Asking Cowboys to Wear Helmets: Not as Easy as it Sounds
The first weekend in May, the Troxel crew headed up to Norco, CA for the filming of RFD-TV's Best of America by Horseback Grand Tour 2011. Troxel doesn't often sponsor events, but we jumped at this opportunity for two reasons:
1.) Norco was the first city in California to pass a helmet law in 2008, requiring all riders under 18 to wear certified helmet every time they ride a horse, and
2.) "Horsetown USA," a city with horse trails instead of sidewalks, is true cowboy country. Horses walk up Sixth Street regularly, through the fast-food drive-thrus and exist in harmony with the "horseless carriages" that are still present in this equine utopia.
We thought this would be a great way to thank the City of Norco for their commitment to helmets and show the rest of the cowboys who live there what Troxel has to offer. Before riders embarked on the first day of their trail riding adventure, our marketing team- Dustin and Karisa, stood up in front of a sea of cowboy hats at the rider safety meeting and asked them to take off their cowboy hats--not for the national anthem, but for the whole ride. We announced that we brought a truck full of our most popular trail helmets, and the first 20 riders that come over to our booth and traded their cowboy hat in for a helmet get to keep the helmet for free!
We explained that we understand their reluctance to wear helmets in a culture that cherishes the tradition of wearing a cowboy hat. We went on to explain that we also open letters every single day from riders thanking Troxel for saving their lives or the life of someone they knew, but we also receive letters that will just break your heart right in half, the ones from those wishing their loved ones had worn a helmet. Every single testimonial and letter confirms our passionate stance about raising helmet awareness.
We then held our breath until riders started approvingly nodding their heads and clapping. They didn't just clap-more than 20 riders came over to the Troxel booth and tried on helmets, many of them for the very first time. We even got the Mayor Berwin Hanna to wear a helmet!
Troxel's Vice President Dustin Toucton, fitting a rider in a new helmet.
Trainer Ray Ariss of Starbright Riding Academy in Norco traded his hat. "This is the first time I've worn a helmet in 52 years", he said. "It feels a lot better than I thought, I really like the helmet and I'm going to try to make an example of it. I've got 6 kids and a wife who all wear helmets, but I have never had one for me." Watch the video below:
Riders were surprised to hear Troxel was not only the first to develop an ASTM approved equestrian helmet, we are also the first company design certified helmets for western riders.
We were honored not only to sponsor the trail ride, but more importantly to reach out to the community and help more riders to wear helmets.
The people of Norco were incredibly kind, welcoming, and open to the idea of change.
To see more photos of the events click HERE
Read more about the event from THE PRESS-ENTERPRISE: Equestrian TV Host Calls Norco the Real Deal
How to do you feel about Western riders trading in their hats for helmets? Please comment below!
Comments
Shelley Mitchell, about 1 year ago
Good for them! It takes guts to 'buck the tradition', but apparently these riders have brains worth saving!!!! Yeah, cowboys!!!
Kathy Thistlethwaite, about 1 year ago
Thank you, Troxell! It was great to see our mayor riding with his helmet. Helmet hair - it's the new black. ;) Thanks again for sponsoring this event and continuing to provide an excellent product to the horse community.
Donna Lindahl, about 1 year ago
OK - I've checked it out - you DID make a cowboy helmet. Helmet was good for big men, but looked too big for most women. Also was black hot felt. DONT GIVE UP! The need and WANT is still there!!! I've been checking the internet - people WANT a cowboy helmet. Computers used to be huge - today what used to fill a room now fits inside a cell phone! With today's technology, materiels, manufacturing, etc...there HAS TO BE A WAY to make a cowboy helmet that will look good on us scrany women! My favorite cowboy hat is a fancy straw hat - cool, lightweight, durable and looks really good. Straw is lighter and smaller than felt...and can be just as fancy/classy. That's a start! Between space age materiels and today's technology I believe you Troxel folks CAN make a cowboy helmet happen. Thomas Edison, when inventing the light bulb, found out HUNDREDS of ways it didn't work before he hit on the winner. Don't give up! What can I do to help?? I'm pushing 60 and still training horses...I think its time I go the helmet route. I'll break down and get your $29.99 helmet....but....I can't wear it at shows! THanks...keep up the good work!!!!!
