Equestrian fashion brand LeMieux has launched its first-ever riding helmet collection today (6 May) at Mars Badminton Horse Trials. Designed by riders and safety experts, these award-winning helmets combine advanced safety technology with refined, customisable style.

LeMieux’s CEO Dan Mahoney said LeMieux’s entry into rider safety products marks a significant milestone for the company, which joins fellow manufacturers of the best riding helmets.

“Rider safety is fundamental to the sport, and this launch reflects our commitment to raise standards through thoughtful innovation, rigorous testing and rider-led design,” he said.

“We’re proud to offer helmets that deliver trusted protection while staying true to the LeMieux values of performance, innovation, quality and style.”

Two new helmets have been revealed so far – the LeMieux Verv competition helmet and the LeMieux Vexa skull cap. Each adhere to multiple riding hat safety standards, including ASTM F1163-23 and EN:1384:2023, while also carrying the BSI kitemark and SEI certification.

Robin Spicer, LeMieux’s technical design and innovation lead, who has previously worked for Charles Owen, said the new helmets have been shaped by a significant amount of work behind the scenes.

“With extensive testing and use of the latest innovations and technology, we are bringing something to the equestrian market that hasn’t been seen before and the whole team are incredibly proud,” said Robert.

Each helmet in the collection has been designed with a 360-degree wrap fit system so it cradles your head with an all-round fit, adjusting evenly and fitting securely without creating pressure points in the front of the helmet. It can be adjusted via a control wheel at the back.

LeMieux helmets are available to purchase at Badminton Horse Trials and selected retailers soon. For more information, visit lemieux.com.

New LeMieux helmets

LeMieux Verv

The LeMieux Verv competition helmet offers customisation and convenience with its innovative features. It has interchangeable magnetic peaks and a central panel, allowing for a unique, customised look in seconds. For fit, it features a removable washable liner, removable padding in the crown and a low-profile harness.

Each helmet comes with three interchangeable magnetic peaks: wide, narrow and brim. An interchangeable magnetic central panel (additional panels are available separately) allows you to customise your hat without the need for any tools.

It is available in shell sizes small (52 – 55cm), medium (56 – 58cm) or large (59 – 61cm), in black or navy with a matt or gloss finish. The RRP starts at £159.95 for the helmet, and £29.95 for each magnetic panel.

The Verv competition helmet is the 2026 winner of the iF Design award for delivering dual-certified equestrian safety along with a level of personalisation never before seen in the category. It has also received the Red Dot Award in recognition of the outstanding quality of design.

LeMieux Vexa

The LeMieux Vexa skull cap transforms the traditional skull cap with cutting-edge design. It has a removable washable liner, removable padding in the crown and a low-profile harness.

It’s available in small (52 – 55cm), medium (56 – 58cm) or large (59 – 61cm), in silver, black or navy. RRP from £109.95.

The Vexa skull cap received the Red Dot Award in recognition of the outstanding quality of design.

For more information, visit the LeMieux stand at Badminton or visit a LeMieux retailer for a professional fitting.

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“You’ve only got one life and one head – and you can’t really put a price on that.”

This was Laura Collett’s take on rider protection, shared in a discussion at the first British Equestrian Trade Association safety conference on 21 April.

The European champion, Olympic gold medallist and five-star winner, who is sponsored by Uvex helmets and Racesafe body protectors, gave “an eventer’s perspective on safety” during the conference, the aim of which was to reduce risks to help make riding safer.

Laura suffered serious injuries in a rotational fall in 2013; she was asked whether this had changed her perspective on safety equipment.

“I think I’ve always been very pro safety,” she said. “After I had the bad fall, I was just very grateful I was already slightly a step ahead. I was wearing the air jacket on top of a good body protector, and was told by doctors at the time that they thought the air jacket did save my life.

“The horse landed directly on top of me and I did have a few injuries but all things considered, when you hit the ground and have a horse land on top of you, the fact I was able to walk away from that without any hugely significant injuries meant I was very grateful for all the equipment I had on. I’ve not changed my thought process from that day, other than I continue to be grateful and continue to try to wear the very best there is around.”

Laura said that before that incident, she had been “very, very lucky” and had not even broken a bone in a fall.

“You do slightly think ‘It won’t happen to me’ but at the same time you know you’re riding an animal with its own brain and we gallop towards solid fences,” she said. “The reality is that accidents can happen, and freak accidents can happen; it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re riding a ‘bad’ horse.”

Laura said the fall made her slightly change her mindset in the horses she rides, but that this will not prevent all falls or accidents.

“The very best horse can make a mistake and you don’t know when it’s going to happen,” she said. “It’s not like you can just say ‘I’m going to wear a body protector at the big events’ or anything.

“Years ago, you saw a lot of people riding without hats; there seemed to be a perception that it was cool. I personally never thought it was cool to ride without a hat, because the horse can spook or trip or anything can happen, and you can fall off. Even if you’re the best rider in the world.

“It’s often a case of how you fall too; you see other people, and I’ve had falls myself, that look very dramatic but you get up and walk away, no bother. You see another one that you think looks insignificant but just the way the person falls, they can have a worse outcome.”

Laura said she wears the same protective equipment at home as for competitions; the same cross-country helmet and body protector with built-in air jacket.

Improved design

She said design has improved; a body protector with an air vet on top could feel too bulky but from her perspective, her gear has no impact on her riding.

“I have full faith in the products I use, and I have very much tested them over the years!” she said. “And I’m very grateful they’ve stood up to the test.”

Laura said the improvement in technology means protectors and helmets are more comfortable now. And although she said this does not bother her, there are some who may not have worn them before owing to their appearance.

“You can have whatever colour air jacket you want now,” she said. “All those things I think make it so people can’t come up with excuses for not wearing them. I’m sure some people still do! But I think if they were honest with themselves and tried them, they’d realise they don’t really have a leg to stand on, saying they’re uncomfortable or they impact them in a negative way.”

Laura considered changes in safety over the years; she was one of those who preferred a top hat for dressage but now would think that “looked wrong”.

“Times do change and people have to accept they’re actually changing for the better,” she said. “It just sometimes takes a little while for people to realise, but I think you look back at old photos, when people were barely wearing a helmet, not attached, and you just think ‘What were they thinking?’”

Laura said her first priority for safety equipment is the standard of protection, then comfort; she advised anyone who may not feel comfortable to try different brands and find what works best for them, stressing the need to have equipment fitted professionally.

Laura Collett on safety equipment

And asked about her view on anyone who might be reluctant to spend large sums of money on safety equipment, she said: “You’ve only got one life.

“At the time, it can seem like a lot of money having to replace the helmet or something that’s broken, but you’d rather spend that money than have another fall with the same helmet, and it be compromised in a way you can’t see. Something will have happened in that fall and you can’t take that chance.

“With head injuries we know it’s often the second that can be a lot worse, even if it’s less impact, so you want to have as much protection as you can and I don’t think that’s something you take lightly. You’ve got one life and one head and you can’t really put a price on that.”

Laura added that were she to speak to her younger self, or a younger rider, she would advise them not to take the risks.

“Don’t try to think you’re cool by not wearing safety equipment,” she said. “A big part would be to always replace the hat. That’s one thing that’s slightly changed for me; even the smallest of falls. If you hit your head, even though you’ve not been concussed, you walked away, still replace the hat.

“When I had my bad fall, my hat had a tiny little crack, and we thought nothing of it. But they took it apart and the difference in the cushioning, the impact it had on the inner shell of the hat that you couldn’t see from the outside, was pretty scary. That hit home for me; the hat can do its job without you realising but it means you need to replace it.

“Everyone who saw my fall was really shocked I didn’t have an injury; I hit the ground and the horse fell on top of me so to come away without a brain injury was pretty impressive, and that’s something you really appreciate. You realise that you can’t be taking chances when it comes to your head.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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A young rider whose head was trodden on by her horse in a fall walked away unscathed thanks to her riding hat – as the caved-in helmet serves as a reminder of the importance of wearing the correct safety equipment.

