There is nothing like the feeling of exhilaration when you are riding. It represents such a feeling of freedom; just you and the horse and the nature all around you. Indeed, this all feels so natural and “at one with the world,” that you could be forgiven for overlooking some fundamental safety considerations. As much fun as this is, it is also an inherently dangerous activity. There is always the chance that you could be thrown, or that the horse could stumble and you could be ejected. Never overlook the need to be safe and to choose from a good list of approved horse riding hats before you even get ready to mount the horse and head off into the sunset.
Anyone who is involved in horse riding, whether a beginner or an established rider or a very competitive individual, must grasp the risks attached. The first thing to consider is your riding hat, which you should pay particular attention to and never be tempted to compromise in search of savings. The riding hat should be worn whenever you are in the presence of a horse, as the animal may have a propensity to kick at the most inopportune time!
There are many good riding hats on the market and you need to check to see that the one you are considering has the correct certification. In the United Kingdom the first thing you should seek out is a British Standards Institute kite mark, or the BSEN 1384 safety tag. The manufacturer should stand behind their product, so expect to find a multi-year guarantee, which means that you will be able to use the product for several years with confidence.
Size is everything when you are selecting a riding hat. Put it on and check for comfortable fit, especially when you try and move your head from side to side rather quickly. To fit correctly, it needs to cover the forehead as well as the back of the head and be ventilated so that it is comfortable when you get warm.
Riding hats are not designed to last forever and you should budget to replace them after three years at the most. Also, if you are unlucky enough to sustain a blow to the helmet, you are advised to replace it even though you may not see any visible damage as such. Any unseen damage could render it useless in the event of a subsequent accident.
Never be tempted to try and save money by selecting a used helmet, or to borrow somebody else’s at any time, as you never know what has happened in the past to that item. Furthermore, remember that horse riding hats are designed for a specific purpose and you should not try and get away with the use of an ice hockey helmet, or a bicycle helmet. Never estimate what is at stake here as you could suffer serious injury or worse if you are not careful. Finally, don’t look at good riding hats as a nuisance or something that you just have to get on with, as they should never detract from your enjoyment or your competitive ability if you choose to pursue this.
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November 15, 2010
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