For minors absolutely, for adults it is highly recommended. Many people today  seem to ignore the safety a helmet provides. Although there are good reasons why helmets should be worn even when handling horses from the ground, this answer will focus on when mounted.

Few argue that helmets should not be worn when rider may be in danger, the differences of opinion seem to be when one is "naturally" or "effectively" communicating with their horse. The same truths of physics still apply! First, there is a potential to fall off, even if it's felt to be a slim chance. Secondly, the horse still travels at speeds that will increase the negative consequences of falling from that height. And unless you ride in a padded room, you still run the likely hood of hitting hard objects.

So riders have come up with excuses as to why a helmet is not worn. Two of the most common are; 1) my horse is my friend and since we work in harmony and balance the helmet is unnecessary. 2) Helmets are too heavy, they restrict my freedom and balance and cause my neck to be sore.

To the first, we ask: When you get into a car with your best friend, do you say no thanks to wearing a seat belt? After all your friend has probably been driving way longer than your horse has been practicing with you on his/her back. No, you put on your seat belt since outside factors could affect the ability for your friend to drive safely today.

To the second the answer is; not the helmets of today. If you wear a cowboy hat or a ball cap, you can wear today's helmet, their light, their comfortable, and they allow air flow. And if your neck is to weak for either then we suggest strapping the helmet to your shoulders to provide stability for your noggin.

Seriously, the choice is yours, this isn't the only place helmets have been suggested to you but we hope that you will take another moment to reflect on why you aren't wearing one.

Classical Dressage focuses on the safety of both horse and rider, all safety equipment and tack should be used appropriately to protect horse and rider and all tack should be checked regularly and replaced if worn.