Rod’s 2010 Tent Sale- Friday June 18th and Saturday June 19th

Join us for the 2010 Catalog and Warehouse Clearance Event

Saving The Equestrian Rider’s Life – Equestrian Riding Helmets

               Riding horses can be dangerous business. Each time you get on a horse’s back to ride it is unpredictable. The horse may become spooked, irritated, or may just be having a bad day and serious consequences can result. Each year over 70,000 riders are taken to the Emergency Room for equestrian related injuries. Of those hospital visits, about 12,000 are diagnosed as head injuries. Studies show that one hour of horseback riding is equivalent to one hour of riding on a motorcycle.

                Falling from a horse can cause many different injuries, one of which is a concussion. A concussion is explained as direct impact to the head that can cause moderate to severe brain damage. Concussions may result in bruising or injury to the nervous system. Side effects range from dizziness and vomiting to memory loss and in extreme cases permanent brain damage. One simple way to help prevent equestrian related head injuries is by wearing a well fitting, certified equestrian riding helmet.  An equestrian riding helmet is made to absorb the shock and energy and reduce the impact of falling on the brain. Equestrian Helmets are engineered to compress and crush when impacted. A crushed helmet after a large fall is not a defective helmet; the helmet is showing the visual signs of the impact, and what could have happened to you during a severe fall.

                Equestrian Helmets come in all shapes, sizes, styles, and patterns. The right helmet should be certified for horseback riding, meet your needs and riding style, and have a proper fit. When searching for helmets start the search by measuring your head an inch above your eyebrows and above your ears. As you are being fitted for your helmet, wear your hair how you will commonly wear it during riding activities. Your visor should be one inch from your eyebrow, and the helmet should sit level on your head, covering your forehead. The chin strap should be snug, and when you move your head the helmet should mirror the movement; not wobble. A proper fitting helmet becomes less noticeable after a short period of wear. If you are experiencing a headache, your helmet may be too tight.

            Equestrian riding helmets are another clothing accessory in the western community. Helmets can be found any many patterns and colors. Helmet covers are a fun and inexpensive way to change with each of your outfits in the show ring. For a limited time when you purchase any Troxel helmet you get a FREE waterproof helmet cover. Enter #70137A in the comments box on the credit card page during checkout. While supplies last, offer valid on Troxel helmets only.

Brands for the Active Lifestyle – Cruel Girl Jeans and Cinch Jeans

In 1996, Rocky Mountain Clothing Company based in Colorado introduced a brand designed to give fashion, sophistication and quality to the active cowboy who lives in his jeans. Cinch brand has become a revolution to the western industry. By providing cowboys the option of quality western jeans, woven  shirts,  tee shirts, outerwear, and accessories inspired by the attitude and values of the western lifestyle, Cinch has proven to be a mainstay in the western world.

                In 1998, Rocky Mountain Clothing Company decided to introduce a similar brand, Cruel Girl, to the western industry. Cruel Girl offers fashion forward jeans to the cowgirl who wants style and functionality in her wardrobe. Cruel Girl Jeans offers the progressive cowgirl quality western jeans, blouses, tops, western hats and ball caps, and accessories inspired to accentuate the attitude, confidence, and independence to the women of the western lifestyle.

                Today Cinch Jeans and Cruel Girl Jeans continue to lead the western industry providing quality and fashion forward trends. Cinch was introduced in March 2010 as the new sponsor for the National High School Rodeo Association, as well as various other organizations, keeping Cinch an influential part of the western community. Cruel Girl continues to introduce new styles monthly to keep ahead of the trends. Fashion, community, and quality apparel, continue to keep Cinch Jeans and Cruel Girl Jeans as one of the leading brands of the western lifestyle.

                At Rod’s you can find new styles and shipments each month of Cruel Girl and Cinch apparel. Rod’s offers Cruel Girl apparel that can be mixed and matched to give as many new looks your imagination can come up with. As one of Rod’s largest and best selling brands, Cruel Girl and Cinch apparel is continually changing at Rod’s.

