Pascale - I own both a bike and a horse. I will admit that I don't like wearing my bike helmet and many times, I don't, but I know I need to get better at it. I need to take the lessoned learned from the other folks that have experienced a fall. But I wanted to tell you, no matter what the weather or temp I ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS wear a helmet when riding my horse, you should too! They are crazy and you never know when a rabbit or some stupid leaf will scare them. Yes, I will also listen to my wisdom
I know, I've come off my mare a number of times. Mostly during lessons, LOL. It's just one of those things -- life is risky, some things are riskier than others. I was a zookeeper for 14 years, didn't wear a helmet there either (but yet knocked myself out silly at least once a year while trying to navigate exhibits). We're never going to eliminate all risk from life. It's a series of unpredictable events.

HOWEVER, I am committed to the biking helmet, if for no other reason than I do want to do some club rides and they are required. So don't worry, friends!

I'm glad you posted about the clipless pedals - I learned a lot from this thread!