Minna D’Ath, 14, was taking part in the Berks & Bucks Draghounds fun day on 9 November with her mare Kiki when she became unseated after jumping a hedge.

“Minna was riding with a couple of others and didn’t realise they had gone to the side to miss out the jump. Her horse clocked this and wanted to follow, but couldn’t because there was a bigger hedge at the side, and as she never stops at a fence, she jumped it,” said Katie, Minna’s mum.

“I could see from a distance Minna was clinging on, but she slipped round the front, came off and went underneath Kiki and then was just lying on the ground.”

Minna, who was wearing a Charles Owen hat, was attended to by medics and taken to hospital.

“She had been knocked out but had come round. The side of her hat was totally crushed in and had a split, either from being trodden on or kicked, so the worry was that she had a serious head injury,” said Katie.

“She had a CT scan and it turned out she was completely fine, but what’s extraordinary is that she doesn’t even have a bruise. The hat saved her life without a doubt. She is incredibly lucky. Obviously she wouldn’t have been not wearing a hat on a hunt, but had it not been a good hat or it had somehow come off, she’d have been toast.”

Amy Lambert, an off-duty doctor who was riding on the day, was called to help.

“I was told someone had fallen off and wasn’t moving. When I got there I was hugely relieved that Minna was awake and talking, and when I saw the helmet there was no doubt that she had been trodden on,” said Dr Lambert.

“I do work for some eventing fixtures and racecourses and I haven’t seen a hat quite that dramatic before. She was incredibly lucky, and thank God it was the hat and not her head. It just emphasises the importance of wearing appropriate safety equipment of the correct standard, no matter what the discipline.”

A Charles Owen spokesperson told H&H the company is “incredibly grateful to hear that the rider is safe and recovering well”.

“Stories like this are a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Every Charles Owen and EQx helmet is engineered to far surpass the requirements of the safety standards they are tested to, and we invest a tremendous amount of work and funding into ensuring they protect riders in exactly these unpredictable, high-impact situations,” she said.

“We never want accidents like this to happen, but the messages we receive from riders every day – telling us their helmet made a difference – continue to drive us forward in our commitment to improving and advancing safety for all disciplines and all levels of equestrian sport.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Charles Owen has made the “heart-breaking decision” to stop the production of a number of its hat models, following news it will cease manufacturing in the UK.

On Wednesday (12 November) Charles Owen announced to retailers that UK production was to cease – a result of the lease expiring on its Wrexham premises. Yesterday (13 November) a company spokesperson confirmed to H&H that although UK production will cease, the business still has “every intention to continue to sell our products to the UK and beyond”

In an update today (14 November) the company has shared further news on its products.

“While we have a number of alternative properties we are looking to move to, unfortunately none of them are suitable to maintain the production of our UK made helmets. We have therefore made the heart-breaking decision to stop making those models,” it read.

“However, we will continue with the products we have been making outside of the UK for some time now, such as the Kylo, Phoenix, Kontor, Eclipse, Shadow and our range of accessories. We are also pushing forward with at least two exciting new products in 2026”.

The statement to retailers on Wednesday said that “despite strong commitments” earlier this year that the company would be able to remain at its premises, “those assurances have sadly not materialised”.

“Although we have secured a short extension, it only allows us to continue operations until 19 December, less than six weeks from now,” the statement read.

“Those who have visited our facility will understand the complexity involved in producing our helmets – the volume of equipment and machinery is significant. Decommissioning, dismantling, relocating and recommissioning this operation is a major logistical challenge. While we do have several potential new locations under consideration it will not be possible to maintain production.”

Yesterday a Charles Owen spokesperson told H&H the decision to stop production at its Wrexham location “has been incredibly difficult, and comes only after exhausting every possible option to secure a long-term lease for our current facility”.

“While this change affects our UK manufacturing, our commitment to rider safety remains paramount. We are fully dedicated to our future plans, including the continued development of our upcoming products mentioned in the announcement, along with all current outsourced product lines, which are completely unaffected,” she said.

The spokesperson confirmed equestrians will still be able to buy Charles Owen products.

“Although UK production will cease, we still have every intention to continue to sell our products to the UK and beyond,” she said.

“There are a lot of the UK-produced Charles Owen products already with our retailers, so I’m sure our consumers will have no problems sourcing our UK made products for some time yet and we remain dedicated to safety for all riders with our unaffected products.”

The cut-off for retailers to place new orders from the UK facility was today.

“We will continue to draw from our existing stock of raw materials and sub-assemblies to fulfil as many orders as possible before 19 December. While we will make every effort to meet all commitments, some shortfalls may occur, but we will work hard to minimise any shortages,” retailers have been told.

Mr Derby “sincerely apologised” for the short notice and said securing a new long-term lease had been Charles Owens’ “top priority for some time”.

“However, we have exhausted every option to avoid this outcome, unfortunately we have reached a point where this decision has had to be made,” he said, adding that the company has stock of key lines ready for dispatch, allocated to retailers on a first come, first served basis.

The news does not affect “outsourced product lines”.

“Kylo, Phoenix, Kontor, Shadow, Eclipse, as well as all accessories are not affected. We also remain on track with our exciting new products – the Hyda helmet and Hexa body protection, both due to launch in 2026 – supported by a strong forward order book,” said Mr Derby, who asked for “patience and understanding”, and thanked retailers for their support during this “challenging transition”.

* The original version of this news story, published on Thursday 13 November, has been updated to include new information released by Charles Owen on Friday 14 November.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025 and beyond, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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A helmet ratings system designed to give buyers additional information on concussion prevention has been updated, following recommendations by an FEI-led group of experts.

Virginia Tech Helmet Lab released its original equestrian helmet STAR (Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk) ratings in December 2022, focusing on which best reduces concussion risk. These were cautiously welcomed – and questioned – at the time (news, 22 2022), as experts noted there was room for improvement with the system.

The FEI helmet working group, which includes doctors, engineers and manufacturers, produced a set of proposals to strengthen testing standards for equestrian helmets in 2023. Many of these are already being incorporated into, and are complementary to, current safety standards.

Researchers at Virginia Tech were “motivated” by the FEI recommendations to update its testing protocols and connected ratings.

Its testing now also includes scenarios where horse and rider are moving with horizontal velocity, for example, in racing and cross-country. In addition to various fall scenarios, the lab also performed a large computational modeling analysis of the head impacts to identify the best method for quantifying injury risk to the rider.

“FEI suggested a new testing standard where the head is dropped on an angled surface, which is very similar to how we already test bicycle helmets in the lab,” said Steve Rowson, Virginia Tech Helmet Lab director and associate professor in biomechanics, who co-authored the study.

“This test does a great job of simulating high-speed falls, so we worked to include tests similar to the FEI specification to have a more comprehensive test protocol.”

Virginia Tech’s research was published on 28 April in the Annals of Biomedical Engineering. The findings indicate that head impacts during falls at high speed generate unique head rotation, which directly affects helmet behaviour.

“Rotational motion of the head is very important,” said Dr Rowson. “While our [previous] testing already incorporated rotational head motion, falling off a horse at high speed can put a large force across the helmet and generate rotation in a different way than our previous testing. This means that the helmets behave a little differently during low-speed and high-speed impact scenarios.”

An FEI spokesperson told H&H the federation is “pleased to see” independent testing initiatives such as this are taking into account the FEI helmet working group’s findings and recommendations.

“This alignment is particularly important to us, as our goal is to ensure that helmets and other personal protective equipment used in equestrian sport are designed to offer the highest level of protection, specifically addressing the inherent types of impacts riders may face,” said the spokesperson.

“Equestrian sport presents distinct risks, and recognising these differences in testing protocols brings us one step closer to better protecting our athletes.

“We want our athletes to be able to enjoy equestrian sport safely and for many years, and this means prioritising science-based progress in the development of safety equipment.

