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Member
Posts: 28
| I grew up riding in a helmet but I absolutely hated it. At the time I was the only one who wore a helmet at my ranch, which was also the case at most races. When I went to races I always felt like the odd one out, and that people would think of me differently (insecure pre-teen years). Which did happen often times, more so with people who were my age. "Oh look at that girl wearing a helmet." "She probably sucks." "Looks like she just came out of a gymkhana." Were some of the many things I heard, which was very disheartening for someone at a young age. I would constantly bug my parents to let me off the hook. "Please, what's the worse that could happen?" Well, anything could really happen in a blink of an eye. Of course I was too foolish to listen to my parent's reasons. A few years later my parents let me wean off having to wear a helmet. I was SO happy. Finally the stigma of wearing a helmet was over.
Over the years I've seen a handful of wrecks, in most of these accidents horse and rider walked away unharmed, but others were not so lucky. Now that I'm at an age where I make my own judgement calls and decisions. I've decided that it's time to once again become a helmet head. I can't even remember the last time I wore a helmet, but I think its time to start wearing one sooner rather than later.
What I don't understand is, why is there so much hate for one who is being wise and protecting their head from trauma? I often find this is the reason why people don't make that bold move to wear a helmet. If you don't agree with it, then keep to yourself.
This is a decision we made not yours. #HelmetTough
Now...can anyone recommend me a good helmet? :) |
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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
  
| I will be the first to admit, I automatically judged people wearing a helmet as a teenager. I didnt even do it intentionally but I always linked helmets to inexperienced riders probably because I wore one as a child and figured it was because I was inexperienced. Although I was never one to make comments outloud about anyone, it was something I thought to myself which i feel like more people need to practice doing (keeping things to themselves).
However, I do think that that stigma is fading... and I dont think that way like I did as a teen. Helmets are becoming more and more popular. I think its great too! My niece wears a helmet (10) and she will until she is 18 as long as shes riding my horse. As an adult, she can make up her own mind.
I dont wear one and I should. I really hate anything on my head when riding... hats or helmets. |
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 No Name Nancy
Posts: 2715
Location: never in the right place | I have a Tipperary and like it alot. Fallon has Troxels, I am sure they must sponsor her, do something cool to it. I grew up where only English riders wore helmets, but at a barrel race one time a very experienced horse/rider combo slipped on the 3rd barrel and the rider almost hit her head and right then I decided to start wearing one. I will admit I wore it sporadically until I got a new horse and then wore it constantly. I am now back to riding my old horse and I still wear the helmet all the time. My head is worth more to me than their opinions. |
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  Whack and Roll
Posts: 6342
 
Location: NE Texas | I have a matte grey ovation schooler that has been on my head one time that I will make someone a good deal on. I bought it bc I thought it would be cooler than my charles owen, which it is, but just doesn't fit as well as my CO does. |
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | I will never ever ever understand the stigma. I grew up riding english. The discipline where LITERALLY EVERYONE wears helmets. I've always found Troxels comfy but ugly as sin. Although Fallon's line is pretty sweet looking. If you're willing to splurge a little more One K's have fantastic reviews. |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| I believe helmets are a good decision, but I don't believe the majority of helmet wearers are properly caring for the helmet, therefore have compromised the integrity of the helmet.
Any helmet is only good for one hit, even as small as that hit, ie dropping off the saddle horn and hitting the cement, that is considered a hit and the helmet should be discarded.
People should not be buying used helmets, as no one can guarantee the care it had before you bought it, which is giving the second or third owner a false sense of security.
These helmets should also have an expiration date, such as car seats, can anyone tell me if they do. This is because the materials get weaker with age, are people looking at these dates? Or how often are helmet wearers getting a new helmet? |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1182
Location: Do I hear Banjos? |
I have both a Tipperary Sportage...and a Troxel Low Profile Dakota. I like them both a great deal. It's hot and muggy here in the summer and they are pretty darn well ventilated and light. The Tipperary is about to be retired due to age. the manufacturers do make recommendations on that and some will give you credit towards a new one when it's time if you have the old one.
Most do have a manufactured date in them or in/on the box when they arrive. Plastics degrade and become more brittle due to age, UV exposure and just general banging around and poor care. Mine lives in the house in a hat carrier when not in use. I wear it every ride.
Now...I didn't used to wear it when I was actively barrel racing or running in drill. It just wasn't part of the "uniform". And I didn't think much about it. I started competing in NATRC distance ctr and there it is far more the norm to wear a helmet. It is required for junior riders (affects our event insurance). I decided it was a good idea to start wearing one. Miles and miles over rocks and challenging terrain...yeah...it's a good idea. But I wear it now in the arena as well. Metal cans and pipe aren't soft and neither are horse hooves.
