Hats off to Jan Sturdivant
It worried Jan Sturdivant when she would see young riders on horseback with nothing but a cowboy hat, if that, to protect their head.
The Itta Bena horse lover and riding instructor then did something about it. She led a personal crusade to get the Mississippi State University Extension Service to mandate that those who participated in its 4-H programs would wear an equestrian safety helmet whenever they’re on a horse.
It took four years of persuasion, and the intervention of MSU President Mark Keenum, to make it happen, but it has. This commonsensical change is going to greatly reduce the chance of head injuries or even death for children in the 4-H program, should they fall or be kicked by a horse.
Reportedly there has been some pushback from young female riders and their parents who don’t think the helmets are visually a good complement to the rest of the riders’ western attire. Maybe not, but this is a case where safety has to take precedence over style.
Good for Sturdivant for pushing 4-H to keep its priorities straight.
Tim Kalich
Editor and Publisher Greenwood Commonwealth