“It is encouraging to see real advancements being made, grounded in robust research and collaborative input, and we remain committed to supporting initiatives that enhance rider safety across the sport.”

Mips, the multi-directional impact protection system included in certain helmets to help reduce harmful rotational motion, said in 2022 that “aspects of the test and rating methods leave room for improvement”.

On the updated system for 2025, a Mips spokesperson told H&H: ”Mips welcomes the updates that Virginia Tech has made to its equestrian STAR test. They have included two oblique impacts and reduced the weight of low-velocity impacts on the end result, which we believe is a better representation of actual accident scenarios”.

British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) executive director Claire Williams told H&H: “Anything that is going to advance safety is good. Test results are important, but the fit of the hat and suitability for purpose is also key.”

She added that it is great to see developments of both testing methods and safety, but noted that this “doesn’t cover all hats and all tests”.

BETA has a hat standards comparison chart on its website, which shows the range of different tests riding helmets must already undergo in order to meet certain standards.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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A riding hat or helmet is one of the first purchases you’ll make when a child gets into horse riding, so we’ve rounded up a selection of the best children’s horse riding helmets to help you out. It’s an essential part of a child’s riding kit and understanding the hat standards and how they are tested will help you narrow down your choice.

If your child is going for riding lessons or is taking part in Pony Club activities, it’s important to check which helmets will be allowed – riding schools will set their own rules, but we’ve marked the best children’s horse riding helmets suitable for the majority of Pony Club activities below.

Best children’s horse riding helmets

Charles Owen YR8 Sparkly

Colours: Black, black/silver, navy or navy/silver

Sizes: 52–61cm standard or 56–59cm round

Standards: PAS 015 (with Kitemark), VG1 (with Kitemark)

Allowed at Pony Club: Yes

Reasons to buy

• Standard and round fit
• Available in a range of colours/styles

Reasons to avoid

• Harness is not as padded as others

Fully trimmed in microfibre suede, the children’s riding hat features four discreet ventilation holes for added coolness and comfort during extended periods of use. It has a fun sparkly panel and fastens with an adjustable nylon harness. Also available without sparkles (YR8 Classic) and in the US it’s known as the jR8.

Champion Junior X-Air Plus Helmet

Colours: Black, navy, black/slate or navy/pink

Sizes: 6¼–7¾ (51 – 63CM)

Standards: ASTM F1163, PAS 015 (with Kitemark), VG1

Allowed at Pony Club: Yes

Reasons to buy

• Good ventilation
• Available in a range of colours

Reasons to avoid

• Peaked style might not be suitable for your child’s discipline

This lightweight helmet is ventilated and has crown comfort padding with breathable mesh inserts. It has a durable synthetic suede finish and four-point padded nubuck harness with rear lacing adjustment and a quick-release buckle.

Shires Karben Junior Skull Cap

Colours: Black or grey

Sizes: 53–62cm

Standards: PAS 015 (with Kitemark)

Allowed at Pony Club: Yes

Reasons to buy

• Can be worn for cross-country
• Adjustable four-point harness

Reasons to avoid

• Only meets one safety standard (if that’s important to you)

This lightweight skull cap balances safety with affordability. It has a deep fit, plus 16 ventilation holes and mesh sections in the padded lining for enhanced climate control. The adjustable four-point harness is made from hard-wearing, soft web, with a soft cover on the chin strap.

Charles Owen Young Riders Jockey Skull

Colours: Black

Sizes: 49–62cm standard or round fit

Standards: ASTM F1163, PAS 015 (with Kitemark), VG1 (with Kitemark)

Allowed at Pony Club: Yes

Reasons to buy

• Standard and round fit
• Meets three safety standards
• Good ventilation

Reasons to avoid

• Only one colour option available (but endless colour opportunities when a hat silk is purchased)

This jockey skull provides multi-standard protection, plus it has a deep fit with a fully adjustable nylon harness and 10 ventilation holes for breathability.

Whitaker NRG (New Rider Generation) Riding Helmet

Colours: Black, navy, black/sparkle or navy/sparkle

Sizes: XS–L

Standards: ASTM F1163 (with SEI mark), VG1

Allowed at Pony Club: Yes

Reasons to buy

• Removable and washable lining
• Dial fit adjustment

Reasons to avoid

• Dial fit adjustment might not be suitable

This adjustable helmet has a smooth, matte effect outer and two front vents. It also has a breathable Coolmax lining, which is removable and machine washable.

Gatehouse Junior Skull

Colours: Black

Sizes: 52–62cm

Standards: PAS 015 (with Kitemark), VG1 (with Kitemark)

Allowed at Pony Club: Yes

Reasons to buy

• Good value
• Hat bag included

Reasons to avoid

• Smarter looking harnesses available with competitors

This jockey skull for children features a three-point harness and an anti-bacterial lining, which provides protection against odour, staining and deterioration caused by bacteria, fungus and other micro-organisms. It’s approved for all Pony Club activities, and each helmet comes with a padded hat bag.

Shires Karben Avena

Colours: Black or navy

Sizes: 53–61cm

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark)

Allowed at Pony Club: Yes

Reasons to buy

• Modern look
• Dial fit adjustment

Reasons to avoid

• Peaked style might not be suitable for your child’s discipline

This helmet has a smooth outer with attractive shiny accents and smart trims. It has a micro-adjustable dial system, front and rear air vents, a thermoregulating mesh liner and wicking headband.

Rhinegold Glitter Pro Riding Hat

Colours: Black or navy

Sizes: 6⅜–7⅛

Standards: PAS 015 (with Kitemark)

Allowed at Pony Club: Yes

Reasons to buy

• Good value
• Removable, washable liner

Reasons to avoid

• Style not as modern as others

This ventilated hat has a removable, washable liner and a soft suede style Coolmax-lined harness, while the glitter panel adds a touch of glamour.

Uvex Exxential III

Colours: Black, blue matte, anthracite or mocca matt

Sizes: XXS–XL

Standards: VG1 (with Kitemark)

Allowed at Pony Club: Yes

Reasons to buy

• Plenty of colour options
• Great ventilation
• Lightweight

Reasons to avoid

• Sporty style might not suit your style

This slim, lightweight and ergonomically designed helmet has an innovative outer shell that extends over the neck for additional protection, while the ponytail cut-out is a convenient feature for riders with longer hair. It also has large air channels to offer great ventilation. The easy to use dial fit allows for easy adjustment. Also available with MIPS technology.

Abus Pikeur AirDuo Helmet

Colours: Black or midnight blue, in gloss or matt

Sizes: XS–M

Standards: ASTM F1163 (with SEI mark), VG1, PAS 015 (with Kitemark), SNELL

Allowed at Pony Club: Yes

Reasons to buy

• Meets four safety standards
• Dial fit adjustment

Reasons to avoid

• Chin strap not as padded as others

This adjustable helmet is the result of a new collaboration between equestrian stalwart Pikeur and Abus, which is a leading bicycle safety brand. The Air Duo is a hybrid helmet with a detachable visor. It has a slightly rounder shape with a low-profile cut, plus a ratchet buckle, pony tail cut-out and 18 ventilation channels.

Get a riding hat fitted

The best children’s horse riding helmets are only the best if they fit well. Horse & Hound strongly advises that you get your hat fitted by a BETA-trained professional before making a purchase – the same advice goes for buying the best body protectors for children, too. Find out if your local tack shop can provide this service here.

It’s also a good idea to invest in one of the best riding hat bags, to ensure your new riding hat is protected while being carried to and from lessons or the yard.

Jockey skull vs peaked helmet

When choosing a new children’s horse riding helmet, you’ll need to decide between two main styles – a peaked helmet or a jockey skull. While some peaked helmets can look more fun and appealing, especially those that are coloured or have glittered sections, you can choose between thousands of hat silks to cover a jockey skull, which makes them perfect for a fan of the matchy-matchy trend. If your child is likely to be going cross-country, they’ll need to have a helmet without a peak to comply with safety rules.

What are adjustable dial fit hats?

