Use these cowboy hat shaping and cleaning tips to make your hat look as sharp as your ride.
The cowboy hat is an iconic symbol of the American West. It represents the work and dedication that built the American dream – the same work and dedication that you put into being an American Quarter Horse owner. Hours spent in the practice pen and days agonizing over plans to improve your American Quarter Horse’s performance all go into the preparation it takes to compete.
You don’t cut corners practicing, and you shouldn’t with your appearance, either. It’s well known that a good hat helps finish the professional look we all strive for in the arena. No cowboy hat is exactly the same, but it’s easy to find a hat that’s perfect for you, depending on your preferred corner of the barn.
Quality
Before you purchase a cowboy hat, you need to know what you’re getting for your money. Determining the quality of a hat comes down to a few basic guidelines: softness, color, density, and squeeze. These criteria all contribute to the X-factor. Its origins are disputed, but one fact remains consistent: the higher the number of X’s, the better the hat. A higher number of X’s means that the hat contains a higher percentage of beaver, which makes the hat softer, more durable and more flexible. Felt hats commonly use a combination of beaver, rabbit, and wool. Try to avoid lower X hats, as they contain more wool and won’t last as long.
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