Top German dressage rider Isabell Werth says she will compete from now on in a safety helmet instead of a top hat.
 Isabell Werth says she will compete from now on in a safety helmet. |
"Horses are not pieces of sports equipment, but living beings. Since you never know if they might react differently under saddle then expected I decided to ride with a helmet from now on," Werth said.
Werth sported a gold-coloured Uvex safety helmet during competition in Frankfurt recently. The helmet was developed by Werth in collaboration with Uvex. "Uvex not only gave me a helmet but also my whole staff," she said.
"In Frankfurt people looked a bit surprised to see me with the helmet during the tests. But they are really fashionable.
"During my career I have seen so many bad accidents with head injuries that I think it makes absolute sense to ride with a helmet. As a mother I have a special responsibility. And also as a top athlete I can give a good example," Werth said.