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  • From: Scot hansen <ScotHansen@horsethink.com>
  • To: msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: [MSAR] RE: hardhats vs. riding helmets
  • Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2005 09:45:36 -0400

[Deleted included digest of yesterday's entire list traffic. -Una]

An age old problem...comfort vs. protection. There are many things you
can use to protect your head but your decision needs to be based on some
facts about the issue. Once you think those through then you can wear
whatever your hearts desire to protect your head...after all it is your
head (specific rules for some jurisdictions will limit your choices).
The Cowboy hard hat has some serious draw backs mainly lack of
cushioning during a side impact, and the fact that a wide solid brim has
been shown to create neck injuries in a sideways or forward fall. That
is why most riding helmets have a brim that is very shallow, or one that
breaks away (attached with Velcro). The solid brim will act as a
leverage point against your neck and head.

The best solution would be for someone to make a "straw hat" type cover
to go over or inside of a riding helmet as someone already suggested.
Bottom line to your head protection is this....riding helmets,
motorcycle helmets, bicycle helmets, hockey helmets, hard hats etc. were
designed to specifically protect you for the type of sport/work you are
engaged in. Use what is appropriate and remember, if you have a ten
dollar head then get a ten dollar helmet, if you think your head is
worth more than that then spend the money to protect it.

For those that think the helmet is ugly and would rather wear a cowboy
hat, you are right... some of them are ugly, but so is a caved in skull
and death from coming off of a horse...I know because I've seen it first
hand.

Everyone gets to make choices, choose your head protection wisely.


Scot Hansen
www.horsethink.com




  • [MSAR] RE: hardhats vs. riding helmets, Scot hansen, 04/13/2005

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