Some folks just react negatively because they don't want us "helmet folks" pushing our beliefs on them or telling them how to dress/ride. And I get that. I don't say anything about a helmet unless they ask about mine. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 320
Location: Dubuque,IA | In the January issue of BHN there is an ad for a new helmet that looks like a western hat that is supposed to be coming out in 2016 that resistol has developed |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| I started wearing a helmet a few months ago. I have not experienced any negative behavior but then I am not one to take notice or pay attention to that. My 25 year old daughter wears one too. She told me on the way home she heard some teenage girls giggling about her helmet, saying she probably was a newbie, etc. she had a smoking run, was 20th out of 420 runners at a very tough race. As she was leaving the arena the girls did compliment her on her run so maybe she helped break some stereotypes. We have an ovation and a Tipperary, I like both of them. |
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Expert
Posts: 1543
Location: MI | I wear one, I think it's a Troxel, the Rebel. My 6yo daughter picked it out for me, and for that reason it's the coolest helmet ever - I can tell you I match all the young kids whose moms make them wear helmets! My oldest daughter has an Ovation, my middle and younger son and daughter have Troxels.
I never wore one when younger, but I've grown partial to my head and love my family - I make my kids wear them and won't hesitate to wear one to be a good role model for them. That's my excuse :), but the reality is I now feel more confident when riding my 5yo that is moderately unpredictable! |
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 Member
Posts: 36
Location: BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA | I started wearing a helmet 1 year ago after riding for 32 years without one. I want to be a good roll model to my young niece and nephew who wear helmets when they ride. I also realize we only get one head and one brain and I like mine just the way they are.
I actually make better runs with my helmet because I am no longer being distracted by a cowboy hat flying off or sliding around. I have a Troxel Rebel and its very comfortable.
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 512
| I also wear a tippery and love it! I started wearing one after I received a concussion on a young horse. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1631
Location: Somewhere around here | raisinrox - 2016-01-06 3:01 PM
In the January issue of BHN there is an ad for a new helmet that looks like a western hat that is supposed to be coming out in 2016 that resistol has developed
Here's a link!
http://trailridermag.com/article/resistol-launches-westernstyle-saf... |
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No Name Nancy
Posts: 2715
Location: never in the right place | to all who have kids wearing helmets please make sure they are tight enough (pet peeve of mine)> what good will it do if it doesn't fit right. I see too many kids here where the helmets are sliding forward and they can't see. that sucker will come right off when it is needed the most.
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 Maine-iac
Posts: 3334
Location: Got Lobsta? | cecollins0811 - 2016-01-07 7:29 AM raisinrox - 2016-01-06 3:01 PM In the January issue of BHN there is an ad for a new helmet that looks like a western hat that is supposed to be coming out in 2016 that resistol has developed Here's a link! http://trailridermag.com/article/resistol-launches-westernstyle-saf...
I was picturing the ones from years ago that made it look like you had a HUGE hat on your head! Those look pretty nice! |
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Maine-iac
Posts: 3334
Location: Got Lobsta? | Here is another link with Resistol president introducting it at the NFR. http://ridesafe.myshopify.com/ |
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 Zeal Queen
Posts: 3826
Location: TEXAS | Why are riding helmets and bike helmets different? |
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 Expert
Posts: 1286
Location: Mississippi | I use a Tipperary Sportage and it's very comfortable and doesn't really stand out (at least I feel like it doesn't). I think helmets are starting to become much more popular so they aren't looked down upon as they probably have been in years past. And honestly most people are more worried about themselves at a race to even notice what others are wearing. I tried on a Troxel at Fallons booth during Cowboy Christmas and liked it so much that I placed an order for one when I got home. It doesn't come out until February so I can't say yet how I will really like it. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 929
| I also grew up riding English where everyone wore one. Having come off my horse at some rather large jumps I am lucky to have had it! When I swithed to barrel racing I was surprised that more people didn't wear them, as barrel racing is a speed event and I have seen plenty of wrecks. I also didn't wear one because it didn't "make" the outfit, while it was the norm in jumpers.
Now I have a 3 year old colt with some pretty fancy (fast) moves on him that include sideways and the rear end up in the air, so I have gone back to a helmet. Maybe I will invest in an eventing Air Vest as well. LOL  |
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 I hate cooking and cleaning
Posts: 3314
Location: Jersey Girl | Just remember you are riding for yourself and not the others. I have been barrel racing in a helmet for 3 or 4 yrs. I am noticing that slowly there are more people of all ages wearing helmets.
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