About a month ago our Govenor and Lt Govenor were part of a "ground breaking" ceremony at a big construction site. Both are cowboys at heart, both were wearing cowboy hats. I'm not sure about the Govenor but in the newspaper photo the Lt Govenor was clearly wearing a cowboy hat helmet, complete with the chin strap, it wasn't hooked. You could see the dial at the back for fit.
It looked just like a cowboy hat should, not clunky at all.
Someone must know how to make a good one. All most all rodeo cowboys are wearing vests, it's not unusual to see protective head gear. I've seen several barrel racers in helmets too.
Don't wast your $$ on it. Thinking it may have been improved over the years, I sent for one. The hat is still cartoon huge, and the helmet inside runs very small. Returned it immediately.
From: Barbara McCrary <bigcreekranch@xxxxxxxxxxxx> To: Dyane Smith <sunibey@xxxxxxxxxxx>; Sisu West Ranch <ranch@xxxxxxxxxxx>; sandra <sandra.fretelliere@xxxxxxxxx>; ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 1:47:07 PM Subject: Re: [RC] Helmet ?
When Lud and I rode horse patrol in a state park, we wore helmets. I think they looked very smart and "in uniform". You don't see motorcycle policemen riding without helmets. It's just part of the uniform. A mounted posse would look different. I'm in favor of someone creating a western hat with a comfy helmet built in. Make it a fad, and lots of folks will use it. Making something a fad is almost a guarantee it will be worn.
A friend of mine volunteers for a big city posse. They do parades and other events and ride a lot on pavement, but they are considered "out of uniform" if they put on a helmet. Protecting the public, but not themselves.
"...Is that more a tendency to ride without an helmet on the west coast?..."
The macho image of the wild west cowboy is alive and well here in Montana. Lots of folk make all sorts of excuses, but it always comes down to "I am to macho, someone may think I am a sissy."
Ed
Ed & Wendy Hauser 2994 Mittower Road Victor, MT 59875
