Cob Jockey

Happy International Helmet Awareness Day (yesterday), everyone!

I wrote a post two years ago describing how IHAD reminds me that I was subject to some great parenting as a kid.  My mom is an equestrian too, and if I so much as sat on a horse bareback as a kid, I had to have a helmet on.  I joke that if I hadn't, I wouldn't have been allowed to pet a horse until I was 18.  Nevermind the fact that when she was riding, helmets didn't have chin straps and basically fell off with you if you fell.

My momma and I at Fox River Valley last month.

My own helmet, a Charles Owen Wellington Pro, I purchased when I was afraid for my life in jump class in the fall of 2009.  Nervous jumper, assigned a green freight train of a horse for class, and I had what I knew was the most disposable income I'd ever have in my life.  So I went all out.  I was also riding IHSA at the time, so that guided my helmet choice aesthetically.

Charles Owen Wellington Pro.  It does look good in the Dressage ring, I might keep it around just for Dressage tests even though it's expired.

I love the thing, it feels like a pillow sitting on my head.  The only thing I wish it had was a washable liner and a slightly cheaper price point.  So with this one expiring this fall (haven't had a fall in the five years I've owned it!) I planned for years on buying a new helmet on IHAD 2014.

Lots of research later, I bought...


The One K Defender Matte.  In large, because I have a big head I guess.  Reviews will be forthcoming!