More riding hats than ever before incorporate an adjustable dial that allows you to tailor the fit. The best adjustable riding hats are particularly handy for children because they’ll fit for longer while your child is growing.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

We’ve rounded up the best hat bags to help keep your riding hat safe when you’re not using it. The best riding hats usually come at a price, so once you’ve chosen the one for you it’s wise to store it in one of the best riding hat bags to prevent it from being damaged. Hat bags are a smart addition to any rider’s travelling kit, but also handy to have around the yard, which makes them a great gift for a horse rider – or treat for yourself. Many also have coordinating riding boot bags, bridle bags, jacket bags and grooming kit bags.

Some helmet bags are simple in design, while others have multiple features, including internal and external pockets handy for storing small accessories, such as riding gloves or spurs. All riding hat bags come in one size, so no matter whether you have a velvet showing hat, adjustable riding hat or a children’s riding hat, any of these hat bags will be suitable.

Best riding hat bags

Charles Owen Convertible Hat Bag

Colour: Black

Reasons to buy:

• Converts from a practical backpack to a stylish tote bag
• Good ventilation
• Front-zip opening
• Microfibre liner to protect against scuffing or scratching
• Name and address holder

LeMieux Luxe Hat Box

Colour: Black

Reasons to buy:

• Super soft quilted faux fur lining for added protection
• Detachable shoulder strap
• Rolled faux leather handle
• Additional pockets for accessories
• Large double-zip clam shell opening
• Matching luxe luggage range available

Elico Unicorn Young Rider Hat Bag

Colour: Navy

Reasons to buy:

• Super cute unicorn design perfect for young equestrians
• Convenient front pocket for accessories
• Comfortable carry handle
• Double-zip fastening

Woof Wear Riding Hat Bag

Colour: Grey

Reasons to buy:

• Bowling style
• Waterproof base
• Tough outer
• Soft cotton carry handles
• End-to-end zip for easy access
• Internal mesh pocket

Supreme Products Pro Groom Riding Hat Bag

Colour: Black/gold

Reasons to buy

• Beautifully finished with leather and gold detailing
• Grab handles
• External pocket for accessories
• Matching luggage items available

Aubrion Equipt Hat Bag

Colour: Navy

Reasons to buy

• Large zip opening
• Two padded grab handles
• Lined in soft faux fur to prevent bumps and scratches
• Mesh ventilation for freshness

Kentucky Riding Hat Bag

Colours: Grey, navy or black

Reasons to buy

• Front pocket is perfect for storing accessories
• Quilted fabric outer
• Soft artificial rabbit skin lining to protect against scratches
• Carry handles have artificial leather for a smarter look

Rhinegold Essential Hat Bag

Colours: Black, pink, navy or red

Reasons to buy

• Full zip
• Toughened outer
• Padded and strengthened handle
• Available in a choice of colours
• Matching luggage items available

HyEquestrian HyConic Hat Bag

Colour: Black

Reasons to buy

• Zip fastening
• Reinforced and padded carry handle
• Matching luggage items available

Uvex Hat Bag

Colour: Black

Reasons to buy

• Two carry handles
• End-to-end double zip for easy access

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Choosing one of the best riding hats to suit your needs will not only help you avoid head injuries, but it will allow you to perform at your best in comfort and with confidence. A helmet is an essential piece of kit when you’re riding – whatever your level or discipline.

It can be tricky to know which is the best riding hat for you as there are so many stylish options, from the best adjustable riding helmets to the best riding hats for children, that include a vast amount of technology across a wide range of price points.

Best riding hats

The Elara helmet from evoke combines a stylish aesthetic with superior safety features, including a durable ABS shell for impact resistance and quadruple ventilation for consistent airflow.

It features a soft-touch, four-point adjustable leatherette harness designed for comfort and stability. It is suitable for all disciplines where a peak is permitted.

This helmet is from Lemieux's first-ever riding helmet collection offering customisation and convenience with its innovative features.

It gives your lots of options – not only can you choose between a matte and gloss finish, but it's supplied with interchangeable magnetic peaks (wide, narrow and brim) so you can quickly turn your peaked helmet into a skull hat. Plus, the interchangeable, magnetic central panel, allowing for a unique, customised look in seconds.

For fit, the 360° wrap system can be adjusted with a rear dial without creating any pressure points. It features a removable washable liner, removable padding in the crown and a low-profile harness.

This skull cap is engineered with a patented nose bridge protection system, a durable outer shell, and a high-density EPS core, providing superior impact absorption, enhanced facial protection, and lasting performance.

The rear dial adjustment system allows for a precise, customised fit, while the ventilation system offers airflow and breathability. The moisture-wicking and quick-dry liner is UV-disinfected for enhanced hygiene.

Designed with a lightweight, low profile, this hat is slimline and elegant with a flesh coloured harness. It comes with a quick-drying, padded liner that can be removed for washing, and it comes in a padded storage bag.

This lightweight skull cap from Charles Owen features a precision dial-adjustable fit, enhanced ventilation, and a fully adjustable quick-release harness.

It includes a removable, machine-washable wicking headband to keep you cool and dry. It’s certified to three international safety standards and comes with a ventilated silk.

The Champion Insight riding helmet combines advanced ventilation, customisable fit, and a striking design.

The ventilation system helps ensure maximum airflow to keep you cool under pressure. Removable crown pad liners allow you to adjust between oval and round fits, while the ergonomic faux leather four-point harness with lace adjustment provides a secure, tailored feel.

This slim profile, lightweight riding hat is made with a lightweight injection-moulded ABS shell. It features a nickel chrome front vent and textured PU leather inlay.

It includes a quick-dry, removable and washable, padded liner.

This helmet combines sportiness, climate control and safety, and has an extended rear section at the back to provide increased coverage in the event of a fall.

It also features a ‘pony-tail’ cut out and air vents for comfort. The easy to use dial fit allows for easy adjustment.

This traditionally styled ventilated hat features a removable, washable liner with a soft Coolmax-lined harness. The Dayglo reflective piping offers a small amount of increased visibility.

It is one of the cheapest riding hats in this guide, yet meets the standard for use in riding schools and competition, making it great value for money.

The NRG hat has a smooth, matte effect outer with two large front vents, ensuring a steady ventilation across the head. The lining of the NRG has been treated with Coolmax, which wicks moisture away from the head, and can easily be removed and machine washed.

It has an adjustable fit system and comes with sparkly stickers to customise your helmet.

How to choose the best riding hat for you

The first thing to consider when choosing the best helmet for you is the type – if you compete, each discipline has its own rules for what helmets can be worn, which includes minimum hat standards for competition requirements, and sometimes style (for example, for cross-country you’ll need a hat without a fixed peak) and colour.

Then you need to think about how much protection each helmet gives you – different safety standards test for different types of accidents – it’s best to choose a helmet with as many safety standards as possible.

It’s also wise to consider what features each helmet has that enhance the comfort or look – these could include removable headbands, ventilation systems, wide peaks, MIPS technology or being vegan friendly. The style and finish of a helmet can allow you to show your personality. These days you can find everything from the most traditional velvet to fully customised sparkle.

When considering budget, always buy the best you can afford, and bear in mind that the most expensive might not be the best. In the UK, helmets made to fit 55cm and below (usually child sizes) are VAT free. If you’re on a tight budget, we’ve rounded up the best riding hats under £100.

Finally, it’s really important to be sure that your helmet is a good fit. Horse & Hound strongly advises that you get your hat fitted by a BETA-trained professional before making a purchase – the same advice goes for the best body protectors, too. Find out if your local tack shop can provide this service here.

When should I replace my riding hat?

Your hat should always be replaced if it has suffered any sort of impact. Although it may appear fine from the outside, it’s the inside that’s important. For this reason, buying hats second hand is not recommended. Your hat also needs replacing if it’s more than two to three years old because the protective liner and inner padding will have begun to deteriorate with exposure to heat and repeated use.

