Mounted search and rescue

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

Several good reasons for not painting or applying adhesives
already have been mentioned here by others.

The paperwork that came with my schooling helmet said not to
paint or put stickers on the helmet.  Ditto for my bicycle
helmet, which ironically came with add-it-yourself adhesive
reflective tape and "custom fit" foam inserts.  Manufacturers
of mounted police gear do offer riding helmets with custom
paint and or adhesive logos, by special order.

By the way, the usual mounted posse uniform of boots with
heels, long pants, long sleeve shirt (typically a uniform
shirt), and a hat are for safety, not appearance.  In some
parts, gloves are required too.  All those dress details
are typical requirements for riders in rodeo parades and
grand entries.  Good coverage reduces your "strawberries"
if you and your horse do part company.

Riding helmets have come a long way, but they still are not
perfect.  In some special circumstances, and particularly
with some helmets that do not meet the ASTM standard, the
helmet may not decrease your risk of injury, or may even
increase it.  And, as this very thread has illustrated, the
limited brim available on most helmets may increase your
risk of sunburn and skin cancer.

I have had many conversations with native "western" riders
who won't wear a helmet.  Few (approaching none) would ride
without a hat.

        Una Smith
        New Mexico