January 10, 2025 
Things have changed on the rider accessory front of the horse world since I was a kid.
I speak of a time long before rhinestones glinted in barn aisles and outfits became matchy-matchy. I speak of when functionality and drabness were at the forefront and safety and desirability had yet to enter our consciousness.
This was a time of add-ons and dishevelment. Let me elaborate…
Plastic Helmet Covers
When I was a kid, some four decades ago, one of the mainstays in the accessory department was the plastic helmet cover. The aim was to protect the plush velvet of our helmets from the harsh unrelenting elements, namely rain.
Seeing black helmets turn brown and blue ones turn purple it could be argued the sun did far more damage to the velvet than rain ever did, but whatever.
These covers came in two colors, the ever-faithful black and the always-curious clear.
The black covers made sense because we all knew what lay beneath and we knew why it was put on.
The clear ones, however, I’ve never understood. No one was fooled, we could all see it plain as day. Clear plastic did not, and I dare say does not, equal invisible nor does it spell subtle. It, much like the couch covers of similar ilk, looked ridiculous.
These helmet covers were a one-size-fits-all situation, similar to a shower cap or a clear plastic rain bonnet your grandmother dons to protect her wash ‘n set.
Despite our best intentions to protect the vulnerable velvet, the plastic covers were, at best, unattractive and at worst, a breeding ground for mold. They were inexpensive, though, which, all-in-all, made them a great purchase.
The Slip-on Harness
The other must-have was the adjustable nylon slip-on harness. This was an aftermarket purchase you made in the 80s once you thought, you know what? I want a harness. And so, you went to your nearest tack store and bought yourself a one-size-fits-all harness that slipped over the top of your helmet.
The brim prevented it from sliding down as did the widely adjustable strap that wrapped around the circumference. Once cinched tight, the vulnerable velvet would be crushed in the process, so it was imperative that you knew a harness was something you truly wanted.
These harnesses also came equipped with an acne-inducing plastic cup for your chin to rest. I have no idea what other benefits the cup offered other than to make us look more foolish than we already did with our plastic helmet covers.
This was not the age of streamlined glamour as it is today, but rather a one-size-fits-all nation of flapping straps and billowing plastic-clad hats.
The Little Black Crop
Like the little black dress, the little black crop went with everything and was carried for every occasion.
It was a long skinny stick that was made of, I suspect, the same white plastic used to make the shell of our helmets. The shaft, if you will, was covered in a woven black nylon, which looked quite pretty upon close inspection. Over time, however, the weave would loosen and would run like that old pair of nylons stuffed at the bottom of your show bag.
At the far end of the crop, you had the flappy bit that doubled over creating a loop. This loop made it possible to dangle the crop from a single finger and twirl it around as you talked to your friends or walked your course. Like the cool kids did.
The slender handle was a black plastic faux braided number with faux braided knobs at the top and bottom indicating, I suppose, the beginning and the end of said handle.
As thrilling as that handle was nothing could prepare you for the excitement that was the black plastic wristlet. That sucker would slide and spin endlessly around the crop but once your hand was threaded through, your crop wasn’t going anywhere. Through snatched reins or tumbles to the ground, your crop was by your side albeit in a lively and unruly manner.
It was a crop for the ages and if I had to guess there are still plenty of barns that have a few of these bad boys kicking around.
In the End
Back then we didn’t shy away from wearing nylon or plastic or a seamless marriage of the two. We bought the stuff in droves and were proud to display each item in both the schooling and the show ring.
It was about protection and simplicity, and I think we nailed it. We looked stupid but we were doing our best with the new-age accessories on offer. It was upwards from there.
