Re: riding clothes

[Horsestwo <Horsestwo@aol.com>]

Linda;
I started years ago, as many did, with a bicycle helmet.  Many used the hot
and heavy polo or hunt cap style.  Thankfully, Troxel and Lexington started
making lightweight, comfortable, affordable helmets.  My personal preference
is the Troxel EQ (I think that's the model).  It's got lots of air vents,
comes in white, and has add in wedges to customize fit.  The Lexington may
have all those features, I don't know.  The determining factor would be price;
check all the catalogues.  If you are already wearing something then getting
used to a helmet shouldn't be a problem.  Be sure to wear it low enough on
your forehead to do some good and make sure the strap under your chin is snug.
Also, it comes with a visor that is held on with Velcro so it can come off
during a spill.  There are stretchy big visors that fit over the helmet if you
need (I'd like one of those if anyone out there knows where to get it).

I'm not one to push for mandatory helmet wearing but I do feel STRONGLY about
the need to inform, cajole, pressure, shame, challenge those of you not
wearing a helmet every time you ride.  I ride in the desert SW and other than
matting my hair down I'm not bothered by my helmet.  If you're so vain as to
worry what your hair looks like you're probably not a serious endurance rider,
IMHO!  Who cares what their hair looks like when they're in the emergency
room?  I have taken several spills both off the horse and with the horse and I
know the helmet has done its job because I have had whiplash where my head had
bounced off the ground.  Troxel had a replacement service for the helmet: I
paid for shipping and handling.
It is also important to wear the helmet every time you ride because if you
knew when you were going to fall off you wouldn't ride that day!  You can
recover from the broken bones and contusions caused by a serious accident but
it takes only a little blow to the head to have deadly consequences.

As for the riding pants, the Australian Connection catalogue has custom fit
tights at a very reasonable rate of $50.  I've not tried them but they stand
by what they sell.  They also sell the O'Keaheys that I like.  Their # is 800
847-8521 to get a catalogue.  Good Luck.

Melanie in AZ