I've ridden for 30+ years without a helmet. Then I started reading story after story about head injuries. I'm glad I did. I bought a helmet and started using it. I almost did not wear it that day because it was a simple trail ride..right?
While ponying a young horse on my seasoned well-trained mule, I cannot tell you what happened. Only that I woke up blind. I suffered a severe concussion. My sight came back by the grace of God. But.. without a helmet I would have most likely died. For real! Now its every ride every time for me!