Jackandmo
03-11-2008, 10:03 AM
I know that the helmet topic has been discussed at length, but I have a new twist. I will be writing an argument research paper about helmets and the "requirements" that pertain to western and english.
To give you a brief background on why I chose this topic -
This weekend, I entered an equitation class on my QH at a local facility. I was riding in a cutback and no double bridle. I wore jeans, had my hair in a clip, ear warmers and sunglasses on my head, and a sweatshirt.
There was one other entry decked to the max in her H/J attire.
I received the blue in this class.
After the class, I was approached by a less than pleasant H/J person who said that helmets were required in classes, and I was at a H/J show, NOT a saddleseat show.
Whatever...I won't spend another dime at their facility (the show is BIG time for them, fun/schooling for me!)
So, I had a conversation with the facility owner who said from now on, helmets will be required at all H/J shows in ALL classes. This is due to safety, insurance, and influence. He also said that helmets were required as part of the "attire" but said nothing of my flat saddle and my jeans. Go figure.
However, helmets are NOT required at their western gaming shows and exteme trail challenges.
The class I was in we trotted half way around the arena both ways. Gaming shows and trail challenges involve small cliffs, galloping, etc. but NOONE, even those under the age of 18, are required to wear a helmet. If you're under 18, you can sign a waiver.
So, I hope that I am not the only one who sees the hypocricy in this.
Any thoughts or opinions on why it's more important in one discipline and not the other?
BTW, both ASB3G and I have shown at this show in the past without a helmet and nothing was said. At that show, one of us was excused and the other didn't place. It wasn't an issue until this most recent show. Interesting, isn't it?
To give you a brief background on why I chose this topic -
This weekend, I entered an equitation class on my QH at a local facility. I was riding in a cutback and no double bridle. I wore jeans, had my hair in a clip, ear warmers and sunglasses on my head, and a sweatshirt.
There was one other entry decked to the max in her H/J attire.
I received the blue in this class.
After the class, I was approached by a less than pleasant H/J person who said that helmets were required in classes, and I was at a H/J show, NOT a saddleseat show.
Whatever...I won't spend another dime at their facility (the show is BIG time for them, fun/schooling for me!)
So, I had a conversation with the facility owner who said from now on, helmets will be required at all H/J shows in ALL classes. This is due to safety, insurance, and influence. He also said that helmets were required as part of the "attire" but said nothing of my flat saddle and my jeans. Go figure.
However, helmets are NOT required at their western gaming shows and exteme trail challenges.
The class I was in we trotted half way around the arena both ways. Gaming shows and trail challenges involve small cliffs, galloping, etc. but NOONE, even those under the age of 18, are required to wear a helmet. If you're under 18, you can sign a waiver.
So, I hope that I am not the only one who sees the hypocricy in this.
Any thoughts or opinions on why it's more important in one discipline and not the other?
BTW, both ASB3G and I have shown at this show in the past without a helmet and nothing was said. At that show, one of us was excused and the other didn't place. It wasn't an issue until this most recent show. Interesting, isn't it?