Buying a riding hat Safety standards Replacing your hat after a fall Wearing a body protector
QI’ve just started riding and now I’m taking it more seriously I feel I need to graduate from the riding school hats to one of my own. What kind of safety checks should I be looking for when buying and do I need to get it properly fitted? Jason Smith, Dorchester
AYou only have one head, so keep yourself as safe as you can and wear a well-fitting hat that’s securely fastened each and every time you wear it. There’s a wide variety of hats and helmets available to suit all tastes and budgets, all designed to keep you as comfortable as possible while making sure you’re protected to the recognised safety standards. It’s essential that a hat fits properly and, as no two heads are the same, you may need to try a few to find the perfect fit for you. All manufacturers make hats in slightly different shapes, so there is something for everyone, you just need to find it.
New all the way
The British Horse Society (BHS) always recommends you go to a reputable tack shop and have your head measured and hat fitted properly to check it is the best shape for you. This should be done by somebody who has had appropriate British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) training. Never be tempted to buy a second-hand hat, as there is no way of knowing how well it has been looked after, or even if it has been previously involved in a fall. Riding hats are designed to be as effective as possible at minimising any potential head injury but, as with all safety equipment, no riding hat can be guaranteed to protect every rider in every circumstance.