Elise Backinger, Salida, Colorado.

Riding résumé: Upon moving to Salida eight years ago, Backinger rediscovered her equine passion, and now at 71 enjoys trail riding throughout Colorado’s majestic countryside with her 20-year-old Quarter Horse gelding Pep and her dog Charley. While living in Northern California as a young adult, Backinger began her riding career in dressage. “I feel so fortunate to have had such classic early training,” she says. “More than 30 years later when I got back on a horse, I felt completely at ease.” Why she rides safe: “When I started riding again, I was surprised that so many riders wore helmets. And I thought that seemed like a really good idea.” During her break from riding, Backinger suffered a severe concussion and brain bleeding in a car accident. “I experienced a lot of memory gaps, confusion, and terrible headaches,” she recalls. “I knew the consequences of a head injury, so the idea of wearing a helmet when I ride seemed like a great idea. I’d never get on a horse without one.” Helmet advice: “Go to a store where you can actually try on a lot of different helmets,” she advises. “Even if you have to drive a little. You have to find a helmet that works for your head shape and is comfortable so you’ll wear it consistently. I keep an extra helmet stashed in my truck just in case I accidentally leave my regular one at home. And while on the trail, I always keep a card taped inside my helmet with my name and emergency contact information.” Western-wear trick: “Because there’s a lot of sun here in Colorado with our high altitude, I found an attachable, extended visor for my helmet. It’s perfect for full sun protection, but I also discovered it makes your helmet look like a Western hat.”