Your riding hat is one of the most important pieces of safety kit you own. It protects your head every time you ride and that means it’s working hard behind the scenes, even when you don’t realise it. But riding hats don’t last forever and knowing when to replace yours could make all the difference in an accident.
So, how do you know when it’s time to change your hat? Here’s what you need to know…
- You’ve Had a Fall
Even if your hat looks fine after a fall, it might not be. Riding hats are designed to absorb impact – so if they’ve done their job once, they may not do it again. Our advice: If you’ve fallen and your head hit the ground (even slightly), it’s safest to replace your hat. You should never ride in a hat that’s been compromised.
- It’s 3 to 5 Years Old
Time flies and so does the effectiveness of your hat’s materials. Most manufacturers recommend replacing your riding hat every 3 to 5 years, even if you haven’t fallen. Why? The materials inside, like the protective foam, naturally degrade over time. This means they won’t absorb impact as well as they should, putting you at risk. Top tip: If you ride regularly, aim to replace your hat every 3 years.
- It’s Been Stored Improperly
Hats are tough, but they don’t like heat, damp or being squashed in the back of the car. Exposure to sunlight, moisture or extreme temperatures can weaken the materials and affect the fit. Beware of leaving your hat in the lorry or tack room all year round – especially in summer or winter.
- It Doesn’t Fit Like It Used To
Heads don’t really change, but hats can. If your hat suddenly feels loose, pinches or moves around when you ride, it’s not giving you full protection. This can be caused by wear and tear or just the foam bedding in over time. Come and see us: our trained hat fitters at RB Equestrian will make sure your next hat fits safely and comfortably.
- It’s Out of Date for Competition
Pony Club, British Eventing and British Showjumping all have strict rules about which safety standards are accepted and they update them regularly. If your hat doesn’t meet the latest standard, you may not be allowed to compete. Not sure if your hat is compliant? Bring it into store and we’ll check it for you – no pressure, no obligation.
Shop with RB Equestrian
At RB Equestrian, we stock a huge range of hats from trusted brands like Charles Owen, Champion and Samshield – all fitted by our friendly, knowledgeable team. Whether you or your child needs a new riding hat, we’re here to help. No appointment needed – just pop in and see us in Milton Keynes.
Ready for a new riding hat?
Explore our riding hats online or visit us in store for expert fitting and friendly advice.
