How to Make a Cowboy Hat Helmet

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, head injuries are the number-one reason for hospital admissions among equestrians, and such injuries account for 60 percent of deaths in riding accidents. A well-fitting helmet -- one with ASTM-SEI certification -- is the sport's standard for mitigating the risk of head injury in the event of a fall, a kick or some similar mishap. However, such helmets are typically styled to complement English, not Western, riding disciplines. While manufacturers like Troxel create cowboy-styled riding helmets, you can adapt your own ASTM-SEI headwear to get that sagebrush look while retaining the helmet's safety properties.

Things You'll Need

  • ASTM-SEI helmet
  • Clean cloth
  • Western straw hat (one size larger than you usually wear)
  • Scissors
  • Adhesive of choice (optional)
  • 4 to 6 Velcro strips (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wipe any dirt or dust off your ASTM-SEI helmet.

    • 2

      Cut the chin straps off the Western hat using the scissors.

    • 3

      Fit the Western hat over the top of the helmet, with the front brim overlapping the brim of the helmet.

    • 4

      Adjust the Western hat until it sits even and upright on the helmet.

    • 5

      Slip the helmet onto your head. Secure the harness and assess the fit and the look.

    • 6

      Remove the helmet and the hat.

    • 7

      Brush or squeeze your adhesive of choice -- strong glue, rubber cement or synthetic polymer -- in narrow lines along the front, sides and back of the helmet.

    • 8

      Place the hat back onto the helmet. Apply light pressure to the adhesive-coated areas for about 30 seconds.

    • 9

      Let dry for at least one day.