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msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] Riding helmet / Western Hardhat Questions Not for HorsebackRiding

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  • From: "Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>
  • To: "Mounted search and rescue" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] Riding helmet / Western Hardhat Questions Not for HorsebackRiding
  • Date: Tue, 12 Apr 2005 23:51:23 -0700

English classes at local shows drop off in participation in the hotter summer days, but Western classes continue. The few local riders who wear vented riding helmets inform me that even with the cooler pack inside they consider it too hot to ride when we reach extreme summer heat. Yet the riders in traditional western straw hats continue to ride. This appears to be pretty consistent. But this certainly isn't a controlled science experiment, merely an observation of local behavior in one of the largest horse population regions of the country. ;)

But you have identified the key, Chris. The wide brim - or lack of one - can certainly make a difference in comfort both in the heat and in inclement weather. Someone like myself with a poor tolerance for extreme heat can stay comfortable much longer by wearing a hat with a wide brim. (The wide brim design comes from the historic Western attire and exists for a reason. <g> )

The neck coolers are a good contemporary version of the historic cowboy's damp bandana, but they don't last long in the extreme heat. I wet my bandanas down and toss them in the freezer for a while when I'm working around the place at home, or dunk them in water. Evaporative cooling. ;)

Jorene

----- Original Message ----- From: <pennbo@bbv.net>
As to heat with traditional helmets- one of those nice packs that has
the 'plastic type' nodules inside and swells up when wet fits nicely in
the inside top of most helmets. <G> They also make them rolled up in
bandana's for around the neck. Very nice and very necessary in very hot
weather. Also I know there is a foam type brim made to fit over a helmet
to give shade all around. I just have to find one as shade on my neck is
what I miss most from my helmet.

Chris Pennington
Big Bear Sheriff's Posse
MSAR





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