The Importance of Wearing Helmets Every Time You Ride Editor’s note: Readers of the Mid-South Horse Review have asked us to convey this story to emphasize the importance of wearing an ASTM approved helmet every time you ride. Following is Jordan’s Grandmother’s account of the accident. On September 23, 2010 Jordan Rice tacked up her horse Jazz and walked him to her scheduled lesson at Shoestring Stables in Eads, TN. Her grandfather Roger was talking to her trainer Trena, but within 2 minutes Jazz came back into the barn headed straight for them. Roger found Jordon on the ground unconscious. Both her trainer and grandfather tried to get Jordan to regain consciousness with no success. Fellow rider Kayleigh Bursi called 911 and the ambulance arrived within ten minutes. Jordon was placed on a stretcher board with a neck brace and restraints, then air lifted to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN. At the hospital, a CT scan revealed bleeding in the fluid parts of Jordon’s brain, but there were no broken bones. Her case was critical and she was sent to the ICU, where she was monitored 24 hours a day. The doctor said that if she had not been wearing her helmet, we would not be talking about her in the present tense. Jordan was wearing a Troxel helmet, despite which she was unconscious for two days, although able to breathe on her own. At a Barrel Race at USA Stadium in Millington on September 25, the participants and spectators all said a prayer for Jordan at approximately 2:00 p.m. At about 3:15 p.m. Jordan regained consciousness and let out her first word, “Papa.” The family sent everyone at USA Stadium the good news! When the announcement was made there were roaring cheers, whistles, clapping, and hugs for the family. That moment was so special to us and to this day, it still comforts our hearts. Jordan was allowed to come home the following Wednesday. Jordan has some short-term memory loss, but in the weeks that followed, she has regained her total memory except for what actually happened that fateful day. Jordan can’t ride her horses until early December,but she is anxious to return to horseback riding. So in the meantime, she is doing groundwork under the guidance of her trainers. Jordan’s family is grateful for the enormous love the equine community has shown to them. Their message to the equine community is: PARENTS: PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR CHILDREN WEAR HELMETS WHEN RIDING! Fundraiser Jordan’s friends at Carahills I are hosting a benefit dance for her on November 26 from 6 pm to 10 pm. There will be dinner and an auction (both silent and live). “We are looking for donations to the auction,” wrote Wendy Caen, organizer. “My daughter and Jordan both starting riding together at an English barn years ago. Helmet safety was always practiced and everybody wore one. When we started barrel racing, I was surprised to see so many riders without helmets! In fact, it is rare to see a kid wearing one in the western world. Our hope is to reach kids in the western world and make a difference for their health and safety. My daughter started a Wear Your Helmet Pledge on her web site, www.ziongirl.com in honor of Jordan.” For more information about the dance and auction, call Wendy at (901) 758-1077 or (901) 331-2226.