Top 10 things horse riders need to know about Riding Hats
- 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
- Never be tempted to buy a second-hand hat. It is impossible to see with the naked eye if it has been damaged.
- With care, a good hat will last several years. Do not leave it in direct sunlight. Protective properties of the hat can significantly reduce if left for long periods in direct sunlight
- Dry your hat naturally, if it gets wet. Don’t put it on the radiator
- 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
- Keep your hat fastened at all times when you are mounted
- You should always aim to replace your hat at least every five years and after every fall or if you drop your hat
- Only formal UK legislation covering riding hats states that all riders aged 14 and under must wear a hat conforming to current regulations when riding on the public highway.
- 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. If your hat has the standard (BS)EN1384 along with another of the standards accepted by your chosen discipline’s governing body then you will be allowed to wear it
- When competing your hat will need to be checked by an official. They will be looking to see that your hat meets the safety standards. They will put a little tag on it to show it has been approved. Normally each governing body for a discipline would have a different tag colour. However, in 2018 British Eventing, British Riding Clubs, the Pony Club and British Team Chasing joined together under one colour, Aqua.
Now you have read our blog Top 10 things horse riders need to know about Riding Hats, why not think about coming on a first aid course? To find out which first aid course is best for you check out our specific equestrian first aid webpage.
We have also produced an equestrian specific Accident Book for horse riding establishments. You can view and buy it here.
Medi-K and First Aid Training Co-operative have come together to run specialist equestrian specific first aid courses. For more information about our first aid courses please contact us.
