Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
I will leave you with something to ponder upon and perhaps, along with all your new purchases over the summer holidays, you will consider buying yourself a new riding helmet.
Once a riding helmet has been involved in an incident it is a really good idea to change it. Like any sport, or thrilling activity, in the blink of an eye your whole life could change irrevocably.
Did you know?
* Approximately 20 per cent of horse-related injuries occur on the ground and not riding
* Most riding injuries occur during pleasure riding
* The most common reason among riders for admission to hospital and death are head injuries
* A fall from two feet can cause permanent brain damage – a horse elevates a rider eight feet or more above ground
* A human skull can be shattered by an impact of 4-6mph. Horses can gallop at 40mph
* According to reported statistics the most likely ages for injury is at five-14, then 25-44 years, with each age group having about 20 per cent of the injuries.
* A rider who has one head injury has a 40 per cent chance of suffering a second head injury – children/teens and young adults are most vulnerable to sudden death from second impact syndrome: severe brain swelling as a result of suffering a second head injury before recovery from the first.
* Of course, death is not the only serious outcome of unprotected head injuries. Those who survive with a brain injury may suffer epilepsy, intellectual and memory impairment and personality changes.
Most deaths from head injury can be prevented by wearing approved helmets that fit correctly and have the harness firmly applied. Other types of helmets, including bike helmets, are inadequate.
In Britain, hospital admission rates for equestrians fell 46 per cent after helmet designs improved and they came into routine use. In the US, the Pony Club lowered their head injury rate 29 per cent with mandatory helmet use.
There are too many stories to recount of incidences where wearing a helmet has saved a life … and too many stories that did not have such a positive outcome.
Just take time out to think – it’s not just about you. If you suffered a serious injury who would look after your horse? Your family? No, they will probably be too busy looking after you!
So, on that note, we will close for now leaving you all to chill, relax, shop and simply enjoy your summer.
Take care and remember all our horses and ponies will also be enjoying a break from work.
