Hello! I currently use an Ovation Deluxe Schooler riding helmet but I don’t like it very much. The way it sits on my head is not very comfortable and it is very bulky compared to other helmets I have seen people wearing. I would like something that looks a little more “western” too. Does anyone have a recommendation for a western color or style helmet that is not very bulky (more on the thin side) but still has great protection? I do have a pretty tiny head and I even have to wear childrens hard headbands sometimes! So anything that fits a thinner head width wise is a plus. Thanks!
Find a helmet that fits, then add a DaBrim to it. I like my DaBrim for shade while riding after growing up wearing Stetsons. I chose the Endurance model for the width, gave more coverage.
Mine stays on well, not flopping around if the horse goes faster than a trot. There is a pocket for your helmet brim that stabilizes the front at faster speeds. I do not ride at a flat-out gallop, so not sure how well it stays down well at that speed. There was a photo of Endurance riders wearing the brims, they do move right along at times!
I ordered mine from their site, with a phone call. Small company, may be slow answering.
I have only seen one maker of western style helmets, which were quite expensive. Can’t remember the brand name. A search would probably bring it up for you.
Troxel has a few models that are more western looking. My husband rode in the Sierra for several years before switching to a skull cap.
If you are looking for something more colorful, the Cheyenne or Taylor Fallon helmets might work. These have the dial fit system so they are fairly adjustable although obviously won’t work for every head shape.
Riding Warehouse has a good selection -
https://www.ridingwarehouse.com/Troxel_Helmets/catpage-TROXEL.html
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I took her meaning she wants a helmet that looks like a cowboy hat, wide brim all the way around the head part (crown) for sun protection…
I have always found the Troxel helmets really comfortable & as mentioned, they have lots of different designs, including western/trail - geared options.
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First, find something that fits well and is comfortable for you. The best way to do that is to try on a bunch of styles, preferably at a store with a good selection and a knowledgeable staffer to help you out, although not everyone has access to that situation. Some sites, like RW have good selections and great customer service if you need to order online.
Are you looking for something with a brim, or just something like the Troxels posted above that have a western aesthetic? Da Brim is good, and there are a lot of tutorials online for DIY “HellHats” if you are looking for a brim.
Stores that cater to endurance riders probably also have a good selection of less traditionally styled helmets. (RW is one)
I have ridden in the Ovation Deluxe Schooler for many years. I wear a child’s bike helmet so also have a small head and face. If you think that Ovation is bulky I think you will find many other brands/models to be much worse.
I recently purchased one of the Trauma Void helmets. I originally tried the Lynx as it was dial fit. I put it on for about 60 seconds and really hated it because it was so bulky. I now own the Trauma Void EQ3 but am kinda there about it. I wear it most of the time since I really wanted the MIPS protection but sometime revert to my Ovation.
I have had a few Troxels in the past but they were just fine.
I ride English so can’t comment on the more Western look aspect. I mostly am commenting that I am surprised you find the Ovation bulky.
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The smallest/slimmest profile helmet to my eye seems to be the Tipperary.
I cannot wear a Troxel, my head is a long oval. Troxels pinch me front to back. Ovations do not, they fit me ‘ok’ as a long oval. The helmet I presently really like is my OneK, I literally forget that I have it on, and it fits me like a glove, whereas the JR8 I had before I thought looked goofily tall.
I would try on helmets in person for fit and comfort, then check into ‘Hellhatting’ it or having it tricked out for you 
https://thehorseaholic.com/the-western-hellhat-that-actually-looks-good/
My Western-riding friend wears a Tipperary & it looks great! Fit is the most important thing, because if it doesn’t fit right it won’t work right, plus you won’t want to wear it.
I have a tiny head and find that the IRH helmets fit the best because they are actually sized, or at least the the more expensive ones are. I HATE dial fit as it feels and looks as if I am balancing a mixing bowl on my head (mushroom head). I would be ice if more brands had sized helmets or children’s helmets that weren’t pink!
Buy whatever helmet you want, and then get one of these https://www.hideahelmet.com/
They attach to the brim of the helmet and they stay there. I’ve had mine for years and it has never, ever blown off.
I have had people yell at me many times that I should wear a helmet when I am wearing mine because people really think it is a hat.
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I found just the opposite! I bought the EQ3 initially because I thought it would fit better with the individual hat sizing. It was comfortable but bulbous to me. I then bought the Lynx and it also fit well, despite the lack of hat sizing and presence of a dial. I am a 7 1/4, so I was at the largest end of the dial, and it is fine. It is lower profile.
Both fit better than my $500 Kask - which is also comfortable.
I really like Tipperary and I think they have a MIPS helmet out now, but it will be awhile…
Oh, and I ride western. I think all the “western helmet” conversions look like comb-overs to me, lol.
