Mounted Berets

 So called Health&Safety Regulations forbid the riding of horses without a helmet in quite a few countries (similar to riding a bike, but that's another story).

What would the pampa of Patagonia look like if Argentina and Chile enforced these regulations on gauchos?

No better riding gear than a beret; it keeps the head warm and dry, doesn't blow of in the wind, no peak that gets in the way and with a bit of flight, no sun in the eyes.

 Some 90% of Bonigor's (non-military) beret production goes to gauchos, farmers and peasants. I can't think of any other group this size that is so faithful to the beret, or boina.