Choosing a Riding Hat – a Life and Death Matter!

Choosing a riding hat – a life and death matter!

Here at Tack & Country we know that choosing a hat for yourself or your child is one of the single most important purchases you will make.

It is essential to buy a hat with the up-to-date kitemarks, which fits snugly. It should be comfortable. Children especially are easily put off wearing ‘safety’ gear if it causes discomfort. The consequences of not wearing a hat because it hurts are just not worth the risk.

A riding hat is worn for what can sometimes be long periods of vigorous exercise. It should not only look good, but afford maximum protection, comfort and durability. It MUST be worn at all times when mounted, and the chinstrap should not be left undone. Children grow all too quickly, so hats should be changed when they grow out of them.

They should NEVER be bought hats that are too loose, to ‘grow into’!

We recognise too that you expect value for money, so we stock a range of quality products, which we have found to be best suited to this important job.

To find out accurate sizing, first measure around the rider’s head with a tape, holding it firm but not too tight. Refer to a chart to give the correct size. If you already have a well-fitting hat with traditional sizing, you will be able to convert the size, though there may be slight differences between the fit, weight and
shape of various brands.

The hat should stay on when you move your head from side to side, or even upside down. You should NEVER just rely on the strap to hold it in place, as it will slip and not give proper protection.

The chin strap should be adjusted to be firm but comfortable.

Any hat which is in a bad fall, or dropped or kicked, should be replaced IMMEDIATELY to ensure continued safety.