To help your hat last as long as possible, store it in a cool environment – avoid leaving it in the car. Keeping it in a protective hat bag is an ideal way to keep it cushioned and away from strong sunlight.

If you compete, you’ll also need to keep an eye on the hat standards that are accepted by your governing body – if these change, then you may need to invest in a new, rule-compliant hat.

Current riding hat safety standards

There are five main safety standards that are recognised across the world. All riding hats and jockey skulls should conform to one of these standards and bear the CE mark.

When determining helmet safety, each of the individual standards have their own criteria and tests that place different emphasis on various types of injury. For example, they will examine how much of the head a helmet covers, how a rider falls and onto what type of surface, how a helmet moves, and how severe an injury riders can expect to receive from that fall, but all in a slightly different way and to different extents.

• ASTM F1163 (2015 or 2023) – This American standard includes two impact tests, but only the 2023 update includes a crushing test. Neither includes a penetration test.
• VG1 01.040 (2014-12) – This was introduced as an interim specification when the EN 1384 was withdrawn. It demands the helmet passes three impact tests.
• EN1384 (2023) – This European standard has been introduced to replace VG1 is similar to PAS 015. It includes four impact tests.
• PAS 015 (2011) – PAS stands for product approval specifications, which are developed by the BSI. It includes four different impact tests.
• SNELL (E2016 or E2021) – This standard was developed in the US and is the most rigorous with five different tests. It includes all aspects of ASTM and PAS 015 but is tested with a sharper horseshoe anvil (to replicate a kick or impact with a sharp surface), higher impacts and an additional hemispherical anvil (to represent an uneven but not sharp surface, such as a tree, fence or cobbled surface).

The graphic below shows the differences between the standards in a simple visual format.

Hat standards vs quality marks

Quality marks, such as the British Kitemark, show that the requirements of certification have been met and the manufacturer has complied with regulations. If your hat also bears one of these marks it tells that the manufacturer is continuously and independently monitored to ensure that they continue to make hats to a high standard. Quality symbols include…

• Kitemark – This is the registered trademark of the British Standards Institute. It indicates that a company complies with a rigorous system of regulation and testing, including regular testing of random samples. For example, one of every 200 helmets from a batch is checked before they will issue an approval label. If the helmets do not pass the standard, then the entire batch must be destroyed. It can be applied to PAS 015 and VG1-compliant helmets.
• IC mark – This quality mark is operated by Inspec and applied to PAS 015 and VG1-compliant helmets.
• SEI mark – The Safety Equipment Institute is the American equivalent of the Kitemark for ASTM standard hats.
• SAI Global – This Australian quality assurance scheme is also similar to the British Kitemark.

The CE mark is neither a quality mark or a standard, but a mandatory declaration under EU law that shows a manufacturer complies with essential requirements.

What does MIPS stand for?

MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. It’s a revolutionary technology designed to reduce the amount of rotational force upon impact to the head, providing greater protection in the event of a fall. If a helmet has MIPS technology they will have the yellow MIPS logo somewhere on the helmet.

If you’re looking for a riding hat with MIPS check out our guide to the best MIPS riding helmets.

How should a riding hat fit?

At Horse & Hound we strongly advise that you get your hat fitted by a BETA-trained professional before making a purchase. Find out if your local tack shop can provide this service here.

A well-fitting hat should sit firmly on your head – just above your eyebrows and ears. It should fit snuggly all the way around your head, with no pressure points at the temples. If you feel pressure in your temples when you flex your jaw, this indicates that the helmet is too tight.

When fastening your helmet, it’s important not to forget the part of the harness that fits around the back of your neck. This strap helps to prevent your hat tipping forwards on to your nose. Some harnesses, particularly those with lots of leather and lacing, are harder to fasten, but a trained fitter at your local tack shop will be able to help you if you take your hat in.

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

One of the biggest equestrian brand launches in recent times will soon hit UK stores, following a £3m investment. Evoke, which is part of the same stable as Science Supplements, has introduced a collection of riding helmets and jockey skulls and will follow this with a technical clothing range later in the year. The brand says it “aims to supply equestrian safety wear and lifestyle apparel that combines innovation, inspiration, comfort and style”.

Evoke has also announced the launch of a helmet replacement policy. Should a rider suffer a fall within six months of buying and registering their Evoke helmet, the scheme guarantees to provide a replacement helmet with a 50% discount.

Evoke CEO David Mitson said the business’s research has shown that many riders do not replace helmets after a fall or risk of damage owing to the associated cost.

“We do not believe safety should be comprised by cost,” he said. “We want to help alleviate the burden of buying a new helmet and encourage a safety-first mindset. We’re proud to be leading the way with the helmet replacement scheme, and hope it will encourage riders to remember that they can have many hats, but they only have one head.”

Two new helmets have been revealed so far – the Evoke Callisto helmet and the Evoke Orion jockey skull. Each adhere to multiple riding hat safety standards, including PAS 015:2011, VG1, ASTM F1163-23 and the pending EN:1384:2023, while also carrying the British kitemark. Evoke is also planning to introduce styles that meet SNELL E2021 and ASTM F1163-23, as well helmets with MIPS technology.

Helen Riley, Evoke’s technical director, who has previously worked for Gatehouse and Champion, said the new brand’s aim was to launch something the market hasn’t seen before, using the latest innovations and technology.

“I have a wealth of experience within the equestrian helmet and body protector sector and sit on the European standards committees, so making sure these helmets were the safest they could be was absolutely paramount,” said Ms Riley. “We’ve worked tirelessly with industry-leading designers to create something totally fresh and new.”

Evoke helmets are available for pre-order at evoke-group.com and the first collection will be in stores later in the spring.

New Evoke helmets

The Evoke Callisto is available with the choice of a classic or wide peak, in a range of colours and finishes. RRP from £141.66

The Evoke Orion is available in a range of colours and finishes. RRP from £124.99

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Safety is always a top priority and rarely more so than when you’re heading out on the cross-country course, which is why getting your hands on one of the best jockey skulls is an essential.

Jockey skulls are popular with all levels of rider from children starting at a riding school to the professional event rider. They’re also a great option for those who love the matchy-matchy trend because you can pop on a hat silk to match your favourite base layer for riding or cross-country colours. Or if you’re a rider who likes to do a bit of everything then a jockey skull is the all-rounder you need to be able to compete in every discipline as you can’t wear a peaked helmet for cross-country.

When you’re choosing a new hat, you’ll need to consider the safety standards it meets as well as what features it has to increase your comfort. No one likes sweaty hat hair, so ventilation is a definite advantage. Some styles come with removable headbands, too, which not only aid fit but can be washed to give your hat a bit of a freshen up.

Riding hats with MIPS technology offer an additional level of protection that allows your head to move inside the helmet in a fall, which reduces harmful rotational motion that would otherwise be transferred to your brain. Some helmets have a standard version and a MIPS version – you can find MIPS helmets with the help of the yellow logo that usually appears somewhere on the helmet.

Finally, it’s really important to be sure that your helmet is a good fit. Horse & Hound strongly advises that you get your hat fitted by a BETA-trained professional before making a purchase.

Best jockey skull caps

Charles Owen 4Star

Colours: Black, navy or silver

Sizes: 51–63cm

Standards: ASTM F1163, PAS 015 (with Kitemark), SNELL E2016, VG1 (with Kitemark)

RRP: £230

This skull meets four of the top international safety standards, which is a hard claim to beat. Its fibre-reinforced shell and patented harness system ensure improved crush resistance and stability.

It has 10 ventilation slots that maximise airflow and sweat evaporation for a cool ride, plus you can opt for a heat-reflective silver finish. It also has a new magnetic harness clasp that can be closed with one hand. Comes with a free ventilated silk.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, naylors.com or oakfield-direct.co.uk 

Gatehouse HS1-V Jockey Skull

Colours: Matt black or anthracite grey

Sizes: 52–62cm

Standards: ASTM F1163, SNELL E2016

RRP: £187.99

This helmet is an evolution of the popular HS1 model with added vents (hence the name change to HS1-V). Designed with comfort in mind, this helmet includes strategically placed vents to enhance airflow and keep the head cool during intense rides.

