The Right Riding Hat For You
As riders we all know that contact with horses can be risky. Not only is horse riding a potentially dangerous sport but it must be considered that horses are strong, heavy animals and a great deal of activities related to horse care presents significant risks. When riding, handling or working around horses, safety should always be a priority and selecting a correctly fitted riding hat is the most important piece of equipment you will ever buy. Whether you choose a jockey skull cap or a peaked riding hat, selecting a reputable brand with manufacturing that meets current safety standards will help offer protection when you need it most.
Perfect for dressage, hunting and everyday riding, riding hats are mainly available in black and navy with an under chin harness (with the exception of the Beagler for hunting which does not meet safety standards for riding due to the absence of the harness) and have a classic fit around the nape of the neck, a peaked profile and soft internal padding. Riding hat manufacturers over recent years have introduced many new finishes, colours and designs, for the most personal touch custom made options are available on hats such as the Charles Owen Ayr8 Piped Leather Look which riders such as Charlotte Dujardin uses and a broad range of the Protector Pro Hats offer a large choice of colours as well as the Charles Owen Palermo Polo Riding Hat.
To compete under affiliated rules, the minimum standards your riding hat must adhere to (following the riding hat rule changes in 2016) are the PAS 015, VG1 - provided they are BSI Kitemarked. From December 2015, EN1384 and BSEN1384 are no longer acceptable for competition.
At Discount Equestrian we bring you some of the leading brands including Charles Owen, Champion, Gatehouse and KASK Riding Hats. As with any safety equipment, riding hats can only offer assured protection when correctly fitted, we advise that your hat is checked by a professional for fit before use. Should you drop your hat or you are involved in a fall of any kind, it is important that you replace your riding hat. Damage may not be visible to the naked eye and any form of impact could affect the internal structure of the hat. It is important to store your riding hat in a cool, dry environment between uses – we offer hat deodoriser and riding hat bags to ensure the longevity the life of your hat. From the Champion Junior X-Air Hat to the infamous Charles Owen Ayr8 made famous by Charlotte Dujardin at the Olympics, we offer a range of hats for every rider from Pony Club and Junior sizing through to professional rider at great prices, here at Discount Equestrian.
