Go straight to the latest news about riding hats
Up until the early 80s, British riders were pretty casual about protecting their precious heads! If worn at all, riding hats were velvet-covered shells thinly lined with cork and either had no chinstrap or were held on by elastic; they offered very little protection from injury. Meanwhile, out on the hunting field, bowler or top hats were a common sight.
In the USA today, fewer than one in eight riders wears a helmet, but attitudes have completely changed in the UK. Most leisure riders wear hats for riding that meet recognised safety stangards. To comply with safety standards, hats must be fitted with an integral three-point harness and have a non-fixed peak. Equestrian sport governing bodies set their own minimum standards for hats worn during competition. Children up to the age of 14 are legally required to wear an approved hat when riding on British roads.
Improvements in technology mean modern hats are strong, lightweight and comfortable. They consist of a protective liner covered by a hard outer shell; should you fall and hit your head, the shell diffuses the impact over a large area, while the liner increases the length of time it will take for the impact to meet your head, lessening the chance of brain injury. Although design and safety standards continue to evolve and improve, it’s important to remember that no hat can completely rule out any chance of head injury.
There is a wide range of hats on the market, from the traditional-looking velvet covered hat, to skullcaps with optional covers, to helmets. It’s important to choose a hat that fits correctly to protect your head; to be sure, it’s best to have your hat fitted by a British Equestrian Trade Association-trained professional.
This weekend (16-17 September 2017) is the eighth annual International Helmet Awareness Day, and to mark the occasion we take a look at a few things that you may not know about concussion
International Helmet Awareness Day 2017 will be held on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September with discounts available on riding hats from retailers taking part
The two-time Olympic dressage medallist admitted the reason he had held onto his top hat for so long was down to "superstition"
British Eventing has become the latest national federation to ban top hats and hunting caps at all levels
The rider, who was kicked in the head while turning horses out, is urging others to think about their safety as winter approaches
Don't miss your chance to have your riding hat and body protector questions answered by an expert in this field
The injured rider is calling for others to ensure their hats are up to standard and professionally fitted
Looking for a hat for Royal Ascot? The British Horse Society is taking the opportunity of the sporting and fashion spectacle to launch a safety campaign
The governing body has decided a “small and rounded” protuberance on the front of a riding hat does not pose a safety risk
Riders are frustrated that a popular hat has been judged not to meet the headwear rules for cross-country at British Eventing competitions
A new app will help riders find out if their hats are up to standard, while Harry Hall is planning a “Serious About Safety” tour
Vicky Smith's hat had just a slight scuff and stain on the outside after the fall, but the internal protective layer was seriously damaged
The helmet was created with the help of a 3D scanner and a team of designers thanks to a generous donation
Charles Owen is developing a brand new material which could be used in protective helmets
Helmet manufacturer Charles Owen has been given €273,000 to work on a groundbreaking safety project
The Crack the Hat appeal aims to raise money for the Injured Jockeys Fund
New research by Transport Research Laboratory has revealed that helmet cameras may not be as dangerous as previously feared
The Lambourn RDA, in Berkshire, donated its stock of hats to a disabled riding group in Kenya