Sharon Shepherd, about 1 year ago
I a a 67 year old broad and I will soon be buying my first ever helmet. I am too old to have my brains scrambled because I haven't got the good (?) sense to quit getting on a horse.
Jim Sills, about 1 year ago
Been riding western 22 years and never got dumped off a horse--until last week,off our paint! Rein/bit issues sent Maggie back in a circle and she tried to sit down and roll at the same time. I am tossed off backwards, onto my back. Heard a loud c-r-a-c-k. Lay still for a few moments as my wife dismounted and ran to see what happened! (She said it looked like a rodeo scene.) I got up, no broken bones, a few scratches and sore spots--and a BIG crack from the back bottom of my helmet to the top center. I have always worn a helmet for skiing, biking and horses--and it paid off. It only has to pay off ONCE to be worth it! I replaced my International today with a Troxel and will continue my hard hat riding at age 66+.
Julia, 11 months ago
Does anyone know where I might obtain a Troxel Western hat (cowboy hat style) helmet = in a size large? I know it has been discontinued but I still want one.
Teresa Spencer, 11 months ago
Thanks Troxel - I love my helmet.
That's me in the Picture :)
Troxel, 11 months ago
Dear Julia,
Thank you for your message about obtaining a Troxel Western hat/helmet. Unfortunately these have been discontinued and are no longer available. We had trouble gaining acceptance with these and also with some fit issues.
If you are in need of a Western hat that is very comfortable, I highly recommend Troxel's Rowdy helmet. Very lightweight, stylish and it comes in hat sizes! Check it out here: http://www.troxelhelmets.com/products/cheyenne-rowdy
Thank you for your support in Troxel helmets!
Ride Safe, Troxel
Val Sutera, 11 months ago
I have a Troxel Sierra helmet which has changed color from tan to lavender due to riding in the Arizona sun. Is there anything I can do to prevent this happening to my next helmet? Otherwise, I love this helmet.
Troxel, 11 months ago
Val,
Thanks for the post! This was an issue we experienced with one batch of orders. We have fixed the problem. Please call our customer service dept. and they will exchange it out for you: 800-288-4280.
Thanks for your support in Troxel helmets!
-The Troxel Crew
Brian Marshall, 11 months ago
I am sure that I speak for most oldtime horse folks when I say that I am sure that there is a time to wear helmets. Problem is that there is a state of mind that comes with knowing horses and dealing with them. It would be irrisponsible for me to say that helmets don't have a place but I will decide where and when that place is when it comes to adults. It is a little bias when the manufacturer or distributor of a helmet expresses their oppinion.
Kim, 11 months ago
Are your helmets ever on sale? It is hard to be safe when the helmets are pretty expensive. I have an older Troxel helmet, used, but it seems to sit very high on my head. I've noticed in the pictures on this site that the same is happening to others too.
Troxel, 11 months ago
Kim,
Thank you for your post! Yes, our dealers often have great sales. If you go to a page on the Troxel site and click which retailer you want, you can see which retailers are offering sales buy clicking the "buy now" button.
You can also view our sales page here: http://www.troxelhelmets.com/sale
If you are looking for an inexpensive Western-styled helmet, try out the Dakota helmet: http://www.troxelhelmets.com/products/dakota
If you are looking for an inexpensive helmet in general try out the Sport helmet: http://www.troxelhelmets.com/products/sport
In regards to the fit, if the helmet looks like it rides high on the head it usually means the helmet is too small.
Please let us know if you have any other questions!
-The Troxel Crew
Val Sutera, 9 months ago
I just received my replacement helmet for the one I had that discolored. It's nice to know that Troxel is a company that stands behind it's product and wants to make sure it's customers are happy! I will always wear a Troxel!! Thank you!