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Location: Missouri | Alright I've been riding for over 8 years now (I'm 14) and seriously competing in barrels at NBHA BBR and other local associations for over 4 and a half years, but have the direct rule that I have to wear a helmet. In no way am I saying wearing one is a bad thing, nor is it really embarrassing but more annoying. I only have to wear one when I run, but this year will mark the first year I'm going to commit to rodeoing rather than Jackpots. I would really like to trade in my helmet for a hat at the Rodeos never the less, but just can't see a way of convincing my parents to go along with my idea too. Yes, I know an accident could happen no matter how long I've been riding or how solid my horse is, but as many of you could relate, the helmet just isn't "appealing" to the rodeo world, even with Fallon Taylor's stand. Any Advice on convincing my parents would be appreciated! Thanks!  |
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The Advice Guru
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| Can't help you, your 14 yrs old, your parents know best, and if they allowed you to change to a hat and something happened they would never forgive themselves.
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 Take a Picture
Posts: 12837
 
| I started wearing a helmet when Red Man Bay fell on the concrete with Martha Joset at a rodeo in Austin. (About 8 years ago) I realized how absolutely important a helmet is when a good little rider had to be airlifted to a hospital near where I live. No one will ever know what happened to her as the horse came back to the barn without her. She did get better but I am not sure if she can dress herself. She can't drive and certainly will never ride again. This happened about 2 weeks before she was to start college. So very sad. I have had 2 riding accidents that resulted in bad concussions. I know how lucky I am. Fallon Taylor had a serious accident that resulted in a serious head injury and a broken neck. She wasn't wearing the helmet to encourage others to wear one. My suggestion is to find a helmet that you like-----mine is a Troxel Sierra which has leather on top and looks kind of western, get a neat helmet cover, or paint yours up like Fallon's.
One of the cutest helmet covers I have seen was made from a very stretchy ball that had these soft spikey things all over it. The girl's mom had sprayed it with neon paint. That was pretty neat
I forgot to add------do you know how hard it is to keep a western hat on your head????
Edited by streakysox 2014-12-30 12:40 AM
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Veteran
Posts: 170
| I think your best bet would be to find a helmet you like for the next four years, and then switch out to a hat. No amount of convincing will change your parents mind I'm sure. Barrel racing can be dangerous, and if all they ask is that you wear a helmet while you compete, it's best to just respect their wishes. I'm assuming by your age that your parents are probably your main source of financial stability and rides to the events... When you're pulling your own rig and writing your own checks, then you can make your own decisions. :)
Edited by MNcanchaser7 2014-12-30 7:47 AM
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  Ms. Marine
Posts: 4624
Location: Texas | I really think you would be better off sticking with a helmet. It's simply smarter to run in one. I never rode with a helmet before now that I became a mother, I most definitely will. Protecting my brain is much more important to me than fitting in or trying to satisfy others. |
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | I say stay with the helmet and wear a hat if you want to after your runs. Your helmet will save your life maybe one day. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2097
Location: Deep South | cheryl makofka - 2014-12-29 6:59 PM
Can't help you, your 14 yrs old, your parents know best, and if they allowed you to change to a hat and something happened they would never forgive themselves.
I completely agree with this.
Until you are 18, it is not your decision to make. |
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Member
Posts: 8
Location: Missouri | Thanks everyone for the feedback Will look into a new helmet that pleases me more and making a trade off of wearing a hat any other time while i'm not in the arena (warming up, walking out, etc.) |
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 Own It and Move On
Location: The edge of no where | barrelracer1414 - 2014-12-30 3:41 PM Thanks everyone for the feedback Will look into a new helmet that pleases me more and making a trade off of wearing a hat any other time while i'm not in the arena (warming up, walking out, etc. )
Good decision!!
They really are looking out for your best interest and you won't have to worry about a hat falling off.
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Ms. Marine
Posts: 4624
Location: Texas | barrelracer1414 - 2014-12-30 1:41 PM
Thanks everyone for the feedback Will look into a new helmet that pleases me more and making a trade off of wearing a hat any other time while i'm not in the arena (warming up, walking out, etc. )
 Very smart decision! |
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 Expert
Posts: 1938
Location: Somewhere way too hot | I started off with no helmet when I first started riding at 13. The faster I got (trotting) the more my parents worried and bought me a helmet. They always would say no helmet no riding. After a few falls and what could have been bad situations, i'm glad I wear my helmet. It doesn't bother me who's around or who I ride with. I would rather protect my brain then not. |
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 Don't Wanna Make This Awkward
Posts: 3106
Location: Texas | barrelracer1414 - 2014-12-30 3:41 PM Thanks everyone for the feedback Will look into a new helmet that pleases me more and making a trade off of wearing a hat any other time while i'm not in the arena (warming up, walking out, etc. )
Good decision! A helmet will be a blessing in desguise at rodeo's because those stupid hats come off so easy, they have to be so tight to stay on your head and if you think a helmet annoys you a hat will probably be even worse. I would always flip mine off as soon as I crossed the timer or alleyway whatever the rule was at the rodeo. This my personal opinion from someone who started riding with a helmet, then went to a hat, then back to a helmet. I like my tipperary helmet :) |
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 Sock eating dog owner
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Location: Where the pavement ends and the West begins Utah | I hear you. maybe a compromise. there are hard hats in the shape of a cowboy hat. You get to go western and still satisfy your parents. |
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Member
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| It really isn’t worth it at all. Even on my solid mare something can happen (dog get’s loose in arena, plastic bag etc) and even the very best horses will make mistakes. When you’re running barrels full out and you are totally commited even one little step to the side can cause you to go flying. Not to mention if your horse slips all the way down, you will most definitely fall off. And think about how hard it hurts if you bump your head on something, can you imagine bumping your head when your going up to 30 miles an hour?
