How do you choose a riding hat?
Whether you are on a jumping course, in a dressage test or out hacking, head protection is the most important part of a rider's safety. Choosing a riding hat starts with measuring carefully and understanding what makes a good fit.
- Measuring your head: Use a flexible tape measure placed horizontally around your head, about one to two centimetres above your eyebrows and over the bump at the back of the skull.
- Fit and stability: Once the harness is fastened, the hat should stay perfectly stable and not tip down over your eyes when you move your head, without causing excessive pressure points on the forehead or temples.
- Replacing after an impact: Any hat that has taken a fall or a hard knock should be replaced immediately, as the internal shock-absorbing structure may be compromised even if there is no visible damage on the outside.
Which Casco, Choplin or Harry's Horse riding hat should you choose?
For a Casco riding hat, the range offers a wide variety of finishes. In this range, the Casco Duell One and Casco Duell Prime hats sit alongside the Mistrall 2 and Champ Regal models. Riders who want to personalise their look can also use the CASCO “My Style” Piping Kit.
If you are looking at a Choplin riding hat, you will find tried-and-tested options such as the Choplin Plume Riding Helmet, the Choplin Aéro Velvet Matt Riding Helmet or the Aéro Velvet Brillant model. From Harry's Horse, the well-known Mont Blanc hat comes in Glossy and Sparkle versions, alongside the Matterhorn, Quartz and Pro F1 models.
For an Equithème hat with sparkle or shimmer, our selection includes the Casque Equithème Glint Lamé as well as the Casque Equithème Glint Mat and the Casque Equithème Agris. Riders looking for a Tattini hat without a peak will find the Tattini Peakless Riding Helmet, while Back on Track offers its Casque EQ3 Lynx Microfibre/Strass.
Why use a hat bag and a hat silk?
Looking after your kit day to day helps it last longer and keeps its protective qualities intact. Between sessions at the yard and travelling, there are several storage and care options:
- Protection when travelling: A hat bag or dedicated cover protects the shell from stable dust, scratches and light knocks. You can choose the Equithème Basalt Riding Helmet Bag, the Riding World hat bag, the Covalliero hat box or the Harry's Horse Riding Helmet Bag.
- Personalising and protecting with fabric: A riding hat silk protects the outer shell while letting you personalise your style. The QHP collection offers a wide choice of hat silks, with the Glitter, Liora, Licorne, Le Lapin, Omaha and Vegas designs.
- Interior hygiene: Replacing removable liners keeps the inside clean and comfortable. Our range includes the Casco Duell One interior fitting, the Casco Mistrall 1 liner and the Back on Track Lynx hat lining.