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 Tried and True
Posts: 21185
   
Location: Where I am happiest | I'm not a helmet wearer ( Yet) so I dont fit your theory. Yes, I did use the term "Selfish" in this instance because the plea was publically made to the NFR contestant's to wear one. TWO charities! One is diamonds and Dirt doing the k9's for kids charity. To provide police dogs to our school's. The other was from Troxel who will donate 5 helmets to special needs kids for every contestant who does. Then Fallon is matching the $100 from diamonds and dirt for herself, and put it out there she would match diamonds and dirt for every other contestant as well. Thats $300 a round for k9's for kids! That computes to 75 helmets a round! So in this instance, yes, I find it shelfish they havent (YET anyways) done so at the very least for ONE night, for those charities. Of course it is a choice and I would never want to mandate to someone else what they do. I would just hope that some would think of how their choices not only effect themselves, but also their families, husbands, children, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and any spectators if they just happen to be at a race if/when the accident happens.
Edited by ThreeCorners 2014-12-12 2:19 PM
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Location: East of the Pecos | GLP - 2014-12-12 2:10 PM Bug Is Alive - 2014-12-12 2:07 PM GLP - 2014-12-12 1:58 PM hoofs_in_motion - 2014-12-12 1:47 PM GLP - 2014-12-12 1:46 PM I have to disagree with how hat wearers never say anything bad to helmut wearers. Just this weekend at a booth at the Convention Center in Las Vegas, I was told how ugly and stupid people who wear helmuts look and I was purchasing something from this guy. Yeah, I took a little offense to it, but hey to each their own is what I told the guy. He is entitled to his opinion and I to mine.  LOL! I should have.  Did you even read my post?! I said TO EACH THEIR OWN and HE IS ENTITLED TO HIS OPINION AND I TO MINE. Geez.
Sorry, was more pointing this out to the other posters who think no wearing a helmet is selfish. Didn't mean to single you out. I appreciate that you recognize personal choice without adding that it's a dangerous sport and you have to think of the repurcussions to your family, etc. I shouldn't have quoted your post to say that. | |
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 Thread Killer
Posts: 7543
| Bug Is Alive - 2014-12-12 2:54 PM
love2ridepre - 2014-12-12 1:41 PM "Just respectfully pointing out the other side. You see helmet wearers calling non helmet wearers selfish and having no confidence, but you don't see hat wearers saying anything derogatory about wearing a helmet because they understand it's a choice. Sorry some here don't get it." I fully respect your choice, I truly do. And yes, it is a personal choice, I get it. Although let's face it, every choice does have a consequence, good or bad. My choices will affect my family and my friends, that is just the way it is....every time we put a foot in the stir up with a taking a chance, what we do is dangerous and s**t happens! I do disagree with you when you say " you don't see hat wearers saying anything derogatory about wearing a helmet...." OH YES WE DO!!!
I have personally never seen anyone say something to a helmet wearer, and I respect everyone's choice to do what makes them feel comfortable. I think it's sad that anyone at all would say something derogatory about wearing a helmet, and all it shows is there are some sad people in the world, which we all know anyway. For some people, the only way they can feel self important is to put someone else down.
I agree that s**t happens, it's a part of life. For those who wear helmets, I say do it proudly, it's your choice, and don't worry about what others say. For those who choose to wear a hat, same thing, do what feels best for you personally, and don't worry about what others say.
This is all I have to say, it's sad that the hundreds of hat wearwers on here won't speak up and defend their choice, I was just presenting the other side in order to point out that the post about people who do not wear helmets are selfish, that was my only gripe. So, to those that missed it, there is definitely a post here that calls non helmet wearers selfish and worse. Go read it and you'll see it's the reason for my comments defending the untruth of that statement. Hard to get that point across for some reason. 
