Why Your Riding Hat Matters More Than You Think

Horse riding is one of the most rewarding activities available in the UK, from gentle hacks through the Surrey Hills to lessons at a dedicated equestrian centre in the Scottish Borders. But it is also statistically one of the more physically demanding sports when it comes to injury risk. Head injuries account for a significant proportion of serious equestrian accidents, and the majority of fatalities in horse riding incidents involve head trauma.

The British Horse Society (BHS) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) both emphasise that a properly fitted, standards-compliant riding hat is the single most effective piece of safety equipment a rider can wear. Unlike a cycling helmet, which is designed to absorb a single impact, a riding hat must cope with the possibility of impact with the ground, a fence, a hoof, or any number of other hazards in a dynamic outdoor environment.

Beyond safety, most BHS approved riding schools and Pony Club centres across England, Scotland, and Wales will not allow you to mount a horse without a hat that meets current safety standards. Some schools also inspect hats for signs of wear or damage before lessons begin. So arriving with the right hat from the outset saves you time, money, and any embarrassment on your first day in the saddle.

UK Safety Standards Explained

This is where many first-time buyers get confused, and understandably so. There are several overlapping safety standards, and the landscape has changed in recent years. Here is a clear breakdown of what you need to know.

Current Accepted Standards in the UK

As of 2024, the following standards are widely accepted at UK riding schools, Pony Club events, and British Equestrian Federation (BEF) affiliated competitions:

• PAS 015:2011 — This is the UK’s own standard, published by the British Standards Institution (BSI). It remains one of the most rigorous standards available and is accepted almost universally across UK riding schools and competitions. Look for the Kitemark symbol on the hat or its labelling.
• BSEN 1384:2017+A1:2022 — The updated European standard, now with the 2022 amendment. This replaced the older 2012 version, which is no longer accepted at most venues.
• VG1 01.040:2014-12 — A German standard increasingly used by hat manufacturers and accepted across the UK, particularly for jockey skull caps and show jumping helmets.
• ASTM F1163 (04a or newer) with SEI certification — An American standard accepted in the UK, particularly common in endurance riding and some show jumping disciplines.
• AS/NZS 3838:2006 — The Australian and New Zealand standard, accepted at many UK venues, particularly for cross-country and eventing.

Standards That Are No Longer Accepted

It is equally important to know which standards have been withdrawn. The older EN 1384:2012 standard is no longer accepted at Pony Club events or British Eventing competitions. If you pick up a second-hand hat or find a suspiciously cheap option online that only shows this standard, do not buy it for riding — regardless of its physical condition.

The Kitemark

The BSI Kitemark is a trusted UK quality mark. When a riding hat carries the Kitemark alongside PAS 015, it has been independently tested by an approved body. This is particularly reassuring for parents buying hats for children, as it provides an extra layer of accountability beyond the manufacturer’s own claims.

Types of Riding Hat Available in the UK

Walk into any good equestrian retailer in the UK — whether that is Robinsons Equestrian in Cheshire, Naylors in the North East, or Equus in Hampshire — and you will find a range of hat styles. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right one for your riding discipline and ambitions.

1. The Skull Cap (Jockey Skull)

A skull cap is a smooth-surfaced, low-profile helmet with no fixed peak. It is the most commonly used hat in cross-country riding, eventing, and racing, and is a popular choice for everyday hacking and school lessons. Most skull caps are worn with a separate silk or lycra cover, which can be personalised with colours or patterns — a traditional sight at Pony Club events across Wales and England.

Skull caps tend to offer a snug, low fit and are often the preferred choice of professional riders and those who want maximum protection with minimal bulk. Brands popular in the UK include Champion, Gatehouse, Charles Owen, and Trauma Void.

2. The Velvet Riding Hat (Show Hat)

The traditional velvet-look riding hat, with its short fixed peak and classic silhouette, is synonymous with British equestrian culture. It is the hat you will see on showjumpers, dressage riders, and hunters at county shows across England and Scotland. Modern versions are made from synthetic velvet-look materials and incorporate the same impact protection as skull caps, but with a more formal aesthetic.

These hats are ideal if you plan to take part in showing classes or formal lessons where presentation matters. They also tend to be preferred at riding schools that maintain a traditional dress code.

3. The Riding Helmet with Fixed Peak (Body Protector-Style Helmets)

Some manufacturers produce helmets with a more pronounced fixed peak than a traditional velvet hat, designed to give some protection from the sun and rain — both of which are, of course, entirely relevant in the UK climate. These are popular for trail riding and hacking and offer a practical middle ground between the skull cap and the show hat.

4. Western Hats

If you are taking western riding lessons — available at specialist centres in several parts of England — you may consider a western-style riding helmet, which incorporates modern safety standards within a cowboy hat aesthetic. These are niche but entirely legitimate choices for the right discipline.

How to Get Properly Fitted

This step cannot be overstated. A riding hat that does not fit correctly will not protect you properly, regardless of how many safety standards it carries. Buying a riding hat online without being fitted first — particularly for a first purchase — is a false economy.

Measuring Your Head

Use a soft tape measure and wrap it around your head approximately 2.5 cm above your eyebrows, keeping it level all the way round. This gives you your head circumference in centimetres. Most adult riding hats in the UK are sold in sizes ranging from 51 cm to 63 cm, though manufacturers vary in their sizing systems.

What a Good Fit Feels Like

When you put on a correctly fitted riding hat, it should:

• Sit level on your head, no more than two finger-widths above your eyebrows at the front
• Feel firm but not painful — no pressure points at the temples or the back of the skull
• Not rock forward and back or side to side when you shake your head
• Not pull away from the head when you push upward on the brim
• Allow the retention harness (chin strap) to sit snugly under the chin when fastened — you should only be able to fit one or two fingers beneath it

Head Shape Matters

Human heads are not all round. Some people have a more oval head shape (long front to back), while others have a rounder shape. Hat manufacturers account for this, and the same hat size from two different brands may fit very differently. Charles Owen hats, for example, are often praised for fitting rounder head shapes, while some Gatehouse models suit more oval shapes. An experienced fitter at a specialist retailer will be able to advise on which brands suit your particular head shape.

Always Get Fitted by a Professional

Many BHS approved riding schools can point you towards a local qualified hat fitter. The Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) runs a hat fitting qualification, and you can find accredited fitters on their website at mastersaddlers.co.uk. BETA (the British Equestrian Trade Association) also maintains a list of trained hat fitters. Using a qualified fitter is especially important for children.

Where to Buy Your Riding Hat in the UK

You have several options, each with its own advantages.

Specialist Equestrian Retailers

The best place to buy your first riding hat is always a dedicated equestrian retailer with trained staff. Some well-known chains and independents across the UK include:

Moving Forward

Once you have the fundamentals in place, the possibilities open up considerably. The UK offers fantastic opportunities for anyone interested in this hobby, and with the right foundation you will be well placed to make the most of them.