Whether you have just booked your first horse riding lesson or have ridden for years, choosing the right riding hat can be confusing. With so many different styles, shapes, brands and safety specifications, there is a huge amount of choice available.
Although not a legal requirement*, a hat for horse riding is essential for safety so you must get exactly the right hat for you. We have created this handy guide to help you choose which hat will be best for your needs.
*Note that Rule 49 of The Highway Code states: ‘Children under the age of 14 MUST wear a helmet which complies with the Regulations. It MUST be fastened securely. Other riders should also follow these requirements. These requirements do not apply to a child who is a follower of the Sikh religion while wearing a turban.‘
Contents
- Why Should I Wear a Riding Hat?
- What Style of Hat Should I Choose?
- What Safety Standards Does My Riding Hat Need?
- Riding Hat Brands
- How Do I Know if My Riding Hat Fits Me Correctly?
- How Should I Store and Care For My Hat?
Why Should I Wear a Riding Hat?
Horse riding is a high-risk sport, and so a riding hat is designed to protect your head from potential injuries when you are riding or handling horses. A head injury has the potential to lead to prolonged health issues, so they are engineered to absorb sudden impacts. This could happen in the event of a fall from your horse, or if a horse accidentally kicked out at your head.
A huge amount of research and development has been done to ensure wearing a riding hat will keep you as safe as possible, and many are equipped with features to also keep your head comfortable.
What Style of Hat Should I Choose?
There are lots of factors to think about when choosing a riding hat. Consider the type of horse riding you will be doing; for example, if you are going on a cross-country course, you must wear a hat without a fixed peak. If you are taking part in showing classes, a traditional velvet hat is the correct attire. Also, if you are wearing the hat throughout the summer or in warmer climates, you may want to choose a lightweight hat with ventilation slots for increased airflow.
Aside from a riding hat fitting correctly and being suitable for your needs, it is also important that you choose a hat that you like the appearance of. Riding hats now come in a wide range of colours, with some brands offering designs with crystal details and patterned material panels.
There are three main types of riding hats: skull hats (also known as skull caps), peaked hats, and velvet show hats. As each type is best suited for different equestrian activities, it is common for some horse riders to own more than one hat.
Skull
These hats cover a large area of the head and are designed without a fixed peak. This style often provides the highest levels of protection and are the only style that can be worn cross country. Most riders pair them with a hat silk. Popular brands include Charles Owen, Champion and Gatehouse.
Velvet
Offering a traditional and elegant look, Velvet Hats are most often used in showing classes or out hunting. They feature a fixed peak with an all-over velvet covering.
Nowadays, many riding hats feature removable liners. These are used to adjust the fit of the hat and can be washed to keep your hat fresh and clean (no one likes sweaty hat hair!). Some modern equestrian hats have dial adjustment systems. These are similar to bicycle helmets, with a retention system that can be tightened or loosened so you can achieve the perfect fit.
What Safety Standards Does My Riding Hat Need?
It is always worth considering the safety standards that a horse riding helmet has been tested to. This will tell you how much protection it will offer as not all styles of riding hats have been tested equally; some brands put their hats through more rigorous examinations than others.
Bear in mind that some riding schools require you to have a hat that meets particular safety standards. If you are competing or training under the rules of an equestrian discipline, such as Pony Club or British Showjumping, your hat will also be required to meet specific standards. The standard must be displayed inside the riding hat. It is recommended to refer to the respective rule book/s for each organisation to check what is acceptable to wear.
Find out more on riding hat safety standards here.
Riding Hat Brands
Once you have chosen the type of horse riding hat you need, you can look at different designs from different equestrian brands. Many reputable brands are offering a variety of styles and price points. We take a look at some rider favourites:
Samshield
French-designed, Samshield give the option to fully customise your design with a rainbow of coloured trims and premium decorative tops. Samshield is a brand that oozes luxury and style, without compromising on safety.
Charles Owen
Charles Owen is proud to make their wide range of hats in the UK, all meeting multiple safety standards. Whether you need a skull hat for cross country or a velvet hat for the show ring, Charles Owen has something for every rider.
Uvex
All Uvex Hats are equipped with an adjustable sizing system (IAS 3D) which incorporates a rear turn dial so you can achieve a bespoke fit. Their designs are extremely lightweight and are ideal for riders of all levels.
Karben
Created by Shires Equestrian, Karben offers a range of both peaked and skull designs. Designed for every budget without sacrificing safety, Karben Hats are popular for both beginner and professional riders alike.
How Do I Know if My Riding Hat Fits Me Correctly?
When choosing a new riding hat, it is advised to have it fitted by a BETA (British Equestrian Trade Association) trained specialist. These specialists will provide you with all the advice and information you need to choose the most suitable hat to match your needs and budget. At Redpost we offer FREE in-store and virtual hat fittings – find out more HERE.
A riding hat should fit snugly without any pressure points or gaps. It should grip the back of the skull and sit level on the head, leaving roughly an inch gap above the eyebrows. Without the harness fastened, the hat should not rock in any direction. When the harness is fastened, the strap should not dig into your chin, but should only have a gap the width of a finger.
Some hats have harness laces at the back which can be adjusted if required – these should always be secured tightly.
If you are trying on a new riding hat, try to wear it for 5 minutes to give it time to mould to your head shape and reveal any points of discomfort. Remember, not all riding hats fit the same, so if a hat doesn’t feel quite right you should try a different model or brand.
How Should I Store and Care For My Hat?
When you’re not riding, keep your riding hat safe by storing it in a cool, dry place. Packing it away in a hat bag will also keep it protected, and is ideal for using it to transport it to your riding lessons or horse shows. If your hat gets wet after a ride, ensure it is completely dry before putting it away to avoid mould and rusting.
It is also extremely important to never leave your riding hat in or near extreme heat, such as in a car on a hot day, or near a radiator. High temperatures risk melting the high-grade polystyrene layers inside the hat. If you are in a colder climate, ensure your hat is kept in a suitable place as temperatures below -20° can also cause damage.
Picking the right riding hat can be a challenge, but we hope this Redpost Guide has answered some of your questions so you can be confident in what you choose. Remember, the exact riding hat you decide on will depend on what type of horse riding you will be doing, your budget, and what you want it to look like.
Check out our extensive range of riding hats below, or visit our Totnes Store where our trained specialists can help you find the hat that is right for you.
It’ll serve you well for years to come. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of riding hats and discover the ideal one for your adventures.
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