As a childfree person, I have heard the "you're selfish" thing more times than I can count, so I understand your frustration with the statement. I don't think that people who choose not to wear helmets are selfish. However, one of the reasons I do wear a helmet is to protect my loved ones (not just myself) from the heavy toll if TBIs. Sure, accidents happen and a helmet is no guarantee, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.And hat wearers most certainly do make abhorrent, snide remarks regarding helmets and helmet wearers. There are a few on this thread and FB is much, MUCH worse. Holy crap, Batman! Some people are truely awful. A few comments on the Woman's Pro Rodeo page made me want to build a rocket and leave the Earth to start a colony on Mars. People never cease to amaze me. | |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| Bug Is Alive - 2014-12-12 2:15 PM
GLP - 2014-12-12 2:10 PM Bug Is Alive - 2014-12-12 2:07 PM GLP - 2014-12-12 1:58 PM hoofs_in_motion - 2014-12-12 1:47 PM GLP - 2014-12-12 1:46 PM I have to disagree with how hat wearers never say anything bad to helmut wearers. Just this weekend at a booth at the Convention Center in Las Vegas, I was told how ugly and stupid people who wear helmuts look and I was purchasing something from this guy. Yeah, I took a little offense to it, but hey to each their own is what I told the guy. He is entitled to his opinion and I to mine. LOL! I should have. Did you even read my post?! I said TO EACH THEIR OWN and HE IS ENTITLED TO HIS OPINION AND I TO MINE. Geez.
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Tried and True
Posts: 21185
Location: Where I am happiest | ThreeCorners - 2014-12-12 2:13 PM I'm not a helmet wearer ( Yet) so I dont fit your theory. Yes, I did use the term "Selfish" in this instance because the plea was publically made to the NFR contestant's to wear one. TWO charities! One is diamonds and Dirt doing the k9's for kids charity. To provide police dogs to our school's. The other was from Troxel who will donate 5 helmets to special needs kids for every contestant who does. Then Fallon is matching the $100 from diamonds and dirt for herself, and put it out there she would match diamonds and dirt for every other contestant as well. Thats $300 a round for k9's for kids! That computes to 75 helmets a round! So in this instance, yes, I find it shelfish they havent (YET anyways) done so at the very least for ONE night, for those charities. Of course it is a choice and I would never want to mandate to someone else what they do. I would just hope that some would think of how their choices not only effect themselves, but also their families, husbands, children, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and any spectators if they just happen to be at a race if/when the accident happens.
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| I haven't read all the posts as they all sound like a broken record.
Yes helmets will reduce the risk of skull injury and may reduce some head trauma. But is not the be all to end all in safety.
Just like people wearing seatbelts, sometimes people still die in car crashes even though they were wearing the protection.
People saying not wearing a helmet is selfish, this makes me want to wear them less. As one can also say horses are a risk and it is selfish of us to ride horses and we should stop. Where will it end?
I haven't seen enough research on riding helmets and the efficiency of them during an injury.
I do know motorcycle helmets which are built way better and cyclists are instructed to purchase a new helmet after each minor crash. My brother used to compete and he was faithful with his helmet never dropped it, if his face hit the handle bars the helmet was retired.
I have asked the next question on all helmet posts and have never received an answer so this tells me people are living in denial are are not wearing their helmets or using them as they were intended to.
If your helmet drops off the horn, you drop it on the cement, throw it in the trailer, let it ride around loose in your trailer, hook it on your horn and when the horse shakes and it bangs the horn
Do you replace it?
The reason is all those minor injuries have now compromised the integrity of the helmet
Are there expiry dates on these helmets? They are made out of similar plastic that is in car seats and they all have expiry dates.
How often do you replace your helmet
Have you ever bought a used one? To me this should be illegal as no one can guarantee the structural integrity of the helmet, riding with that false sense of security would be worse then riding without a helmet.
Are you wearing anything under the helmet? This affects the fit and function therefore reduces the integrity of the helmet. Even a barrette under the helmet could actually exacerbate the injury I skull as the barrette cannot move.
If you get bucked off, are you replacing your helmet? You should as there could be damage done not visible to the naked eye.
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| I find if selfish charities are asking for contestants to do this.
We all know this is their main "bread" making for the year. These contestants need to be on top of their game, and helmets are not easy to get used to.
I have worn them in the past and I didn't like them, it throws the balance off, and the ones I wore actually impaired my peripheral vision.
You have no idea why the other contestants said no, so how can you call them selfish?
The contestants could be claustrophobic and panic with the clasp under the neck
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 Dr. Ruth
Posts: 9891
Location: Blissfully happy Giants fan!!! | I can answer some of your questions Cheryl. Yes, it is imperative to change your helmet and to keep it in a place where it won't get "wear" on it. My helmet is in a bag tucked where it can't get thrown around. I don't drop it, I don't abuse it, and I am very careful for it to get "concussed" itself. In my previous post I had a head injury and had just replaced my helmet. I had taken care of that helmet for about 6 years and we were told that year (by both the manufacturer and a doctor) that 6 years was too long. I should look at replacing at about every 3 years to be on the safe side. So I do now.
