Felt Hats

• Cowboy hats date back to the 19th century, when John Stetson, after whom Stetson hats are named, created the first cowboy hat. The original cowboy hat was a felt hat; the process of felting hats dates back several centuries and was even the process that produced Napoleon's hat. Bull riders don't shy away from felt hats, although they're not the most common hat worn on the circuit as they collect dust easily.
  
  

Traditional Straw Hats

• Even with the danger of the sport, the majority of bull riders still use a hat that offers very little in terms of protection. Straw hats, the most popular type of cowboy hat worn by bull riders, offers very little protection, although it can prevent riders from being cut from time to time. Some of the first straw hats, which were created during the latter half of the 19th century, used straw from the Ecuadorian palm. Today's straw hats are produced from a variety of materials; some are even produced from paper-like material.
  
  

Bull Riding Helmet

• Just because bull riders climb atop a bull that often weighs as much as a vehicle doesn't mean there's not the occasional safety-conscious bull rider out there. Bull riding helmets have become more prevalent during the latter half of the 20th century. Outside of being stepped on, many bull riders suffer injuries from bucking. A common issue arises when bulls quickly jerk back, which can cause contact between the rider and the bull's back. This can easily break bones in the face. Bull riding helmets completely cover the head and look very much like hockey masks. The main complaint with bull riding helmets is that they limit vision.
  
  

Dangers and Hat Alternatives

• Wearing helmets isn't mandatory in professional bull riding, but riders find that it makes more sense to wear a helmet as it prevents injuries. Bull riders who avoid wearing helmets often suffer the repercussions. Brendon Clark suffered six concussions in one year. Brent Thurman had his skull stepped on during the National Finals Rodeo, killing him.
  
  Some riders don't need fancy helmets. Instead, they just create an at-home version, like Kasey Hayes, who ties a face mask around his head with a strap and wears a cowboy hat above it.