Please, please PLEASE wear the helmet.
There are studies that mutiple brain injuries can lead to lasting depression and even sudden death (look at Ty Pozzobon).
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 Miss Laundry Misshap
Posts: 5271
| As a youth, I was also forced to wear a helmet. I gave up the helmet for a hat when I could. Got in a wreck, lost my confidence, and went back to the helmet. You need to find a helmet that is light and comfortable.
I now have an Ovation, and it's super light and I don't even hardly know it's there. My old Troxel was like wearing a watermelon on my head. It was heavy and cumbersome. Definitely worth the search to find a good lightweight comfortable one!
There is the western hat helmet. If you want a hybrid that looks semi like a hat. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 534
Location: Ohio girl moved to PA | I dont personally wear a helmet myself so im not going to preach to you about how much you should wear one but, when i was your age i would have worn a helmet every single day of my life if my parents would have let me rodeo, heck even have horses at that age. I dont come from a "horse family" so everything i have, i got on my own after i turned 18 and moved out. Its a small scarifice to make for your parents, especially after all they do for you. You wont realize how much it takes untill youre doing it all on your own, so be thankful! (not saying you arent)
Plus, helmets are growing more and more popular everyday! who cares what you look like!! theres a ton of girls in my area that rode and wear a helmet! Bling it out, customer paint, go crazy with it! make it yours and wear it proudly!!! |
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 Expert
Posts: 1273
Location: South Dakota | What about a Resistol Helmet Hat |
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| I don't wear a helmet but after trying my nieces new troxel, I might consider it. I just bought a new hat that I love so that keeps me but the helmet was way more comfortable than my hat! Which was never the case when I had to wear helmets as a kid. |
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Member
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| CAMequine - 2017-10-16 8:09 PM
It really isn’t worth it at all. Even on my solid mare something can happen (dog get’s loose in arena, plastic bag etc) and even the very best horses will make mistakes. When you’re running barrels full out and you are totally commited even one little step to the side can cause you to go flying. Not to mention if your horse slips all the way down, you will most definitely fall off. And think about how hard it hurts if you bump your head on something, can you imagine bumping your head when your going up to 30 miles an hour?
Please, please PLEASE wear the helmet.
There are studies that mutiple brain injuries can lead to lasting depression and even sudden death (look at Ty Pozzobon).
Oops I didn’t mean to say look at Ty Pozzobon.... |
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Member
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| CAMequine - 2017-10-18 8:53 AM
CAMequine - 2017-10-16 8:09 PM
It really isn’t worth it at all. Even on my solid mare something can happen (dog get’s loose in arena, plastic bag etc) and even the very best horses will make mistakes. When you’re running barrels full out and you are totally commited even one little step to the side can cause you to go flying. Not to mention if your horse slips all the way down, you will most definitely fall off. And think about how hard it hurts if you bump your head on something, can you imagine bumping your head when your going up to 30 miles an hour?
Please, please PLEASE wear the helmet.
There are studies that mutiple brain injuries can lead to lasting depression and even sudden death (look at Ty Pozzobon).
Oops I didn’t mean to say look at Ty Pozzobon....
But apparently I can’t edit it now so I’ll shut up now. |
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Member
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| I used to ride with a helmet for many many years. I did 4h and english (which required helmets) Now that I barrel race, If I feel like my horse is strong or that I am nervous I will run in a helmet. Other than that I always wear a hat! I must say that i LOVE it. just my opinion, but I do agree with using helmets. usually if its a bigger rodeo (like the perf or something) I will always wear a hat. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 545
Location: Texas | barrelracer1414 - 2014-12-29 5:56 PM Alright I've been riding for over 8 years now (I'm 14 ) and seriously competing in barrels at NBHA BBR and other local associations for over 4 and a half years, but have the direct rule that I have to wear a helmet. In no way am I saying wearing one is a bad thing, nor is it really embarrassing but more annoying. I only have to wear one when I run, but this year will mark the first year I'm going to commit to rodeoing rather than Jackpots. I would really like to trade in my helmet for a hat at the Rodeos never the less, but just can't see a way of convincing my parents to go along with my idea too. Yes, I know an accident could happen no matter how long I've been riding or how solid my horse is, but as many of you could relate, the helmet just isn't "appealing" to the rodeo world, even with Fallon Taylor's stand. Any Advice on convincing my parents would be appreciated! Thanks!