Also, you have to adjust to a helmet. I have raced in one my whole life. That makes a difference. You also have to know not all helmets are alike. There are definitely some out there that I really don't like. Kensington used to make a helmet. I wore that all growing up and I have yet to find a helmet I truly like more than I did those. You also need to make sure you get the right size, it is snug, and it doesn't move. Otherwise it is not a good fit and can cause more damage than good. And the chin strap needs to be a tad snug too. Fit is so crucial and making sure you get the right brand and fit for you is what makes or breaks it. For the new helmet I got this year, it took me 5 months to find the one I liked that fit me and would work for me.
Also, in regards to non-helmet wearers/"true western/cowboy" people not saying anything, that is not true. Two guys who rope, that go to my church, told me they couldn't believe I wasn't embarrassed to wear a helmet and it was causing my balance to be off. First of all, I have a great seat. Second, my balance would be off in a run if I didn't wear my helmet. Third, I made way more money on my horses this year than they did (besides the point but I was on a roll and not pleased). I told them they were ignorant if they thought that way. I rarely get upset but these two guys I knew well and they said it in front of some impressionable teenagers. I was NOT happy.
Edited by sassy&tessa 2014-12-12 2:37 PM
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 407
| cheryl makofka - 2014-12-12 2:21 PM
I haven't read all the posts as they all sound like a broken record.
********:-) yep! LOL
Yes helmets will reduce the risk of skull injury and may reduce some head trauma. But is not the be all to end all in safety.
Just like people wearing seatbelts, sometimes people still die in car crashes even though they were wearing the protection.
**** A lot of true on that, but seatbelts safe more lives than not. Same as helmets.
People saying not wearing a helmet is selfish, this makes me want to wear them less. As one can also say horses are a risk and it is selfish of us to ride horses and we should stop. Where will it end?
****I don't think this argument will end any time soon. It seems like western riding is big on tradition (I am new on the western world so I am only speaking based on my own observation). I am a helmet wearer, and I have to say... I would love to feel comfortable riding without one, and run barrels on my cowboy hat, but I've ridden with a helmet for too long and my confidence sometimes is attached to it LOL
I haven't seen enough research on riding helmets and the efficiency of them during an injury.
*******uhmmmmm....it is out there, really.
I do know motorcycle helmets which are built way better and cyclists are instructed to purchase a new helmet after each minor crash. My brother used to compete and he was faithful with his helmet never dropped it, if his face hit the handle bars the helmet was retired.
I have asked the next question on all helmet posts and have never received an answer so this tells me people are living in denial are are not wearing their helmets or using them as they were intended to.
If your helmet drops off the horn, you drop it on the cement, throw it in the trailer, let it ride around loose in your trailer, hook it on your horn and when the horse shakes and it bangs the horn
Do you replace it?
**** if my helmet shows any blemish, yes, I will replace it. Also, I am very careful with it and I never leave it in my truck in the summer.
Are there expiry dates on these helmets?
**** mine did come with a card with an expiration dates.
How often do you replace your helmet
******every two years or sooner
Have you ever bought a used one?
***** Never
Are you wearing anything under the helmet?
*****Nope, not even a barrette.
If you get bucked off, are you replacing your helmet? You should as there could be damage done not visible to the naked eye.
***** you bet I would
Anyways, I just wanted to answer your questions :-)
cheryl makofka - 2014-12-12 2:21 PM
I haven't read all the posts as they all sound like a broken record.
********:-) yep! LOL
Yes helmets will reduce the risk of skull injury and may reduce some head trauma. But is not the be all to end all in safety.
Just like people wearing seatbelts, sometimes people still die in car crashes even though they were wearing the protection.
**** A lot of true on that, but seatbelts safe more lives than not. Same as helmets.
People saying not wearing a helmet is selfish, this makes me want to wear them less. As one can also say horses are a risk and it is selfish of us to ride horses and we should stop. Where will it end?
****I don't think this argument will end any time soon. It seems like western riding is big on tradition (I am new on the western world so I am only speaking based on my own observation). I am a helmet wearer, and I have to say... I would love to feel comfortable riding without one, and run barrels on my cowboy hat, but I've ridden with a helmet for too long and my confidence sometimes is attached to it LOL
I haven't seen enough research on riding helmets and the efficiency of them during an injury.
