Passing a rigorous test
“Designing a new riding hat is a complicated process,” explains Paul. “Once the designers have done their work and moulds have been created, prototypes are manufactured for assessment. Once the look and features of the new model have been approved, the real work begins to
1 CONDITIONING PROCESS
This ensures the hat can withstand extreme ambient conditions, without losing its ability to protect you. The test also provides accelerated ageing. This is a compulsory process, which for British Standards Institution (BSI) PAS 015:2011 specification requires hats to be stored for 24 hours in a standard laboratory room at a temperature of 23°C. It also requires a sample of the hats to be placed in controlled environments for 24 hours at 50°C or -20°C, while others are exposed to water spray for 24 hours and UV light for 48 hours.
2 DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
This is the process by which a hat’s ability to provide sufficient protection to your head is tested. It involves assessments of the area of coverage, the design, durability and performance of the fastening system. Plus, of course, the impact performance of the hat against a variety of potential hazards, including falls onto the ground and kicks from a horse’s hoof. ensure the hat will offer a suitable and sufficient level of protection when you’re wearing it.” The development and prototyping process for all new Gatehouse riding hats includes extensive in-house laboratory testing and is broken down into the following three sections:
3 SECURITY CHECKS
Hats are also checked to ensure that when correctly fitted and fastened, they will remain in place and won’t move around excessively. For riding hats with peaks, testing also ensures that they achieve set requirements for deflection and flexibility in order to reduce transferred force in the event of an impact.
Finishing touches
As well as the in-house testing process, the hat is assessed for its overall look and whether riders will buy it. Wearer trials are an important area of development, with hats being tested for fit and comfort. Feedback is invaluable and once that has been combined with the results of testing and any alterations made to meet standards, the design is finalised.