Horse Riding Helmets – Which English Horse Riding Hat Is Right For You?

At upper levels, horse riding hats bring classical style.

These days, many barns and shows require both young riders and new riders to wear horse riding helmets.  In fact, many states and provinces are passing laws to enforce helmet use by riders below a certain age*. But, at higher levels of competition, horse riding hats are often seen.      

Though they offer no protection for your head, these hats allow highly skilled riders to present themselves in pure and traditional style. Depending on the event, a rider might choose a Hunt Cap, a Top Hat, or even a Dressage Derby. 

So, which horse riding hat do YOU need?

Unless you’re at an approved level of skill and competition — and you would know it if you were — you don’t need any horse riding hat.  If you are, then your choice will depend on which events you’re riding, and which style you like best. And you know what that means? Decision time again… 

Choose an English horse riding hat below…

English Hunt Caps

(optional for upper level Dressage and Hunt Seat flat classes for adults)

Introduced in 1780 and made popular by King George III when he wore one in Windsor Park, the Hunt Cap is the hat on which most horse riding helmets are based. Traditionally made of a shellacked felt covered in velvet and featuring a padded interior, hunt caps are basically just stiff cloth hats that offer no protection for the rider’s head. Unless you’re competing at an extremely high level, stay away from the hunt cap and stick to a helmet. Click the hunt cap to compare the various brands…

English Riding Top Hats

(optional for upper level Dressage)

Top hats are one of the earliest types of hats to be worn in riding, and are still part of the traditional dressage ensemble. Like the hunt cap, the top hat is basically just a very stiff hat that will possibly protect you from minor scalp lacerations, but won’t protect you from a major impact of any sort. Shorter than a normal top hat, these top hats are designed to stay on the head while riding. Unless you’re riding dressage at the FEI level, you don’t need a top hat. If you are, check out the different brands of riding top hats and see what sets them apart… 

Dressage Derbies

(optional for upper level Dressage)

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