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The most important piece of equestrian clothing is a riding hat. Riding hats consist of a hard shell lined with shock absorbing material and provide vital protection for the rider's head should they fall from a horse or be kicked by a horse. As well as wearing a riding hat at all times when riding, it is also wise to wear a riding hat whilst lunging, or handling any horse from the ground.
Riding hats should always be replaced immediately if they suffer a severe impact as a result from a call from a horse, being dropped onto a hard surface or kicked by a horse as although no visible damage may be seen, any severe impact to the riding hat can result in diminished protection. In addition the protection offered by any riding hat diminishes over time as the padding inside becomes compressed and so any riding hat should routinely be replaced every 3-4 years even if there are no visible signs of damage, wear and tear, etc.
When buying a riding hat it is always best to buy a new one and second hand riding hats should be avoided as there is no way to be certain that any second hand riding hat, even if it looks in tact, has not received a severe impact in the past that could result in diminished protection.
There are three basic types of horse riding hats as follows:
- Classic Riding Hat
This is a traditional velvet riding hat with a hard peak usually available in black, brown and navy.
- Skull Cap or Jockey Cap
This is a riding hat with no peak traditionally worn by jockeys but now a popular riding hat amongst leisure riders and competitors in other equestrian sports also. Peaked covers, known as silks can be placed over the top of the skull cap and these covers are available in velvet to give the appearance of a classic riding hat, brightly coloured material giving the appearance of a jockey's cap and there are also novelty silks with eyes, ears, etc sewn on that are popular with young children.
- Endurance Skull Protector
This is a riding hat which looks similar to a cycle helmet and is extremely lightweight and ventilated for comfort in warm weather.
Any riding hat should have a chin strap which should be adjusted correctly and fastened whenever the riding hat is worn. The riding hat should also conform to the current riding hat safety standards.
When trying on any riding hat, it is important that the riding hat fits both comfortably and securely. Without the chin strap fastened the riding hat should fit securely enough that the rider should be able to nod and shake their head briskly without the hat moving.
Riding Hat Size Chart
Riding Hat Safety Standards
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