Death of barrel racer fuels helmet discussion

Riding helmets are standard equipment like in many other sports. While it is impossible to enter a competition without a helmet in most of the equestrian disciplines, there are still some where a helmet is not obligatory and riders can choose western or top hats instead.

The death of a rider in the USA fuelled the discussion on the requirement to wear a helmet.

Lara Dewees took part in a barrel race in Mississippi on Saturday, February 27, 2016. At the third barrel, her horse Ghinny tumbled but got back on her feet quickly with Lara still in the saddle. During the fall, the reins slipped over Ghinny’s head and Lara had no chance of getting them back, leaving here without a chance to influence her horse.

As Ghinny cantered out of the arena at full speed, Lara tried to get a hold of the reins but it was in vain. Ghinny slipped on the asphalt and Lara landed on the ground face down

Immediately, everything possible was tried  to save her life. However, on Monday, she succumbed to her serious head injuries.

This is particularly tragic as Lara got engaged just a week ago. She was also a loving mother of a two-year-old son.

It is not safe to say that a helmet could have saved her life but, at least, her death should provide food for thought.

New initiative for awareness rising
The initiative „Helmet Tough“ wants to fight the adversity against helmets especially in the Western and rodeo disciplines.

According to a survey, 50% of riders in these disciplines would like to wear a helmet but at the same time would not feel like part of the crowd as most of them do not wear helmets. What’s more, many still believe urban myths like helmets are too heavy and would influence balance and cause headaches.

With the #HelmetTough, the initiative wants to spread their message and invite more riders to wear helmets – no matter what discipline.

For Lara Dewees‘ family, a GoFundMe Seite was set up to cover hospital and other expenses.

Source: horsecollaborative.com

This article was written by EQUESTRIAN WORLDWIDE – EQWO.net and is NOT a press release. Copying of the text and pictures is not allowed.