*******uhmmmmm....it is out there, really.
I do know motorcycle helmets which are built way better and cyclists are instructed to purchase a new helmet after each minor crash. My brother used to compete and he was faithful with his helmet never dropped it, if his face hit the handle bars the helmet was retired.
I have asked the next question on all helmet posts and have never received an answer so this tells me people are living in denial are are not wearing their helmets or using them as they were intended to.
If your helmet drops off the horn, you drop it on the cement, throw it in the trailer, let it ride around loose in your trailer, hook it on your horn and when the horse shakes and it bangs the horn
Do you replace it?
**** if my helmet shows any blemish, yes, I will replace it. Also, I am very careful with it and I never leave it in my truck in the summer.
Are there expiry dates on these helmets?
**** mine did come with a card with an expiration dates.
How often do you replace your helmet
******every two years or sooner
Have you ever bought a used one?
***** Never
Are you wearing anything under the helmet?
*****Nope, not even a barrette.
If you get bucked off, are you replacing your helmet? You should as there could be damage done not visible to the naked eye.
***** you bet I would
Anyways, I just wanted to answer your questions :-)
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 Bulls Eye
Posts: 6443
Location: Oklahoma | I used to work for a tack store and we were trained extensively in helmet fit, etc. You need a helmet to be snug. They break down in the padding over time and will loosen up. When the helmet is on your head, you want about a finger width between your eyebrows and the helmet. When you go to lift the helmet straight up off your head, you want it to feel like it is making your raise your eyebrows. A helmet should be replaced every 3-5 years. If you take a fall, it is recommended that the helmet be replaced. Even if the helmet appears to be fine, there could be internal structural damage. Charles Owen helmets has a helmet replacement warranty. If you fall in the 1st year and need a helmet they'll take a percentage off the cost of a helmet, 2 years a percentage, and 3 years a percentage.
eta: because I grew up showing english, I have to have my hair in a hairnet when I have a helmet on. It's a personal preference. I also keep my helmet stored in a helmet bag and in the corner shelf in my trailer so it doesn't move around.
Edited by TwistedK 2014-12-12 2:58 PM
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| cheryl makofka - 2014-12-12 2:21 PM
I haven't read all the posts as they all sound like a broken record.
Yes helmets will reduce the risk of skull injury and may reduce some head trauma. But is not the be all to end all in safety.
Just like people wearing seatbelts, sometimes people still die in car crashes even though they were wearing the protection.
People saying not wearing a helmet is selfish, this makes me want to wear them less. As one can also say horses are a risk and it is selfish of us to ride horses and we should stop. Where will it end?
I haven't seen enough research on riding helmets and the efficiency of them during an injury.
I do know motorcycle helmets which are built way better and cyclists are instructed to purchase a new helmet after each minor crash. My brother used to compete and he was faithful with his helmet never dropped it, if his face hit the handle bars the helmet was retired.
I have asked the next question on all helmet posts and have never received an answer so this tells me people are living in denial are are not wearing their helmets or using them as they were intended to.
If your helmet drops off the horn, you drop it on the cement, throw it in the trailer, let it ride around loose in your trailer, hook it on your horn and when the horse shakes and it bangs the horn
Do you replace it?
The reason is all those minor injuries have now compromised the integrity of the helmet
Are there expiry dates on these helmets? They are made out of similar plastic that is in car seats and they all have expiry dates.
How often do you replace your helmet
Have you ever bought a used one? To me this should be illegal as no one can guarantee the structural integrity of the helmet, riding with that false sense of security would be worse then riding without a helmet.
Are you wearing anything under the helmet? This affects the fit and function therefore reduces the integrity of the helmet. Even a barrette under the helmet could actually exacerbate the injury I skull as the barrette cannot move.
If you get bucked off, are you replacing your helmet? You should as there could be damage done not visible to the naked eye.
I will try to answer a few of your questions from my limited knowledge.
After an accident, I have been told to get a new helmet whether it was damaged or not.
If I drop it on the cement then yes I will replace and not use it.
I don't let my helmet ride loose in my trailer or hook it on my saddle horn, nor throw it in my trailer. I keep it in my house.
I was told to replace it every 5 years or sooner.
I would never buy a used one.
I don't wear anything under it.
If I get bucked off you can bet I'll be replacing it.
