We are passionate about safety here at Discount Equestrian. Therefore, we have dedicated this blog post to riding hats – an essential element of riding equipment.
To begin, here is a downloadable table of the latest riding hat safety standards from the British Equestrian Trade Association, BETA™.
Some information about riding hats from the British Horse Society, BHS™:
“It is essential that a hat properly fits the person who will be wearing it, and as every head is a different shape, you may need to try a few to find the perfect one for you. The BHS always recommends you go to a reputable tack shop and have a new hat fitted by somebody who has had appropriate BETA training. It is also important to remember to keep your hat fastened at all times when you are mounted.
Never be tempted to buy a second-hand hat. It is impossible to see with the naked eye if it has been damaged.
CE Mark – All hats sold in Europe must be CE marked, i.e. declaring compliance with the regulations as stated in the European Directive 89/686/EEC on Personal Protective Equipment. A CE mark is not a hat safety standard.
Quality Assurance – When a Quality Assurance Mark is displayed on the hat it:
· gives the user visible evidence of the helmet’s quality, safety and performance as defined in the specification
· shows the helmets are independently and regularly batch tested by the relevant company or organisation to the appropriate specification
Any standard hat with a Quality Assurance Mark (such as a BSI Kitemark or an SEI mark) can be viewed as safer than a hat to the same standard without (statement taken from BETA ‘What to Wear’ publication).”
Horse & Hound™ list riding hat requirements depending on discipline, as follows:
“British Eventing, Pony Club, British Riding Clubs and British Team Chasing:
British and European – PAS 015 (1998 or 2011) and VG1, all with BSI Kitemark
American – ASTM F1163 2004a onwards with SEI mark, Snell E2001 onwards with the official Snell label and number
Australia and New Zealand – AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards with SAI Global mark
British Dressage:
British – All PAS 015 (1998 and subsequent updates)
European – VG1, EN1384 2017 (only in conjunction with another accepted standard from this list)
American – Snell E2001 and E2016
Australian and New Zealand – AS/NZA 3838 2006 onwards
British Showjumping:
British – All PAS (1998 or 2011) 015, VG1 provided they are BSI Kitemarked
European – VG1 provided they are BSI Kitemarked
American – All SEI ASTM F1163 04a onwards and SNELL E2001 and SNELL E2016.
Australian and New Zealand – AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards.”
If you ever need assistance fitting your riding hat, our professional, highly trained team would be more than happy to help here at Discount Equestrian.
Following is a selection of some of our best-selling riding hats:
* Champion® Evolution Puissance Riding Hat
This riding hat is the epitome of style and function, offering a low profile, lightweight, fibreglass shell, and highly ventilated airflow system. This riding hat keeps you cool without compromising on style, with its high-tech spacer and synthetic leather detailing. The Champion® Evolution Puissance Riding Hat also features a four-point, padded, synthetic suede harness with a rear drawstring and quick-release buckle for optimum safety.
* Charles Owen® V8 Riding Hat
One of the most versatile riding hats on the market, the Charles Owen® V8 Riding Hat has been designed with a 'Free Fit' system that increases airflow and evaporates sweat to improve comfort. The detachable liner improves rider hygiene as it is easily removable and machine washable, attaching to the riding hat using premium hook and loop closures. An innovative, quick-release buckle, made using high strength alloy, fastens the 6-point patented GRpx® harness for unsurpassed stability.
* Gatehouse® Jeunesse Velvet Riding Hat
The Gatehouse® Jeunesse Velvet Riding Hat has been designed with young riders in mind. Conforming to PAS 015: 2011, these riding hats are slim and lightweight with an elegant profile. They are superbly comfortable to wear and feature a quick-dry padded liner that can be removed for washing, enhancing rider hygiene and comfort.
* Kask® Star Lady Pure Shine
Captivating and refined at the same time, this Kask® Star Lady Pure Shine riding hat is the result of intensive innovation and the fusion between sophistication, style, and comfort. The moulded outer shell is scratch-resistant and lightweight – whereas the lining is 100% Merino Wool, offering a natural, antibacterial fibre that provides unique levels of breathability and thermoregulation. This riding hat conforms to the following standards: VG1 01.040 2014-12, ASTM F1163, and has the SEI mark.
* KEP® Cromo Mica
The KEP® Cromo Mica riding helmet was one of KEP® Italia's first products and features a shine-effect surface obtained by mixing the outer varnish with a mineral called mica. As with all KEP® Italia riding helmets, the Cromo Mica also features an air control system developed exclusively by KEP® Italia. This system, together with the lightweight design of the helmet, provides the rider with enhanced comfort. To enhance rider safety, this riding hat has a chin strap with five attachment points. KEP® Italia helmets are certified according to CE safety standards ASTM and BS, with production processes certified ISO 9001-2008.
