Riding Hats & Helmets

Horse Riding Hats

Horse riding is a potentially dangerous sport, and horses are powerful animals with their own mind. Safety is a priority when riding or working around horses, and a correctly fitted horse riding hat or riding helmet is the most important protection. You have many choices of hats and riding helmets, from a jockey skull cap to a peaked horse riding helmet. Choose from many reputable brands; all meet current safety standards and offer various colours, styles, and features you need for the most reliable protection.

** We recommend wearing properly fitted horse riding hats and helmets while leading, riding, lunging, long-reining, driving, or working around horses in any capacity, and that follows current safety regulations as outlined by the British Horse Society (BHS)**

* BHS Events Hat Guide 2024

* BHS Hat Standards 2024

* BHS International Hat Standards 2024

* BHS Equestrian Access Groups Hat Guidelines 2024

"The British Horse Society always recommends you go to a reputable tack shop and have a new riding hat fitted by somebody who has had appropriate BETA training. It is also important to remember to keep your hat fastened at the correctly fitted chin strap at all times when you are mounted. Never be tempted to buy a second-hand horse riding hats. It is impossible to see with the naked eye if it has been damaged."

Current safety standards in 2024 for helmets and skulls are PAS 015 and VG1 (both must be kitemarked) for UK hats. The EN1384 and BSEN1384 are no longer acceptable for competition.

Replace your riding helmet if it's dropped or you have a fall. Any impact can compromise the safety and integrity of a horse riding helmet, even if it does not appear damaged. Hat bags aid in cleanliness and protection during storage and transport.

It's best to store your helmet in a cool, dry environment within a padded bag. Hat Deodorisers, disinfectant sprays, and replacement liners are some of the available accessories to help keep your riding helmet smelling fresh and feeling comfortable. 

Horse Riding Helmets from Top Brands

Discount Equestrian's selection of horse riding helmets in the UK reflects our passion for safety. We stock helmets for horse riding from top equestrian brands, including Champion®, Charles Owen®, Gatehouse®, Kask®, and Uvex®. Search the best collection of riding hats in the UK for riders of all ages and disciplines. Many of these hats and helmets are unisex and serve wonderfully as either a men's horse riding hat or a ladies' horse riding hat. There are plenty of options for children's riding hats and helmets too, which, if within the size range, are tax free in the UK.

Champion® riding helmets feature bold, unique colours like red, silver, and black. You can choose metallic or silk paint finish options, too. Some helmets feature low-profile styles with a lightweight injection moulded ABS shell. Airflow is boosted with triple mesh venting, and the interior padding is made of tech moisture-wicking material. The padding is removable, and replacement liners are available. Champion® helmets feature four-point synthetic leather harnesses and webbing, including a quick-release buckle. For the perfect fit, some models have a dial fit system.

Charles Owen® riding hats are made in the UK. Many of their models feature MIPS technology and 360º ventilation. The internal padded headbands and neck support are fully washable. Many styles and colours are available, and some include a brushed metallic ring accent to complement your riding clothing and tack. 

Gatehouse® riding helmets have a simple suede or matte finish, which is also suitable as a men's horse riding helmet. The suede finish includes a sparkly centre panel, and these helmets are lightweight and suited for most disciplines except cross country. Included is a cushioned storage bag and a removable, washable liner that is moisture-wicking and padded for comfort.

Kask® has a gorgeous set of options for a ladies horse riding helmet. Traditional colours such as navy, black, and brown can be highlighted with a rose gold, silver, or gold design on the crown. Kask® helmets, also suited as a men's riding hat, offer merino wool liners, excellent ventilation, and a hypo-allergenic chin strap. The Kask® FIT system provides an automatic fit to every rider's shape. 

Uvex® helmets have a unique adjustable dial at the back for a custom fit. The ladies' riding hat options are endless with a variety of fun and traditional colours. For added flair, choose a style that includes more than 1000 Swarovski crystals. For children's helmets, princess and heart designs adorn the shells. Uvex® hats use the MIPS system for safety and feature a temperature regulation system. The replaceable liners are moisture-repellent, anti-bacterial, anti-allergenic, removable, and washable. There is 3-D adjustment for maximum comfort.

Men's & Women's Horse Riding Hats

Both men's riding hats and women's horse riding helmets have a classic fit around the nape, a peaked profile, and comfortable inner padding. The under-chin harness secures the helmet, and the traditional colours of black and navy are appropriate for dressage, hunting, and everyday riding. Jockey skulls are another option that provides safety and flexibility of design when paired with silks. Silks are lightweight and colourful covers for jockey skulls that include a visor for sun protection.

There are many styles, too, from sparkly riding hats to custom design riding hats with options for both women's riding hats and men's riding hats. 

Recently, many riding hats have converted to offering adjustable sizing, using an adjustable dial at the back of the helmet so it is adjustable through quite a large size range. You will often find adjustable riding hats used at riding schools but, it also makes them a convenient choice for children's riding hats, allowing you to increase their riding hat size over some time. Another fit option is a removable, sized shell liners that swaps out as the rider grows. The liners fit inside the outer riding hat shell, and they are basically thicker or thinner to adjust for the head size and head shape variations.  The outer shells are designed to each take a range of liner sizes e.g. a small shell will perhaps take 52cm to 55cm liners, medium shells will take 56cm to 58cm liners and the large shell will take 59cm to 61cm liners.  This not only provides size adjustment options further down the line, but also means you can wash or replace your liners – making it a hygienic choice too.

Another important option that over time has become the norm across most riding hat brands is the hat/head shape. You will notice many of the riding hats include a round or standard option. You have probably guessed by now that the round option provides a slightly rounder shape than then standard option which is typically a more oval shape. Back in the day, hat fitting involved a little more trial and error, as well as a little more packing tape to get the desired fit. There were many cases where due to the standard shape of the riding hat or jockey skull, it was simply not suitable for the head shape of an individual – which was often a little disappointing for the individual.  Most manufacturers have now tackled this by offering two head shape options. Obviously these days you can order options online to try at home, but if you are unsure about size and head shape, your best bet is to find an equestrian store with plenty of options and have your hat fitted.

If you are still undecided on which option is best, please get in touch with our friendly Discount Equestrian team if you'd like to book a riding helmet fitting appointment or would just like some advice. If you do not live near our Elwick store, we can direct you to a qualified hat fitter in your local area.