Why Buy a Riding Hat?
Why Buy a Riding Hat?
A riding hat is important as it is critical for your safety in the unfortunate event of a fall, to protect your head.
Investing in a good quality riding hat is essential. It is the first piece of riding equipment you need to keep you safe, and so buying the right size is important, as a good fitting riding hat ensures the best protection to keep your head safe in case you fall.
Sizing and Fitting
Riding Hat Sizes
| Measurement | Riding Hat Size |
| 49cm | 6 |
| 50cm | 6 ⅛ |
| 51cm | 6 ¼ |
| 52cm | 6 ⅜ |
| 53cm | 6 ½ |
| 54cm | 6 ⅝ |
| 55cm | 6 ¾ |
| 56cm | 6 ⅞ |
| 57cm | 7 |
| 58cm | 7 ⅛ |
| 59cm | 7 ¼ |
| 60cm | 7 ⅜ |
| 61cm | 7 ½ |
| 62cm | 7 ⅝ |
| 63cm | 7 ¾ |
How to measure your head for a riding hat
Place the tape measure snugly around your head at the widest point, about one inch above your eyebrows. Make sure the tape goes over the bump at the back of your head and that it is just above the top of your ears. Compare this measurement to the manufacturers or see our chart above.
When trying on a hat, make sure it sits comfortably and snugly on your head and covers your entire skull and that no gaps exist.
If you need any help or advice, please contact us or visit our tack shop
Safety Standards
Riding hats must meet current safety standards. The use of hats bearing EN1384 or BSEN1384 was phased out during 2016. Therefore, the hat you choose should carry another standard such as:
- PAS 015 (1998 or 2011)
- VG1 01.040 (2014-12)
- ASTM F1163 (2004a or 04a onwards)
- SNELL E2001
- AS/NZS 3838 (2006 onwards)
The withdrawal of the standard has no effect on those riding hats already on the market.
Aftercare
If you do have a fall and hit your head, you will need to replace your hat as it could have become damaged, even if you can’t see any damage.
You should consider replacing your hat every 3-5 years, as the padding may become compressed, or the exterior cracked through exposure to conditions, depending on how you care for it.
