Riders' hard hat reminder

A reminder that riders at WES events must wear a BHS-approved hard hat when mounted, with one exception for adults at shows, and what the BHS says about choosing a hat.

As a reminder to all members: WES requires every rider at a WES event to wear a BHS-approved hard hat when mounted. The one exception is at shows, where adult riders may choose to wear a western-style (Stetson) riding hat as long as they have completed a disclaimer form.

This may seem a small point, but our insurance, and many personal liability policies, are very specific about it.

What the BHS says

The BHS always recommends that you go to a reputable tack shop and have a new hat fitted by somebody with British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) training, who is therefore a certified hat fitter.

It can be tempting to buy a second-hand hat, but the BHS advises against it, because damage cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Measure up before you go out to buy your new hat.

Your hat should have a quality assurance mark beside the label, showing which standard it is tested to. Any standard hat with a Quality Assurance Mark (such as a BSI Kitemark or an SEI mark) can be seen as safer than a hat to the same standard without one (from the BETA "What to Wear" publication).

Hats designed for children can be a different shape from those designed for adults, even from the same brand. Always have your head measured and your hat fitted properly when you buy a new one, to make sure it is the best shape for you.

A top-of-the-range hat or a plain, less expensive one: it does not matter, as long as it meets one of the accepted standards.

You only have one head. Keep it as safe as you can, and wear a fitted hat, fastened, every time you ride.

Approved riding hats

Knowing which makes of riding hat are approved can be a minefield. The BHS has published clear guidance, and everything you need is in the file below.

2023-bhs-approvals-and-bhs-assessments-hat-guide-v1