                Limited Time Offer- Purchase $50.00 or more of any Cinch or Cruel Girl apparel and receive a free Cinch or Cruel Girl tee shirt. For a Cinch tee shirt, in size Large or Extra Large please put #CINCH and the requested size in the comments box on the credit card page during check out. For a Cruel Girl tee shirt, in size Medium or Large please put #CRUEL and the requested size in the comments box on the credit card page during check out. While supplies last, offer valid through May 26, 2010.

Shedding Light on Western Fashion Faux Pau’s – Straw Hats

               We’ve all heard the rule of thumb; after Memorial Day and until Labor Day you should wear your straw hats. In the Western Fashion industry we live by this rule. However, it goes deeper than a western fashion faux pau’s.

                Starting in Baltimore, Maryland (The Straw Hat Capital of the World) the unofficial holiday of Straw Hat Day was born. Usually this day is May 15^th; however some say that the holiday is Memorial Day. Prior to the holiday you should put your felt hats away so they are not faded from the sun. Also, felt hats do not breath as well as straw hats. It is said that 75% of your body heat comes from your head, so staying cool in the hot summer months may be the difference in the hat you wear.

                Throughout history men have been policing the fashion of hats. According the Neil Steinberg’s book “Hatless jack”, men have been murdered in living memorial for wearing the wrong hat for the wrong season.  In Jacksonville Florida Mayor Van Swearingen in 1915 published a proclamation stating rules and consequences for men throughout the city who were not complying with his rules. You can view the proclamation by visiting the Ames Tribune Weekly Archives.

                In light of the upcoming holiday, Straw Hat Day, we would like to give you a new straw hat. To participate, please comment below stating why you need to replace your straw hat. We will be drawing the winner on Straw Hat Day, May 15^th, 2010. For those of you who do not win, we are giving away a free gift with purchase. For any Resistol Straw Hat purchase, you can get a free Resistol ball cap. To apply put item number #36524 in the comments box on the check out page. We hope everyone will celebrate straw hats and participate.

Lucchese Boots- Beyond the Typical Boot Design

            Lucchese boots started in San Antonio, Texas in 1880 by Sam Lucchese Sr. and his two sons, Cosimo and Sam Jr. The family’s dedication to boot making and their customers kept the business alive. During the early 1960s, the founder’s grandson decided to rethink the art of boot making. The world has never known a finer, more knowledgeable craftsman than Sam Lucchese Jr. He studied and developed a firm understanding of the conformation of the human foot. This allowed him to build a one of a kind boot that fit like no other. Today Lucchese is still known for its extraordinary comfort, quality, and fit which gives them the reputation as one of the greatest boots ever made. Lucchese boots are one of the few boot companies left whose boots are handmade right here in the United States.

            Time, dedication, and craftsmanship go into every boot Lucchese makes. The unique boot last, the best hides, and handmade construction of each component set Lucchese boots apart from their competition. Each hide is chosen and inspected by human hands. Only the best hides go into making a boot. Customers can choose from a variety of toes, heels, soles, and fits for a boot that will meet their comfort and individual needs. Each boot is inspected multiple times by only the best craftsmen. Every pair of boots that leaves the Lucchese Boot factory meets exception one expects of a Lucchese boot.

            Rod’s boot buyers take an active step in designing cowboy boots exclusively for our customers. Between our keen eye for design and the fine craftsmanship of Lucchese Boot Company, a beautiful line of cowboy boots is formed. We listen to our customers needs, and keep up with the newest trends in the industry. Rod’s Exclusive Western Lucchese Boots are able to be viewed and ordered by using Rods.com. You will never see our Exclusive western boots advertised or sold by another company. Each pair of our Exclusive Lucchese boots is handmade by a craftsman of Lucchese Boot Company and designed specifically for you.

            Please enter promo code #16050 in the comments box on the checkout page, to receive a free Lucchese lap top case with your purchase of a pair of Rod’s Exclusive Lucchese Boots. Offer ends May 12^th. Available while supplies last.