Safety Urged as Queen Pictured Without Riding Hat

Source: BBC

11 May 2011

A photo released recently picturing the Queen and her two youngest grandchildren out on a ride has gained a lot of attention.

The photo shows the three aboard ponies, but the Queen is not wearing a riding helmet, while the two children are.

Concerned fans of the Queen note that safety helmets are an essential tool in reducing injury and even death in the event of an accident. However, Jane Butt of the British Equestrian Health and Safety Association claims that the Queen is "from the old school" and does not believe in wearing a helmet herself.

The Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) states that despite the Queen's personal decisions in regard to wearing a helmet, safety gear when aboard horses is very much essential. Rospa notes that there is indeed no law requiring the use of a safety helmet, and it is one's choice to do so, but it is strongly encouraged.

To read more about the photo and safety concerns regarding riding helmets, read the full article here.