The soft, padded harness with a four-point attachment system ensures a secure and comfortable fit, while the quick-release buckle allows for easy adjustment. It also has an anti-bacterial lining that adds an extra layer of comfort and improves hygiene.

In the UK? View now at equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Champion Revolve Vent-Air MIPS Jockey Helmet

Colours: Black, navy or silver

Sizes: 54–62cm

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), ASTM F1163, VG1

RRP: £239.99

This is an upgrade of the Champion Revolve Vent-Air skull with additional MIPS protection. It includes a central ventilation strip and removable crown padding to keep you cool and comfortable.

It has a four-point soft leather harness with rear lacing adjustment for a secure fit. And the durable painted acrylic and sand finish prevents your silk slipping.

In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk

Uvex Perfexxion II XC Helmet

Colours: Black

Sizes: XXS–XL

Standards: VG1 (with Kitemark)

RRP: £260

This helmet has a slim and ergonomic design and an innovative outer shell that comes down lower back of the head for additional protection. The ponytail cut-out caters to riders with longer hair, while the ventilation system ensures airflow through large channels and a honeycomb structure.

This helmet is the only jockey skull in the guide that has an adjustable sizing mechanism. This combined with removable, washable soft-touch memory foam pads aids a good fit.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

Shires Karben Junior Skull Cap

Colours: Black or grey

Sizes: 53–62cm

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark)

RRP: £61.99

One of the best riding hats for children, this skull combines safety and affordability. It features a deep fit and boasts 16 ventilation holes along with mesh sections in the padded lining for improved climate control. Its adjustable four-point harness, made from durable soft webbing with a soft cover on the chin strap, ensures a secure fit.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

Gatehouse Jockey Skull 4 Kids

Colours: Black, pink or baby blue

Sizes: 53–62cm

Standards: PAS 015 (with Kitemark), VG1 (with Kitemark)

RRP: £69.99

This fun jockey skull has three-point harness and a vibrant coloured lining – but it’s available in black, too, if your child isn’t keen on the bright colours. The lining is treated to offer protection against odours, stains and degradation caused by bacteria.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk 

Champion Revolve Junior Plus MIPS Jockey Helmet

Colours: Black

Sizes: 51–63cm

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), VG1 01.040 2014-12

RRP: £124.99

This helmet offers all the benefits of the Junior Plus model, enhanced by the inclusion of the MIPS. Constructed with a lightweight injection-molded ABS shell, it ensures optimal stability with its three-point webbing harness.

In the UK? View now at oakfield-direct.co.uk and ebay.co.uk

Are skull caps safer?

While skull caps offer excellent protection against impacts and falls, their safety ultimately depends on various factors including their design, construction, and adherence to safety standards. They don’t have a peak, which does eliminate the risk of injury caused falling onto a fixed peak.

In general, skull caps are designed to cover the top and sides of the head, offering protection against blunt force trauma and impacts. They typically feature padding and a hard outer shell to absorb and distribute impact energy, reducing the risk of head injury.

To cover all bases, it’s essential to choose a skull cap that meets one of the current recognised safety standards. Hats that meet these standards are tested for impact resistance, penetration resistance and stability, among other factors. Alongside the adherence to safety standards, the effectiveness of a skull cap depends on factors such as proper fit and maintenance.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Popular with riders who show or hunt, the best velvet riding hats combine the traditional style of a beagler with the modern technology and safety standards that you’ll find in the best riding hats. In order to achieve the traditional look, velvet riding hats typically have a light-coloured slim harness that is less noticeable. Many styles are available in multiple colours, which allows you to match your velvet hat to the collar of your best show jacket.

All of the velvet riding hats we’ve included in this list can be worn for multiple affiliated disciplines because they comply with the current hat standard rules.

Horse & Hound strongly advises that you get your hat fitted by a BETA-trained professional before making a purchase.

Best velvet riding hats

Charles Owen Fian

Colours: Black, navy, brown, bottle green or grey

Sizes: 49–65cm

Standards: ASTM F1163, VG1 (with Kitemark)

The Fian blends the elegance of its predecessor (the Fiona) with safety technology to create the ultimate hunting and showing hat. It’s covered in luxurious velvet and has a slim tan harness that creates an elegant appearance. The traditional satin headband with incorporated drawlace adjusts the height of the helmet so it cradles the head.

Champion CPX3000 Deluxe

Colours: Black, navy, brown, green or ruby

Sizes: 6¼–7¾

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), VG1

This lightweight helmet is covered in quality velvet and has a satin crown comfort padding with sweat-wicking lining. It has four-point flesh-coloured harness made with padded soft leather and can be adjusted by the lacing at the rear. It has a shock-absorbing peak and fastens with a quick-release buckle.

Gatehouse Jeunesse Riding Hat

Colours: Black or navy

Sizes: 52–61cm

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), VG1 (with Kitemark)

Designed with a lightweight, low profile, this hat is slimline and elegant with a flesh coloured harness. It comes with a quick-drying, padded liner that can be removed for washing, and it comes in a padded storage bag.

Charles Owen Hampton

Colours: Black, navy, brown, bottle green or grey

Sizes: 52–65cm

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), ASTM F1163, VG1 (with Kitemark)

This elegant and traditional velvet-covered hat has a soft yet durable tan harness, and features a satin lining and lush headband. It has a low-profile style and is available in a choice of five colours.

Champion CPX Supreme

Colours: Black, navy, brown, green or ruby

Sizes: 6¼–7¾

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), VG1

This lightweight, slim profile helmet is covered in quality velvet and has a shock-absorbing peak. Inside there is satin crown comfort padding with a moisture-wicking lining to help keep your head comfortable. The flesh-coloured four-point harness is made from a padded, soft leather, and can be adjusted with the laces at the back. It fastens with a smart metal hook.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A rider whose hat fell off before his head hit the road has urged others to wear safety helmets with appropriate fastenings – after he fractured his skull and spent 10 days in hospital.

Neville Woodes Rogers was taken to A&E after his fall on Boxing Day, where he was scanned and sent home. But days later, he went back to hospital as he had a leak of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which protects the brain and spinal cord.

He is now recovered and back at work, but he told H&H he will never again ride without a chinstrap.

“When I go hacking out, I wear a proper hat, but I wanted to look good,” he said. “End of story.”

Neville said he and his 17hh Irish draught Roscoe hacked to the meet on a “perfect day”.

“My horse was clipped and plaited, my boots shining,” he said. “The meet was well attended and I felt proud entering the square, it was a beautiful English scene.”

Neville said he was not entirely hunting fit, so when the hunt headed up to the moor, he left to hack home. It was during a canter on a wide verge that Roscoe tripped.

“We were cantering along, so together, and it was just one of those things,” he said. “He stumbled, tried to correct himself and his foot went down a dip and I came out of the side.

“I was heading for the ground and my hat came off. I hit the road and split my head open.”

Warning: graphic image

Neville was knocked out but passing drivers came to his aid, and called an ambulance.

After an MRI, which confirmed the skull fracture, he was sent home.

“After a couple of days at home, I was doing things as normal, then my nose started dripping,” he said. “I thought ‘I’m turning into an old man’! But I looked at the list the hospital had given me and saw fluid from the nose was on it. I rang the GP, who said ‘Get to a neurological ward, now’.”

Neville had to spend 10 days in hospital while the CSF fluid was drained off and his skull healed.

“It was pretty serious; I’m extremely lucky,” he said. “But I wouldn’t have had the head injury if my hat had stayed on, and the only reason I wore that hat is because I wanted to look good. I think that’s the case for a lot of us, except the sensible ones who wear proper hats.

