Jessica Jahiel's HORSE-SENSE
True Helmet Stories from HORSE-SENSE Readers


> True Helmet Stories
Sliding down a hill under a horse by Shannon

My husband and I were riding a very technically challenging trail in Colorado with our horses, a 3 year old QH and aa 9 year old Quar-Arab. We came to a steep trail with switchbacks (180 degrees) and my horse just couldn't make the turn completely while climbing such a steep hill. He lost his footing and starting stumbling backwards. He backed right off the ledge and I fell off to his left. He also fell to his left right on top of me as we slid down the hill until we hit a downed tree. I have a large dent in my helmet from the tree (I hit first). I also broke my back in the fall but have recovered nearly 100% (no spinal cord damage). I have no doubt I'd have sustained a serious brain injury from the impact to my head were it not for my helmet.

Back to top.