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Horse and rider riding around a cross-country course

As arguably the most important piece of riding safety kit you’ll buy, your hat takes on a multitude of major responsibilities. Reducing the risk of sustaining a serious head injury is a full-time job and certainly not for the faint hearted. That’s why you need to make sure your helmet of choice is up to the job. With safety features advancing rapidly it can be hard to keep up with the latest technologies. However, H&R’s on hand to take the guesswork out of your selection by ensuring we only feature helmets that meet the safety standards and regulations of the main governing bodies – British Dressage, British Eventing, British Showjumping and the British Riding Clubs. Let’s take a look at the options.

Safety first

Riding hats are designed to protect your head for just one impact, such as a fall or even being dropped on a hard surface, and must be replaced afterwards. Even if your hat’s lucky enough not to have experienced either, it’s still recommended you replace it every three to five years, depending on how much you wear it, because the protective materials will deteriorate after this time. While a riding hat can feel like an expensive initial outlay, when you consider its life-saving properties – not to mention the anticipated cost per use if you wear it multiple times a week for up to five years, for the budget-savvy among us – that trade-off between your wallet and your life doesn’t seem so important anymore. Still need some convincing? Two riders share their tales of the time their riding helmet saved their lives…

Fit for purpose

In May 2019, Hannah Norvill had an unsupervised fall from her horse, during which she was knocked unconscious and was then hospitalised for several weeks with a brain bleed. After replacing her helmet, which sustained serious impact during the fall, Hannah returned her original helmet to its manufacturer, Champion, to allow them to examine it in greater detail. The helmet had experienced significant damage, with both the outer shell and protective foam liner cracking. Additionally, the foam liner had been crushed to half its original thickness. This level of damage emphasises the severity of the fall Hannah suffered and shows how her helmet acted as designed to absorb much of the impact. By working in this fashion, the helmet protected Hannah from long-term catastrophic injury, and likely saved her life. Damage to riding hat after a fall

Up to standard

Pictured (below) is the helmet of top US showjumper Laura Kraut after her fall at the end of July 2020. Laura’s horse was wearing studs for stability while jumping but as she fell from her horse on landing, he stepped on her head twice. Laura sustained injuries to her face but, remarkably, was back out competing within six weeks. This is because her Charles Owen helmet was designed to withstand this kind of impact scenario – the PAS 015:2011 standard, with a BSI Kitemark that means it’s retested every year. If Laura hadn’t been wearing a helmet designed for this level of impact, the injury could’ve been much worse. By ensuring that your helmet is up to the latest standards, you’re helping to make sure you’ve got the best, and latest, safety mechanisms behind you. Damage to riding hat after a fall

Riding discipline rule requirements

* only in conjunction with another accepted standard from this list

Peaked Hats

Predominantly worn in showjumping and dressage competitions, as well as for general riding, they come in a range of styles to suit your fancy.

Rhinegold Reflective Pro

£78.95

Front ventilated hat for increased airflow. It has a soft suede style lined harness and removable washable liner for added comfort. Features reflective piping on the outside for increased visibility.

Features

Removable liner
Vents
Competition legal

rhinegoldequestrian.co.uk

Uvex Elexxion Pro

£219.50

Lightweight helmet combining the best of two leading helmet technologies – inmould and hard shell – into one helmet. Adjustable ventilation system to keep you cool when you need it most. Striking appearance with gloss and matt design.

Features

Adjustable
Vents
Competition legal

zebraproducts.co.uk

Champion Revolve Vent-Air MIPS

From £237.50

Designed using the MIPS brain protection system. Features a highly ventilated airflow system, padded harness and synthetic leather finish with pearlised piping detail, keeping you safe yet stylish in the saddle.

Features

Removable liner
Vents
Competition legal
MIPS

championhats.co.uk

Charles Owen Ayrbrush Pinstripe

£269

Features front and rear ventilation with a smooth, mark-resistant paint, matt finish and coloured pinstripe. Strengthened shell with glass-reinforced fibres. Rear lacing for adjustment and a removable, washable cup headband.

Features

Removable liner
Vents
Competition legal

charlesowen.com

Just Togs One K Defender Air Glamour

£299

Stylish and elegant design with Swarovski crystals and sparkle stone detailing. Air pump system for a bespoke fit. Includes interchangeable anti-microbial liners and multiple vents for maximum airflow for extra comfort.

Features

Removable liner
Vents
Adjustable
Competition legal

justtogs.co.uk

Antares Galaxy

£310

Lightweight, ventilated hat with four front and two back vents, featuring a matt shell finish with contrasting leather design and chrome detailing. Supplied with interchangeable washable liners and has options for customisation.

Features

Removable liner
Vents
Competition legal

pmequestrian.co.uk

Kask Star Lady Swarovski Pearls

£764

Stand out with this combination of pearl and crystal elements for a elegant, contemporary look. Comfortable eco-leather harness with removable padding and smart honeycomb-style ventilation system.

Features

Vents
Competition legal

kask.com

Kep Cromo Textile Blue with Swarovski panel in sparkling rain

£957

Python leather-finished helmet with endless options for customisation. Advanced air-control system to keep the head cool and dry. Five-point harness and removable, washable liners.

Features

Removable liner
Vents
Competition legal

kepitalia.com

Jockey skulls

This style of helmet must by worn for cross-country and is popular with eventers and leisure riders alike. Can be personalised with a hat silk or cover of your choice.

Gatehouse HS1-V

From £164.98

Developed from the HS1 hat with the addition of front vents to provide increased ventilation. For maximum comfort it has a four-point padded harness with anti-bacterial lining and rear lacing for adjustment.

Features

Vents
Competition legal

wefi.co.uk

Champion Pro Ultimate

From £166.75

Fully ventilated helmet for effective airflow made from lightweight, fibreglass composite material. Removable crown padding, four-point soft leather and webbing harness with rear lacing for comfort and easy adjustment.

Features

Removable liner
Vents
Competition legal

championhats.com

Charles Owen Pro II Plus

£170

Precision-fitting skull cap with removable, washable headband that allows for a close, customised fit. Available in regular and round fit with a range of colours including heat reflective options. Rear lacing and padded chin strap for comfort.

Features

Removable liner
Vents
Competition legal

charlesowen.com

Antares Cross Country

From £270

Featuring four front vents for maximum breathability and lightweight design for comfort. Comes with interchangeable washable liners. You can create your own unique hat with a wide range of styles, finishes and colours.

Features

Removable liner
Vents
Competition legal

pmequestrian.co.uk

Kask Dogma XC

£440

Lightweight outer shell that’s waterproof and scratch resistant. A unique fitting system allows the helmet to cradle the back of the head, offering an anatomical fit. Features honeycomb-style ventilation with a hypoallergenic chinstrap.

Features

Vents
Competition legal

kask.com

Kep E-Light

From £733

Weighing less than 400g, this stylish, super-lightweight hat has a vented carbon fibre outer and elegant detailing with a soft eco-leather harness for added comfort. Complete with removable, washable liners.

Features