Mounted search and rescue

[Una Smith <una.smith@att.net>]

Lois Guyon wrote:
>I have found that all helmets are very comfortable in the sun.

I second this.  And I am in New Mexico.

When not riding I typically wear a wide full brim hat to save
my neck and ears (especially my ears) from sunburn and other
consequences of too much exposure to UV radiation.

Rather than search the world for a riding helmet with such a
brim, I tuck a bandana under a standard schooling helmet
that has a standard snap-on visor.  The bandana makes a flap
covering my ears and neck.  Locally, most workmen who wear
hardhats have similar flaps on their hats;  these appear to
be a standard hardhat accessory.  They are not homebrew like
my bandana.

My helmet is a model SEI-certified as passing the relevant
ASTM testing standard.  That certification is important to
me.

In very hot weather, I wet the bandana flap:  in the dry New
Mexico climate, evaporative cooling is extremely effective.

        Una Smith