A rider knocked unconscious in a fall has credited her helmet for saving her life.
Stafforshire-based show rider Victoria Leavesley was schooling a pony at home on 6 January when he fell and landed on her.
She was knocked unconscious and had a seizure before being taken to hospital by ambulance.
“My hat is now broken and no use at all, but thankfully the MRI scan of my skull, brain and neck was clear,” Victoria said. “It has done its job and saved my life.”
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Thankfully Victoria escaped the fall without breaking any bones.
She was wearing a Gatehouse HS1 helmet.
“My injuries could have been much worse without a hat on,” she said.
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“I’ve nevet got on a horse without a hat. Safety is the utmost importance for me.
“Young riders want to fit in with everybody else, so it’s worrying when you see videos of people riding in caps.
“It’s very silly when people try to belittle [wearing hats] and think it’s not cool.”
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Victoria shared news of her fall on social media to promote hat safety.
“The response I’ve had has been amazing,” she said.
“I’ve had strangers completely supporting me and sharing their own stories — I feel really honoured.”
“The neurosurgeon thinks it will take me six months to fully recover. I’m taking each day as it comes.”
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
A spokesman for Gatehouse said the company wished Victoria a full and speedy recovery.
“Rider safety is obviously our key focus and we applaud Victoria for sharing her story and drawing attention to the far-reaching effects of a serious head trauma.
“We sincerely hope that it might convince others to follow her lead and always wear appropriate safety wear when riding a horse.
With such a wide choice of lightweight and comfortable riding helmets on the market, it is hard to think of an argument against protecting this vital part of our anatomy.”
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.