I am returning to riding after more than 10 years of not riding at all. I have found the helmet has lessened my new anxiety and doesn't affect my balance at all.
I don't believe they can prevent all injuries to the head, but I think they give you a better chance of recovery. I don't believe it's my place to tell people they should be wearing them. I think we are all intelligent enough to make our own informed decisions.
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 Really Good Cook
Posts: 9901
Location: Cow tailin'. . . | Why I am wanting to comment on this post is beyond me. I haven't posted, much less frequented this site in a long time due to all the drama and the fact that reading posts only yields itself to non-productiveness. It is a choice and shouldn't make a hill of beans difference as to our opinions of who does or don't wear them and their opinion thereof. It is a choice but maybe we should make more of an effort for them to be part of our natural habits before it is mandated by governing entities that we have to wear them or else. It is a choice and we shouldn't be bashing anyone, one way or another. Personally, I do and do not agree with why FT is wearing the helmets. Great if it is to raise awareness. But I think my 14 y/o son said it best after watching the first round in which she wore a helmet as well as won the round. He looked at me and said, "If she is promoting safety, why ain't she wearing one during her victory lap." This kid don't give a rat's behind about barrel racing but don't think for a minute that these kids don't pay attention. It is insanely wonderful that she is promoting safety awareness for western sporting. However, in my honest opinion, if you are going to promote the wearing of riding helmets then do so the entire time you are horseback; not just on your competitive run but on your victory lap and any time you are seen in public horseback. Otherwise, you are sending conflicting messages and your behavior speaks louder than your words.In addition, as far as the personal choice goes; it has a lot to do with habits. The old timers; it will be harder to get them to wear them. The older the tree the stiffer with time. The younger the tree the easier to bend hence the reason Hitler wanted the children. We need someone to make it cool for the upcoming generations, hence we need FT. Children's habits are mostly established by the time they are ten. I have known older adults who received concussions barrel racing/riding when they were older adult. They were told they need to wear helmets because the next injury would kill them. They did for a while and then stopped. It boils down to habit and personal preference even though they know better.I, myself, should be wearing one as I have had multiple head injuries, enough bad enough to put me in the hospital comatose with a hoof print upside my head. Many others were just mild concussions. Other accidents should have knocked me senseless but only broke my neck, and thoracic spine. Even my nurse mother told me my face would be black the next day but it never turned. There are many others. In the comatose accident, folks told my parents that they should have just killed the ****ed horse, etc. My parents response was priceless and to the affect that I could break a leg just stepping out the front door, be hit head on by a drunk driver, or a million other things could take my life but that there was no reason to live in fear. Makes perfect sense to me. All that said; there is a month of my life from the comatose accident that I can never recover. And to know me, I don't appear to have residual issues. But can we ever.truly know. I do know that in things I have come across in general reading; there is still much they don't know about head injuries. From my reading, I have also gleaned that head injuries can cause multiple issues later on in life, not just physiologically. It can affect personality, etc. There are things about myself that ain't, necessarily, right as I think they should be and it is all areas affected as such as indicated in the reading I came across. I made my daughter wear one when she was learning to ride. In doing so, I didn't feel that I could expect her to wear one if I didn't. It was mostly until she got her balance and I probably should have made her continue to do so. It was mandatory if she wanted to learn to barrel race and get to do so. I am at fault for not enforcing it all the way through h.s. That was some years ago and we all know how teenagers can be. Thankfully, she never had any hard licks and is now grown and on her own. I do feel that much of my head injuries could have been prevented simply by better horsemanship skills and abilities. No, it won't prevent all of them but I was just turned loose on a horse with relatively little instruction that I can remember. Looking back through my life at what I remember about all off them but the one, they could have all been prevented. Bones heal, brains don't. Well, not like they should.Do I wear one? Nope. Personal choice, too busy, all the proverbial excuses. But I do know that the next lick to my head could be the last one.Though I am far from the best parent, I am far from the worst. As I get older, if I could go back, my kids would have worn one until they were of legal age and could legally make their own choices in regards to said topic. They are our children, gifted to us; let's teach them to prevent as many severe knocks to the noggin as possible with out fear of being rebuked by either side.It is unfair to either side to look down upon the other because of seemingly fanatical opinion that all should wear one or.those who refuse for whatever their reason may be. I applaud those who choose to wear. As stated, I should be but it is a personal choice based in habits, etc. It is also unfair to accuse those on the either side that are attacking others for their belief no matter how strongly they are voicing their opinion. Do I particularly have an opinion of FT. That is no one's business and should be kept to myself on a public forum. The same goes for whether or not I agree or disagree with why she is doing what she is doing because I really don't know the why's nor is it my business. I would just hope that it is for the right reasons and that she learns to correctly follow through with her bringing awareness to the concept. We need it.Fallon is accomplishing her goal in some ways. How do I know? It has folks all over the states talking about it and posting about it on forums such as this.A good amount of daylight has been wasted on something that isn't my circus nor do I have any monkeys in the fight. Now, back to my regularly scheduled programming. | |
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Veteran
Posts: 154
Location: Tennessee | Ugh I have kept myself from posting on FB and other threads through all of this Fallon talk just because I know "if you don't have anything nice to say then you shouldn't say it at all"..... but my goodness I feel like if I keep biting my tongue I think it will fall off!
