Shannon Myers thought it would never happen to her. Seven years ago, Myers, an equestrian from Keezletown, Virginia, was mounted on her Friesian, Owen. He walked a few steps, then tripped. “I jumped off and landed the wrong way,” Myers said. “I wasn’t wearing my helmet. I broke my back in four places. I also got a serious concussion. I always wore a helmet after that.” Wearing a helmet when riding a horse is like wearing a seat belt when in a car.