For over 3 decades I have ridden all sorts of horses, and lived to tell the tales. Thinking back, it is quite amazing to me that even as a beginner I don’t remember any of my instructors recommending that I put on a helmet, except for special occasions such as jumping or a young or especially fractious horse. My instructors did not wear helmets. Neither did any of my riding idols. Paging through my dozens upon dozens of riding books and instructional manuals I see no helmets. This has been the norm in dressage for most of my involvement in the sport. But the norm is beginning to change.

Five years ago I was very very lucky. A horse fell out from under me in a freak accident and I was thrown head-first, wearing my trusty baseball cap, into an arena wall. Miraculously I escaped with relatively minor injuries. Did I start wearing a helmet after that day? No. Am I hard-headed? Maybe. My excuses? Just the usual ones, none good enough. If that experience did not convince me to wear a helmet, what could finally make enough of an impression to make me change my ways?
THIS video:
She says it much better than I can. I wear my helmet now for all the reasons she spells out, from helping to set an example to protecting my loved ones while I protect myself. Courtney is using her accident to make a difference. I have great admiration for her, as an athlete, as a person and as an activist for the safety of our sport. So, you might say that I wear my helmet for Courtney. Every horse, every ride.
Your post reminds me of skiing. Back in the day, long hair flowing behind me as I skied down a mountain was vanity at its best (or worst?). When ski helmets were first introduced hardly anyone wore them. Now, helmets have caught on and I wouldn’t think of flying down a mountain without one.
thank you