Mounted search and rescue

["Jorene Downs" <Jorene@CEOates.com>]

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