Look the part with Champion

Last, but certainly not least, we want to tell you about our final Win A Horse sponsor, Champion Helmets. Our winner will get a hat of their choice from the company’s PAS 015 hat range. Since the day the company was launched in the late 1970s, the team at Champion has shown nothing but absolute dedication to rider safety, exceptional design, unrivalled performance and the best quality British manufacturing in the industry. Champion safety products have always stood up to rigorous testing standards and have continuously carried the British Standard Kitemark which means you can trust them to look after you. A kitemarked riding hat from Champion offers additional safety reassurance as it’s tested on a continual basis, with every batch produced passing through the BSI’s rigorous testing system for each of the four main areas of testing – penetration, shock absorption, harness strength and stability. In addition, Champion was the first to manufacture riding hats and helmets to the British standard PAS015 more than 20 years ago, making them an obvious choice.

Choosing a hat with Champion

When deciding to buy a new riding hat, first and foremost you should consider what types of activities you do with your horse and, if you compete under rules, you must ensure that your hat is up to the correct standard, so always check carefully with the relevant governing bodies. The choice of style largely comes down to personal preference and finding a hat that fits you comfortably. Modern fixed peaks are flexible and so won’t hinder the protection offered by your hat in the event of a fall. Some research has shown that fixed peaks could offer protection to the nose and prevent full force facial impact in a face down fall. Peaked hats can also help to shield your eyes from bright sunshine or rain. However, some riders feel they can hinder line of sight when riding in a forward seat and fixed peak hats may not be suitable for all disciplines, including some Riding Club activities, so in this case, the majority of riders would choose skull caps. With these factors in mind, Champion has created a range with plenty of options to choose from.