“I’ll definitely wear a hat with a chinstrap from now on. When you’re out trail-hunting, you’re vulnerable to having an accident, and we were just having a beautiful canter but he stumbled; it can happen to anyone.”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

You can’t put a price on safety – and H&H recommends you always choose a hat that meets the up to the current riding hat standards – but a higher price doesn’t always mean a safer hat, so you don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds to find a suitable, stylish, comfortable riding hat. If you’re looking for a cheap riding hat you’ll have to forgo the latest technology, such as MIPS, that you might find featuring in some of the best riding hats, but you can still find adjustable riding hats and ventilated options that look smart, meet your needs and the current safety standards.

Riding hats for children are not subject to VAT in the UK, so you’ll notice that some styles are cheaper in the smaller sizes. All the riding hats listed in this guide are less than £100, no matter the size and whether you’re buying for an adult or child.

Before making your final selection, it’s worth reading up on how riding hats are tested – this will help you understand the difference between each standard and why some hats have multiple. It will also show you that some cheap riding hats are tested in more scenarios than some of the most expensive options.

Best riding hats under £100

Shires Karben Avena

Colours: Black, navy or grey

Sizes: S–L (53–61cm)

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark)

RRP: From £82.99

This helmet is about as smart as you can get – it has a smooth outer with attractive shiny accents and smart trims – and it meets the highest British safety standard, too. To help keep you cool, it has front and rear air vents, a thermoregulating mesh liner and wicking headband, which takes away any sweat to help prevent hat hair. It’s available in three sizes, each with a micro-adjustable dial system to help you find the perfect fit.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, naylors.com, gsequestrian.co.uk or oakfield-direct.co.uk

Champion Junior Plus Jockey Helmet

Colours: Black

Sizes: 49–62cm

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), VG1

RRP: £89.99

This jockey skull has a simple, classic design on the outside and fun cartoon lining on the inside. It meets the highest British safety standard, so you know your child is protected when they’re in the saddle. It’s light enough for smaller heads while the inner crown padding will keep children comfortable when they’re riding, too. All sizes of this helmet are VAT exempt.

In the UK? View now at naylors.com, oakfield-direct.co.uk or gooutdoors.co.uk

Shires Karben Carmella Riding Hat

Colours: Black or navy

Sizes: S–L (53–61cm)

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark)

RRP: From £82.99

With the largest sizes coming in at just under £100, this Karben helmet is another great option. Like the Avena, it has cooling vents and a mesh lining to prevent hat hair, as well as a micro-adjustable dial system for a good fit, but instead of the smooth shell it has a synthetic suede finish for a different look.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, naylors.com, gsequestrian.co.uk or oakfield-direct.co.uk

Charles Owen Young Rider’s Jockey

Colours: Black

Sizes: 49–62cm, in standard or round

Standards: ASTM F1163, VG1

RRP: £80

This deep-fitting helmet is available in round fit as well as standard fit, which is just what some heads need for a comfy fit. It has ten ventilation holes for optimum breathability to prevent sweaty heads. All sizes of this helmet are VAT exempt.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, naylors.com or oakfield-direct.co.uk

Whitaker New Rider Generation Riding Helmet

Colours: Black, navy, black/sparkle or navy/sparkle

Sizes: XS–L

Standards: ASTM F1163 (with SEI mark), VG1

RRP: £99.95

The NRG helmet has a smooth, matte effect outer with two large front vents adorned with silver sparkles. The breathable lining is removable and machine washable, so your hat can be kept fresh and clean. It’s available in four shell sizes, with an adjustable dial system that means you can finely tune the fit for you.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com 

Premier Equine Endeavour Riding Helmet

Colours: Black or navy

Sizes: S–L

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), VG1 (with Kitemark)

RRP: £95

This lightweight, stylish helmet has a matte finish and gloss details. It features an antibacterial, moisture-wicking, padded liner that can be removed, washed and replaced. It also has a dial system to adjust the fit, discrete ventilation points, and a fully adjustable four-point harness with a subtly padded chin guard.

In the UK? View now at oakfield-direct.co.uk

Rhinegold Pro Riding Hat

Colours: Black, black/grey or navy

Sizes: 6⅜–7½

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark)

RRP: From £69.95

This hat has a soft-feel harness in addition to a removable, washable liner and ventilation holes along the front. It would make a perfect choice if you have regular lessons at a riding school.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Whitaker Horizon

Colours: Black or navy

Sizes: S–L

Standards: ASTM F1163, VG1

RRP: From £79.95

You can get this hat for much lower than the RRP, so it’s a great value. It has a sporty look with a multi-texture design. It also benefits from a patented side impact protection system, has a removable and a washable Coolmax lining, plus nine air vents and a synthetic leather chin strap.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Should I buy a second hand riding hat?

In short, no, do not be tempted to buy a second hand riding hat. Even if it meets that current required standards for your chosen activity, it can be impossible to tell whether it’s been damaged and, therefore, whether it will adequately protect your head. Lots of the best riding hats are expensive, but there are plenty of cheaper options that will meet your needs, too.

You might also like:

10 riding hats that are perfect for children

13 riding hats that are worth your attention

7 adjustable riding helmets to help you find the perfect fit

Use your head: how riding hats are tried and tested before use

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Here is a reminder of everything you need to know about the current riding hat rules across the various equestrian governing bodies.

Current riding hat rules for competition

British Eventing (BE), British Riding Clubs and the Pony Club unified helmet standards in 2018 so that a single “hat tag” is accepted across all three organisations’ events. The ‘pink’ coloured tag for 2024 means riders now require just one tag to show their helmet is approved to the required standard for use in competition.

The standards accepted by each governing body are as follows:

British Eventing, Pony Club, British Riding Clubs and British Team Chasing

British and European: PAS 015 (2011), VG01.040 2014-12 or BS EN1384:2023, all with BSI Kitemark or Inspec IC Mark

American: ASTM F1163 15 or 23 with SEI Mark or SNELL 2016 or 2021

Australia and New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards with SAI Global mark

British Dressage

British: All PAS 015 (2011 and subsequent updates)

European: VG1 or EN1384:2023

American: SNELL E2016, E2021, ASTM F1163 2015 and subsequent updates

Australian and New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards

British Showjumping

British and European: PAS 015 (2011), VG1 provided they are BSI Kitemarked

American: All SEI ASTM F1163 04a onwards and SNELL E2016.

Australian and New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards.

Useful additional information

British Eventing

• Cross-country protective headwear is a jockey skull of an even round or elliptical shape with a smooth or slightly abrasive surface, having no peak or peak type extensions. Noticeable protuberances above the eyes or to the front not greater than 5mm, smooth and rounded in nature are permitted. It must also comply with the ‘Protective Headwear’ criteria and be tagged as set out above. A removable hat cover with a light flexible peak may be used.

Pony Club

• For cross-country riding at all levels including eventing, tetrathlon, horse trials, pony racing (whether it be tests, rallies, competition or training) and mounted games competitions, a jockey skull cap must be worn with no fixed peak, peak type extensions or noticeable protuberances above the eyes or to the front, and should have an even round or elliptical shape with a smooth or slightly abrasive surface, having no peak or peak type extensions. Noticeable protuberances above the eyes or to the front not greater than 5mm, smooth and rounded in nature are permitted. A removable hat cover with a light flexible peak may be used if required.
• No recording device is permitted (e.g. hat cameras) as they may have a negative effect on the performance of the hat in the event of a fall.
• The fit of the hat and the adjustment of the harness are as crucial as the quality. Members are advised to try several makes to find the best fit. The hat should not move on the head when the head is tipped forward. Most helmet manufacturers recommend you visit a qualified BETA (British Equestrian Trade Association) fitter.
• Hats must be replaced after a severe impact as subsequent protection will be significantly reduced. Hats deteriorate with age and should be replaced after three to five years depending upon the amount of use.
• Hats, must be worn at all times (including at prize-giving) when mounted with a chinstrap fastened and adjusted so as to prevent movement of the hat in the event of a fall.
• For showjumping hat covers, if applicable, shall be dark blue, black or brown only. Branch/Centre team colours are permitted for team competitions.
• For dressage hats and hat covers must be predominately black, navy blue or a conservative dark colour that matches the rider’s jacket for area competitions or above. The Pony Club hat silk is also acceptable.
• For mounted games hat covers, if applicable, shall be dark blue, black or brown only
• The official steward/organiser may, at his discretion, eliminate a competitor riding in the area of the competition without a hat or with the chinstrap unfastened or with a hat that does not comply with these standards.