Get a Resitol Ride Safe, it looks like a felt hat but is a helmet. My niece has one and loves how it feels and it really is hard to tell it's not a hat. |
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 Maine-iac
Posts: 3334
Location: Got Lobsta? | I watched a young girl ride over the years with a helmet on. She too couldn't wait till she was old enough to wear a hat. The day she turned 18 she came to a barrel clinic. I remember watching her just walk her horse around, next thing I know he's up in the air and she fell off and hit her head. Knocked her right out! Scared me and others half to death. She had this horse for 8 years and NEVER ever had a problem. Anything can happen. I wear a helmet now and have a RideSafe I'm selling as I'm so used to the plain helmet. Glad you are sticking with saftey! |
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 Expert
Posts: 1514
Location: Up North in Minnesnowta. | When my husband rode bulls, his parents made him wear a helmet before he was 18. He couldn't wait until he turned 18 to start wearing a hat. Wore a hat for about 6 months until he saw his best friend get his head stepped on for the 2nd time. Went back to the helmet and used it until he quit riding. I have never worn a helmet but I think I'm going to start. It just makes sense and I have 2 kids, now. I would hate for something to happen that could've been avoided wearing a helmet. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
| Everybody has a right to wear what they want, so I don't preach.. I wear a helmet because I'm thinking not only of my own safety - but I'm also thinking of those that would have to take care of me if something happened that could have been prevented/minimized. |
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 Dancing in my Mind
Posts: 3062
Location: Eastern OH but my heart is in WV | I am not sure where you are from but we live in Ohio and my daughter is a member of the OH HS Rodeo Assoc. and I can say with certainty that helmets are a very COMMON sight. They are not required but I would say will over half wear them in the arena when barrel racing or pole bending. Several of our girls even wear them for grand entry and goat tying. We have joint rodeos with Indiana and WVa (which is a large 6 state rodeo event) and it is not just an Ohio thing. I honestly think you will be surprised by how many rodeo teens wear them. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1395
Location: Missouri | MNcanchaser7 - 2014-12-30 7:46 AM
I think your best bet would be to find a helmet you like for the next four years, and then switch out to a hat. No amount of convincing will change your parents mind I'm sure. Barrel racing can be dangerous, and if all they ask is that you wear a helmet while you compete, it's best to just respect their wishes. I'm assuming by your age that your parents are probably your main source of financial stability and rides to the events... When you're pulling your own rig and writing your own checks, then you can make your own decisions. :)
You're not going to like this answer, but I agree with MNcanchaser here. This may sound really straight forward, but I promise I don't mean it to sound harsh, just coming from a parent's perspective here... :) My little girl is 4. When she does barrel race when she gets older, she WILL wear a helmet. No helmet, no horse, no run. I myself wear a helmet by choice, and until she's 18 and paying her own way, she will play by my rules. When she's 18, she can choose for herself. No amount of begging, pleading, or convincing on her part will change my mind. She can choose not to wear it I guess, and then I'll choose not to put her horse in my rig that day. :) I had an accident when I was about 16 and my mom didn't make me wear a helmet. I'm danged lucky I didn't get hurt.
I know 4 years seems like a really long time, but I promise you, it's not. I'd say it's best to respect your parents here. They really only are doing it because they care about you. If they let you take that helmet off when that's where their convictions lie, and something happened to you, they'd never forgive themselves.
Again, I don't want that to sound harsh. I know it sucks sometimes feeling different. But, the time will go by fast (I promise) and then you'll get to decide for yourself.  |
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Veteran
Posts: 150
| I’d prefer not to think bull riders are smarter than us barrel racers! |
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Miracle in the Making
Posts: 4013
| barrelracer1414 - 2014-12-30 4:41 PM Thanks everyone for the feedback  Will look into a new helmet that pleases me more and making a trade off of wearing a hat any other time while i'm not in the arena (warming up, walking out, etc.)
fyi look at race horse jockey's they wear helments and they are the best look at hunters. also a hat fly off 25.00 or 50 plus fine helment not happening you get a good helment you do not know its there . i wore 1 at track. i put it on @5am first horse it did not come off till after 10am in the morning same at night but it fit. personally i thinkl those troxel and others are butt ugly. look at race horse jocky helment they are more expensive but the fit better too. |
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Trading in the Helmet for the Hat