Your June 20 article regarding an 11-year-girl who got bucked off her horse and hit her head, in the Middletown Parade, was quite upsetting as I have seen far too many horse-related accidents with children involved in the 17 years I have lived in Lake County.
And, a majority of the severe accidents have involved head injury, requiring emergency room visits. Horseback riding is a dangerous sport, no matter the skill and experience of the rider, or training level of the horse. Parades are almost always on slippery pavement; with much activity to potentially spook even gentle horses; with uncontrolled viewers, blowing trash, loose dogs, strange noises, balloons, etc …
The absolute first and most effective thing a parent or organization can do to protect children on horses is to require ASTM/SEI approved safety helmets. Most responsible youth organizations such as 4-H; U.S. Pony Club, and junior rider programs in equestrian sports such as NATRC and AERC; mandate helmets for children. Sadly, some other youth equestrian organizations still resist, stating that helmets are not traditional or attractive….thus placing appearance over safety.
According to the American Medical Equestrian Association, head injuries amount for 60% of deaths from equestrian activities; a rider who has had a head injury has a 40% chance of a second, often fatal head injury, and the most likely age for equestrian-related accidents is five to 14.
More upsetting, the June 23 Record Bee shows photos of no less than seven kids on horseback in the Middletown parade with no helmets, one being four years old.Local parades, those sponsored by CSHA, other Lake County youth equestrian clubs and activities, and parents need to educate themselves to the facts and statistics of horsback and head related injuries and become responsible in protecting children.
To not do so, because of tradition or appearance, is approaching gross negligence. 4-H has a wonderful video that can be checked out called “Every Time… Every Ride”, that all parents should view. ASTM safety helmets are extrremely affordable, lightweight, and come in many styles and colors.
Many youth sports and activities now mandate helmets for children in sports involving speed, hard surfaces or risk of fall; such as bike riding, BMX, dirt bike racing, downhill skiing, etc.
Horseback riding is no less dangerous that the above mentioned youth sports.
Karen Sullivan
Kelseyville
