Horse Accessories: Riding Hats

Of all horse accessories, the most important piece of equipment you will ever buy will be your riding hat. While it’s never nice dwell on the prospect of a horse accident occurring, sadly the chances of a fall occurring during your horse riding lifetime will be fairly high – and that’s why your choice of riding hat will be so important.

Find out more about riding hats in the guide below.

Riding Clothing: How to Fit Riding Hats

1.    Head to your local tack shop and ask staff for their advice. It’s best to seek expert opinion to make the selection process a whole lot easier. Remember that the staff at the shop will have seen hundreds of novice riders walk through their doors, all of them with questions relating to riding hats, so they really are in the best position to offer their assistance.

2.    Try on a selection of riding hats. You’ll only be able to get a good idea of what constitutes a comfortable fit once you have tried on a couple of different options. For instance, the first riding hat you try on may offer a comfortable fit, but this hat may in reality be too loose. Similarly, a hat may be too tight and uncomfortable beyond a couple of minutes. Therefore taking that time to try on a selection of hats will leave you much better informed.

3.    Don’t instantly jump for the brand name. While there are many famous riding hat manufacturers out there, it’s essential to find a hat that offers exactly the right amount of protection – not to make a fashion statement. Provided the riding hat meets with certified safety standards, it’s best to choose on fit rather than look.

4.    Never use a riding hat second hand unless you’ve done a thorough inspection of both the exterior and interior of the hat. Crucial padding could be missing and threads might have come lose – potentially putting your life in danger should you opt to wear that riding hat. Never head out on your horse until you feel 100% confident that riding hats are safe.

5.    In terms of the fit, a riding hat should fit all the way down and protect the whole of your skull. If this is not the case, ask nearby staff attendants whether you can try on another hat – they will be able to guide you further. The riding hat should also never be able to slip down in front of they eyes.

6.    Finally, check your riding hat regularly for any signs of wear and tear, especially if you head out on longer rides more than a couple of times a week.


Find riding hats and riding clothing on Equine Superstore.