three straws and a felt

 

Members of the Ranch Horse Team watch a fellow member introduce a two-year old colt to saddle and blanket as part of the horse taming demonstration on Ranch Day. Originally felt hats were intended for winter wear (protecting from moisture and cold) and straw for summer (protecting from heat and sun) which is logical.  An unwritten cowboy hat rule seems to indicate that felt is appropriate all year but straw is for warm weather. Other arbitrary rules include: "Felt is for dress, straw is for work" and "Straw only between Easter and Thanksgiving.  Who knew there are whole websites devoted to cowboy hat etiquette? 

Ranching Heritage Center
Texas Tech
Lubbock, Texas
4.11.2015