Troxel Cheyenne Helmet - This was Supposed to be a Review

After my accident with Milo on my birthday, I have been diligently wearing my current helmet. Not only was I lucky in the fall that I came away relatively injury free, but my head never made contact with the hard, gravel ground. At the same time, however, I feel that I dont want to chance fate again with this four year old helmet, but have been wearing it even in our arena rides. Only two days before my incident, the barn trainer's horse fell on top of her as well, and she walked away with an injury to her knee. I also personally know a gal who took a terrible tumble with her horse around a barrel a few years ago, not wearing a helmet, and she still has head damage. Then, the now famous video of Courtney Dye went around only a day or so after my fall, and I thought the universe was really trying to tell me something.

So, with some of the funds from my 21st birthday cash, I decided to finally purchase a helmet I had secretly been envying for for many months. The Troxel Cheyenne Rowdy helmet. I knew I liked the Troxel brand already, and I LOVED the leather covering over it as well as the western-y stitching. I was a little leery on the sizing; they offer hat size sizing - 6, 7, 7 1/8, etc. I thought it would make it a nice very close fit, but was a little concerned about the lack of adjustment on the back, as is normal with many helmets, current one including. I ordered it in brown anyways in a size 7 (I'm either a 7 or 7 1/8 depending on hat brand) and waited by the mailbox daily for it (ok, well I actually just asked Boyfriend every night after work if my package was seen on the doorstep). Finally, a week after ordering it was here.

I tore it out of the box and tried it on. Hmm. It felt perched on top of my head, but as far down as I could push it. It had that "pop" effect where I pushed it down, it would slide back up. I snapped the chinstrap into place, hoping it would hold it where it was supposed to be. Instead, the chin straps choked me as the helmet crept back up. It didnt feel too small because I still felt room on either side, and front to back felt ok. But I knew in my gut that it didnt fit correctly. I looked to Boyfriend, who looked back at the television. Hmm.

I knew the barn trainer was looking for a new helmet, and had asked me to let her know about sizing on this one as she wanted to get one. So I brought it to the barn to have her try it out. If it fit, she would buy it off of me. If not, I could ship it back for a refund and try helmet shopping locally so I can try them on before buying. I might have to forgo pretty looks but maybe I can find the right fit.

It seemed to fit her ok when she tried it, but she said she would think about it and let me know. Ended up deciding against it, so I plan to ship it back for a refund. Any recommendations for your favorite helmet?