Two questions

First, I am looking at a pair of tall boots on eBay and asked the seller for a measurement of the shaft (because I have huge man-calves). She measured the shaft laying flat and it measured at 7" (or a little more...her words, not mine) front-to-back. How do I figure out what the diameter of the shaft is? Should I just email her back and ask her to measure the diameter for me? I need at least a 16" diameter shaft.

Second question is regarding velvet helmets. I have a velvet helmet that fits me pretty well...the problem is that it doesn't have a chin strap. Is there a way I can add my own chin strap? I've seen them with elastic, which I could do myself, but they don't seem very secure (I could be wrong...I've just seen pics of them with elastic). It's a nice helmet in good shape, so I'd rather not have to buy another one (paid $7 for it at a thrift store).

What you're describing here sounds to me like a hunt cap, which looks stylish in the show ring but does very little in the way of protecting your brain from impact if you happen to fall off. I've not seen an actual functional helmet without a chin strap.

I suppose what it comes down to is what you're wanting to get out of this thing. If you're looking for protection, you're likely not going to get it from something you pick up at a thrift store regardless of weather or not it has a chin strap. In that case, I would say go out and buy a ASTM Approved/SEI Certified helmet. The velvet ones start at around $50, but you can get a plastic covered schooling helmet for around $30. If safety isn't really a priority and all you want is something to complete your show outfit then there isn't any real reason for it to have a chin strap. As long as it fits snugly enough on your head not to go flying off in the middle of the class you should be fine. You can pick up some foam with adhesive backing to stick in there for a tighter fit if it's a little loose.

Okay, you're right, it's a hunt cap. Didn't even pay attention to that when I bought it, to be honest. I have a regular shiny black Troxel helmet that I use for every day, but it's scratched and scuffed, so I wanted something nicer-looking for shows. So, I guess my second question is null and void. Thanks for the input.

For the tall boots I would just ask her what the diameter of the boots are. If I was in this predicament, I would feel a lot better knowing the exact dimensions of the boots I was going to buy instead of doing some calculations that could be wrong.

As for the helmets. They do have helmet covers that you can put over your helmet that is velvet with a bow in the back that you can just put on the troxel. That's what I have done with my helmet a few times after it got wet and had blankets thrown on top of it before it finished drying which made a whole bunch of shiny spots on it. Otherwise the IRH Medalist is supposed to be a decent helmet. Here is a link to it if your interested.

IRH Medalist Helmet - ASTM/SEI Certified Helmets from SmartPak Equine

Thanks, SDR.

Your welcome. I've been in that situation myself. :)

If you are hard to fit. I wouldn't buy anything with out trying on. So I would probably go the new route to be safe

As a guide for the diameter, assuming she measured it with the boots flat, the circumference is just Pi (3.14) times the diameter. Which is about 22'. Mind you, the boots are almost certainly oval, rather than a circle, so it would probably be less than 22', more likely 18-20' or so.

Also with the helmet thing, you aren't allowed to show in anything other than an approved helmet, which a hunt cap is not (unless it is FEI level dressage I believe, in which case most riders are encouraged to wear an approved helmet to promote safety). In the most recent USEF rule updates, you can't even school without a helmet on anymore. Invest in a good ASTM Approved/SEI Certified helmet, even if you aren't planning on showing. It is always good to protect your noggin :)