I am NOT a Fallon Taylor fan, just like everyone else has someone they aren't a huge fan of. It doesn't mean that I wish bad on her, I just don't like the way she does business and I just feel like her morals are different than ALOT of other barrel racers that I highly respect.
The whole "helmet" wearing from her makes me chuckle just because of the fact that a couple of years back whenever she had posted about a young girl and her mother from Canada stealing a horse from her. The "buyers" retaliated and told "their" side of the story. Along with attached emails and text messages from Fallon Taylor herself to show all the "Fallon Fans" that were harassing them that ol' Fallon isn't the woman she likes to portray to the media/public. Anyway.....long story short Fallon tells this poor girl in an email I believe something to the extent of, "We sent you her papers! Strap your helmet on and get ready you champion barrel racer!! PS LEARN TO SPELL YOU HAVE NO CREDIBILITY! I WOULD B HAPPY TO HAUL THIS MARE ANYWHERE!"..... (these are HER EXACT WORDS!) Obviously poking fun at this girl for wearing a HELMET!!!!
If you would like the exact link to this convo you can PM me....(I searched for it on google just to make sure I was not spreading any words that were not true.)
No I don't wear a helmet, probably won't ever again since I had to when I was young and competing in the 4-H Horse Club. All I can remember is how uncomfortable they were.... I DO NOT shame people for wearing helmets, more power to you!!! And good for Fallon for trying to be a good role model for the younger generation, but my opinion is that it is just ANOTHER way for her to make $$$. And there is nothing wrong with that....I guess..... But for everyone on FB that keeps talking about all of the professional bull riders that wear helmets and barrel racers should too. My husband rode bulls professionally in the PBR for years, he has suffered multiple concussions and fractured his skulls. I promise you their helmets are WAY safer than the helmets that barrel racers wear. But there is NO comparison to getting slammed, smacked in the head, stepped on, or whatever else by a 1400 lb. bull and falling off of a barrel horse. To you I say, why do saddle bronc, bareback riders, and bull doggers, not wear helmets??? They know at the end of their ride they are coming off..... This is why it is a personal choice, to each their own! Do NOT force something on someone else just because you do NOT agree with it.
Shew.....I feel so much better getting that off my chest! Thank you....
Edited by S_W 2014-12-12 3:29 PM
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1182
Location: Do I hear Banjos? |
*Sigh*...I don't see folks on here trying to force anyone to do anything be it wear a helmet, not wear a helmet, belly dance, rollerskate, run with scissors...or whatever.
Do as you wish...enjoy life...carry on.
I don't pretend to have any personal knowledge or dealings with any of these highly accomplished ladies competing at the NFR. I do know I don't change so much as the type of sock I wear when competing. I want everything the same as I practiced it...the same as I had it that last time I ran and was successful. Maybe that's silly...but I wouldn't want to change a thing if I got to the finals. Maybe for the next season I'd try something new and practice with it. But most of us wouldn't make a change in gear at the big show I bet....not even a minor one if we could avoid it. I can totally get why those other athletes may not want to change headgear at such a critical time.
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 I Prefer to Live in Fantasy Land
Posts: 64864
Location: In the Hills of Texas | I wear a helmet because since an auto accident my balance is off and nothing is going to change that. Calling people Selfish is BS. In reality we could say everyone that participates in a sport where they could get hurt is being selfish...I feel a lot safer riding without a helmet on a horse then I do riding in a car without a seatbelt..LOL | |
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I Wanna Go Fast!!
