Allison is the original trendsetter with her helmet during Dressage. Photo by Samantha Clark.
As we see 2012 draw to a close and the dawn of a new year has begun, we inevitably look back at all of our personal achievements and those of our community as a whole. While 2012 itself was a rather tumultuous ride for Eventers around the world, I think we can easily say that one community that has grown and expanded is that of helmet awareness. Riders4Helmets, specifically, has done a lot worldwide for the promotion of safe headgear while mounted at all times. While there is no doubt a large amount of those who prefer the old school top hats during dressage, you now see more and more riders wearing approved helmets with their tails.
This year, Riders4Helmets is dedicating their annual Equestrian Safety Awards to Dr. Craig Ferrell, who passed away in May of 2012. Dr. Ferrell was an integral part of the USEF Team and the Eventing community. He was the first place US Eventers turned for help in managing their own injuries and he helped countless riders get back to doing what they loved as quickly and safely as possible. To honor his dedication to the sport and to safety and wellness, the awards are officially the “2012 Craig Ferrell M.D. Equestrian Safety Awards”.
Riders4Helmets recognizes ten outstanding individuals who in 2012, either made a difference in the equestrian world through their tireless campaigning for rider safety, or who were exceptional role models for helmet wearing. Do you have someone you’d like to nominate for these awards? Good news, it’s easy as pie.
Equestrians can nominate any individual (nominees do not have to be a recognized name) with suggestions for a reason for nomination as follows:
- An individual who campaigned for any aspect of equestrian safety in 2012.
- An individual who was an exceptional role model for helmet wearing in 2012 (Professional Rider).
- An individual who was an exceptional role model for helmet wearing in 2012 (Non-Professional Rider).
- An individual who was an exceptional role model for equestrian safety in 2012 (non-helmet related)
To submit your nomination for those whom you believe deserve to be recognized with a 2012 Craig Ferrell M.D Equestrian Safety Award, please email [email protected], with the name of the individual whom your are nominating, their nationality and the reason for nomination. Nominations close on Saturday January 26th, 2013. After the close of nominations, the Riders4Helmets Advisory Board will determine the final winners, based on the number of nominations that the individual received and the reason for the nomination.
Perhaps we think Allison deserves an award for wearing her helmet at Rolex when nobody else thought it was fashionable? Or even Paul Tapner, for wearing his during Burghley this fall. If you have somebody in mind who you think fits the bill, get to nominating!
