right to choose to wear one or not was infringed upon by the government's legislation, there is no question that the mortality rate from motor vehicle accidents has dropped dramatically, and therefore the societal cost of those accidents has dropped as well.  

I find that I'm already getting used to the look of the helmets v. top hats.  I expect I will always yearn for the beautifully elegant look of a top hat and tails, I can adjust my perception, and as a survivor of a closed head injury, I'm glad I have the luxury of perceptions at all!



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beargirl123sarah


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Date: Apr 17, 2012
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well said my friend well said....

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FriesFrame


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Date: May 9, 2012
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I dont object to helmets in the ring. I always wear one while schooling. And when I was permitted at shows wore one when my mare was jumpy, but if she was relaxed and going as she should I work my top hat.

I would however, prefer to see a classical velvet cap rather than the jumper helmets. I dont feel there is a need for the excessive protection that the jumper hats provide and therefore can have the helmets slimmed down a bit for a more classical appearance. I still like to see the Top Hat at GP levels, and feel that the riders at that level should have a choice. By that level they have a world of experience and knowlege to be able to make that decision. Not to mention at their level they could probably afford the L'Hivre safety top hat to continue with the tradition.

It does feel a bit like Dressage is under attack. If traditional hats are banned in one aspect of equestrian sport, it shoudl be banned in all? Western riders, saddle seat riders can all have falls too.

Quick question though, was Courtney King Dye not schooling at home when she had her fall?

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Barbara F


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Date: May 9, 2012
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I ride at a dressage barn, but all of us hack - often alone in the woods (which I know we shouldn't). Thank goodness all of us wear helmets whenever mounted. A friend of mine was out hacking last week with her horse and her dog, which she has done every day for years.

A few minutes after she left, her horse came galloping back to the stable - riderless - followed by the dog. After a big search, she was found in the woods, wandering home. She had no recollection of what happened.

She had a terrible concussion. Her helmet was cracked in two places, but at least it wasn't her head.


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