Posts: 12556
| ThreeCorners - 2014-12-12 12:20 PM ThreeCorners - 2014-12-12 2:13 PM I'm not a helmet wearer ( Yet) so I dont fit your theory. Yes, I did use the term "Selfish" in this instance because the plea was publically made to the NFR contestant's to wear one. TWO charities! One is diamonds and Dirt doing the k9's for kids charity. To provide police dogs to our school's. The other was from Troxel who will donate 5 helmets to special needs kids for every contestant who does. Then Fallon is matching the $100 from diamonds and dirt for herself, and put it out there she would match diamonds and dirt for every other contestant as well. Thats $300 a round for k9's for kids! That computes to 75 helmets a round! So in this instance, yes, I find it shelfish they havent (YET anyways) done so at the very least for ONE night, for those charities. Of course it is a choice and I would never want to mandate to someone else what they do. I would just hope that some would think of how their choices not only effect themselves, but also their families, husbands, children, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and any spectators if they just happen to be at a race if/when the accident happens.
THIS ^ ^ ^
I don't care if anyone wheres one or not, but if there are charities that are saying they will donate if people wear one then I don't see why they don't. Other than maybe they aren't used to one and are afraid it'll affect their run? That's the only thing I can think of. I sure wish they'd all team up for just one round in support of charity. | |
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 Expert
Posts: 2097
Location: Deep South | ThreeCorners - 2014-12-12 2:13 PM
I'm not a helmet wearer ( Yet) so I dont fit your theory. Yes, I did use the term "Selfish" in this instance because the plea was publically made to the NFR contestant's to wear one. TWO charities! One is diamonds and Dirt doing the k9's for kids charity. To provide police dogs to our school's. The other was from Troxel who will donate 5 helmets to special needs kids for every contestant who does. Then Fallon is matching the $100 from diamonds and dirt for herself, and put it out there she would match diamonds and dirt for every other contestant as well. Thats $300 a round for k9's for kids! That computes to 75 helmets a round! So in this instance, yes, I find it shelfish they havent (YET anyways) done so at the very least for ONE night, for those charities. Of course it is a choice and I would never want to mandate to someone else what they do. I would just hope that some would think of how their choices not only effect themselves, but also their families, husbands, children, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and any spectators if they just happen to be at a race if/when the accident happens.
This bothers me....
These charities are advertising all this helmet stuff on FACEBOOK. Do you really think that all 15 qualifiers are sitting around reading every single NFR related status that has been posted over the past 8 days like we have? They are swamped with autograph signings, appearances, RODEOING, taking care of their horses, and only God knows what else. They don't all have a professional media team like Fallon does.
Even if they are aware that it's going on, who are we to judge how they choose to compete at the largest most important rodeo of the year? They have more important things to worry about. I couldn't imagine my FIRST run in a helmet being at the NFR! Finding one that fits perfectly snug, getting used to it, etc. That took a lot of guts for Fallon to do it. I for one wouldn't have risked it and can't blame anyone else for not wanting to either.
A lot of these barrel racers have their favorite charities they support throughout the year. I for one am not going to knock them just because they didn't make a big "to-do" out of supporting these two just because they were pressured to do so right in the middle of the NFR. | |
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Rad Dork
Posts: 5218
Location: Oklahoma | I wonder if some them wouldn't be able to change their headgear due to sponsorships? | |
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Tried and True
Posts: 21185
Location: Where I am happiest | Whoa....She point blank asked me if I thought it selfish if they didnt. I just fired off the first honest thought I had. Yes, to me, it seems like it but thats just my personal off the cuff thought and feelings when good charities are involved. I'm obviously not there and I never intended for this thread to get all your panties in a wad. I just wanted to give props to FT! I think what she's doing is awsome! All the little girls love her and if it changes a few peoples mind about wearing helmets then thats a GOOD THING! It at least pushed me to do it rather then talk about it. So YAY Fallon and YAY ME! So I would say it was a success.
Take it easy ladies it's all good. | |
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Tried and True
Posts: 21185
Location: Where I am happiest | Mary Walker hadnt been placing. She changed her bridle yesterday and WALLA, she placed in the round! Sometimes, change is a good thing! If it's not broke dont fix it but if it aint working, change something! Or if change will make it better, then by all means change something. Sort of off topic I know, but was just throwing that out there. lol | |
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