A correctly fitting horse riding hat is an essential piece of equipment for any rider to wear to reduce the risk of a head injury in event of a fall. To ensure a riding hat will provide enough protection, it must meet at least one of three international equestrian safety standards or marks, however some manufacturers may choose to meet all of them.
In this Redpost Guide we look at the current equestrian safety standards, which are required for competitions, and also answer some of common riding hat questions.
Riding Hat Safety Standards Explained
The current safety standards (updated February 2025) for horse riding helmets are Kitemark PAS015:2011, Kitemark VG1 01.040 2014-12 and SEI ASTM F1163:2023. Each of these safety standards stringently tests different impacts and accident scenarios involving a horse.
There are also other equestrian safety standards which test the hat in additional scenarios, such as SNELL E2021. A riding hat that meets multiple standards has been proven to provide the most comprehensive protection and cover a wider range of the potential accident scenarios a rider might experience. You should always choose a riding helmet that has as many certified standards possible.
The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) have created this useful guide (updated February 2025) to show what protection is offered by the main safety standards:
It is extremely important to know that safety standards alone will not protect you. A riding hat will only be effective if you wear the correct size and that it fits your head.
Safety Standards and Competitions
Some competitions and equestrian events, such as Dressage, Show Jumping or Pony Club, require your riding helmet to meet minimum safety standards. The approved standard/s depend on the governing body and discipline you are competing in, and the standard must be displayed inside the hat.
The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) have created this useful guide (updated February 2025), so you can ensure the hat you choose is up to the job:
Once your riding hat has had it’s standard/s checked by an official at a competition or training event, they may put a small, coloured tag onto the harness. This tag clearly shows other officials that the hat meets the current safety standards, so it doesn’t need rechecking at every event you attend.
Which Brand is Best?
All hat manufacturers prioritise protection first, closely followed by comfort and style. There are a huge number of riding hat brands available, so it can be tricky to know which to choose. We take a look at some rider favourites that meet the current safety standards:
Charles Owen
90% of Charles Owen helmets meet all three international safety standards, making them a high performing choice for riders of all levels. With both peaked and skull designs, Charles Owen offer something for every rider. Plus, their 4Star Skull Cap also carries SNELL E2016 for the extreme situation.
Uvex
The Uvex range of horse riding hats are a popular choice for many riders. Not only do they meet two current safety standards, but they all feature a 3D IAS system. This feature, with its easy-to-use dial, allows you to easily adjust the width and the height of the fastening to suit a range of head shapes
evoke
Meeting a wide array of safety standards and offering a selection of designs and colours, evoke riding hats blend safety and style. One of the stand-out features of this range of horse riding hats is evoke’s industry first Helmet Replacement Policy, that allows the rider to receive a replacement hat at a discounted rate should they suffer a fall in within 6-months of purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my riding hat?
Most manufacturers advise that the maximum useful lifespan of a riding helmet is five years, from the date of first wear, however this does depend on how frequently it is used. This is due to natural wear and tear on the materials. If your hat suffers any kind of impact, whether from a fall or from being dropped, you should replace your hat before riding again as its protective qualities will be compromised.
What hat should I choose?
Whether you are buying your first riding hat, or choosing to update your existing one, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to find the right one for you. It’s important you consider the type of riding you will be doing, the style you like, the fit of the hat, and the safety standards it meets. To help you find the perfect hat, take a look at our useful riding hat guide here.
Where can I get a new riding hat?
The best place to buy a new hat for horse riding is from a BETA-trained retailer, who can provide you with a free hat fitting. They will provide you with the correct advice and information to help you find a hat that meets your needs. Local to our Totnes Store? Why not book a free, no obligation hat fitting at a time that suits you! Find out more here.
If you are not able to get a riding hat professionally fitted and are looking to purchase a riding hat online, always ensure it is from a reputable retailer who specialises in equestrian wear. At Redpost we offer a ‘virtual fitting’ service, where we help you fit a riding hat through a video call. Find out more and book your fitting here.
It isn’t recommended to purchase a second-hand riding hat as you can’t be sure if it has been previously subjected to an impact or not.
Is you mind still in a muddle over what you need? If you have any questions or would like help with choosing the right hat for you, please get in touch with our Trained Hat Fitting Specialists who will be pleased to help.
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 01803 812040
Local to our Totnes Store? Why not book a free, no obligation hat fitting at a time that suits you! Find out more HERE.