Riding Club

• Only a jockey skull of an even round or elliptical shape with a smooth or slightly abrasive surface, having no peak or peak type extensions may be worn for any cross-country phase. Noticeable protuberances above the eyes or to the front, not greater than 5mm, smooth and rounded in nature are permitted. It must also comply with the ‘protective headwear’ criteria and be tagged as set out above. A removable hat cover with a light flexible peak may be used.
• Skullcap hats must be worn with an appropriate colour silk for that discipline. For Quadrille competitions, hats of the above standard are mandatory.
• Competitors are strongly advised to check their hats regularly and to replace them if damaged or following a fall. It is recommended that hats are replaced every three to five years depending on usage.
• Please note: for the Quadrille competition, no alterations, protrusions or additions are to be made to a hat under any circumstances.

British Dressage

• Hats that are completely mirrored are not permitted.
• Top hats are no longer permitted at national and international competitions. This includes service hats that do not comply with regulation.
• If a hat comes off during a dressage test, it must be replaced immediately; the rider may dismount or the hat may be handed to them. The test will be restarted at the beginning of the movement during which it came off. There will be no penalty for error of course, but if the hat is not replaced the judge is to eliminate the competitor.
• Harnesses must be correctly fastened at all times whilst mounted.
• Competitors are strongly recommended to check their hats regularly and to replace them if damaged, or following a fall.
• If a rider starts their test without wearing the correct headgear, the judge is to ring the bell and instruct the rider to dismount and leave the arena. At the discretion of the organiser and the judge, the rider may restart the test once properly attired. If a rider fails to comply with the instruction, the organiser is to eliminate the competitor from all classes on that day. This will also apply if, as a result of a spot-check, a rider’s hat is found not to comply with the required standard.

You might also be interested in:

13 riding hats that are worth your attention

5 helmets that incorporate MIPS technology

7 adjustable riding helmets to help you find the perfect fit

8 riding hats you can get your hands on for less than £100

10 riding hats that are perfect for children

2018 hat rules revealed: single hat tag plus change to standard

British Eventing (BE), British Riding Clubs and the Pony Club have unified helmet standards

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A panel of experts including top doctors and engineers has put forward a set of proposals to strengthen current testing standards for equestrian helmets.

The FEI helmet working group, established in April by the FEI’s medical committee, was tasked with reviewing current standards and related scientific literature. Their focus was on how helmets could be even more effective at reducing the risk of serious head injuries.

Their main conclusions centred on improved testing criteria and measures, plus a new and improved injury reporting system.

“While the FEI continues to work on reducing horse and rider falls, measures are needed in parallel to reduce the risk of significant injury when falls do occur,” said FEI medical committee chairman Mark Hart.

“Helmet requirements are very sport-specific. And, as the international federation for equestrian sport, we believe that it is our duty to take the lead on assisting manufacturers with creating helmets that specifically cater to the demands of our sport and better protect our athletes’ heads.”

The working group included Jerry Hill, chief medical adviser to the British Horseracing Authority, former chief medical officer of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Adrian McGoldrick, plus representatives from Mips (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), Charles Owen, and more.

They recommended a better injury reporting system to track head injuries and the effectiveness of changes to testing procedures, and that scientific testing criteria need to be improved through new computer modelling and simulations, which better reflect real-life accidents. They also called for additional testing measures and updated brain energy transmission thresholds to be incorporated into the current testing protocols, with a suggested deadline of around 2027.

FEI president Ingmar De Vos said that the progress represents a “significant leap forward for the entire equestrian industry”.

British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) chief executive Claire Williams told H&H that it is fitting that these proposals came out at a time when the industry was expecting the harmonisation of the new European standard, which has since happened.

“The work of several years has brought this [new European] standard up in performance, but we know there is more work to be done,” said Ms Williams.

“We intend to start revision on this when the work on rotational impact testing alongside the new headform used for testing is available in 2024.”

Ben Hanna, product engineer at Champion, told H&H the work is a “welcome step forward”.

“Helmet standards are largely developed by governing bodies and associations, so new guidance from academics will act as a crucial steer to marry science with manufacturing,” he said.

“As a family-owned business committed to safety, we support initiatives to improve rider safety and have been innovating our products with the same goals in mind.”

Dr Hanna added that many of the areas are already being discussed in European Committee for Standardization meetings.

“The majority of recommendations are made based on high-energy impacts (worst-case scenario events) and don’t consider lesser energy events, which arguably occur more often,” he said.

“One specific area acknowledged is the importance of rotational energy in relation to concussion, tests for which are in the pipeline to be added to standards.

“We anticipate that these requirements will drive a new wave of innovation and will supersede any standard or helmet created to meet only linear tests.

“The FEI working group will help inform the committee’s work on the test method, and more importantly the limits for helmet performance.

“We would welcome the addition of other manufacturers of both helmets and rotational energy mitigation technologies to the FEI working group, to increase the variety of experience with different solutions. To give voices to more experts.”

You might also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Adjustable riding hats with a dial-fit system have increased in popularity and availability in recent years, so much so that now almost all riding hat manufacturers produce one or more. The adjustability of these riding hats makes them very convenient, and in general they are very lightweight and are lower profile with a sportier, more modern look than typical riding hats. Removable liners and ventilation are also common features, making them very comfortable to wear, whether you’re wearing them for a quick schooling session or an all-day endurance ride.

Adjustable riding hats are particularly beneficial for growing young riders and make great riding hats for children, as an adjustable helmet will likely remain a better fit and more comfortable for longer.

Best adjustable riding hats

Gatehouse Air Rider MKII

Colours: Black or navy | Sizes: S–L | Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), VG1 | RRP: From £124.99 | H&H review: 10/10 |

This lightweight and well-ventilated riding hat features a four-point harness with dial adjustment for ease of fit. The padded, wicking liner can be removed for washing, and the hat comes in a padded storage bag.

Read H&H’s independent Gatehouse Air Rider MKII review.

In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

Uvex Perfexxion II

Colours: Black matt or anthracite matt | Sizes: XXS/S, S/M, M/L or L/XL | Standards: VG1 | RRP: From £216 |

This modern design helps keep your head cool. It’s available in three shell sizes, which you can adjust.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Shires Karben Valentina Riding Hat

Colours: Black, black/rose gold, navy or grey/silver | Sizes: S–L | Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark) | RRP: From £95.99 |

This eye-catching low-profile hat benefits from thermoregulating linings and air vents. It also has a fully adjustable four-point harness with leather-look side panels and a removable anti-rub chin guard.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

Uvex Exxential II MIPS

Colours: Black | Sizes: XS–XL | Standards: VG1 | RRP: £170 |

This helmet combines sportiness, climate control and safety. It brings an update to the Uvex Exxential II with the introduction of MIPS technology, which is designed to further protect the brain against rotational movements in the event of an accident.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Champion Air-Tech Deluxe

Colours: Metallic black, metallic navy, metallic oyster, metallic ruby or black silk | Sizes: S, M or L (52–61cm) | Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), ASTM F1163, VG1 | RRP: From £170 |

This low-profile adjustable helmet is made with a lightweight injection-moulded ABS shell, which makes it comfortable without compromising on safety. It features triple-mesh venting for superior airflow, a removable crown-comfort padded, wicking lining.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Whitaker NRG (New Rider Generation) Riding Helmet

Colours: Black or navy | Sizes: XS–L | Standards: ASTM F1163, VG1 | RRP: From £95 |

This adjustable helmet has a smooth, matte effect outer and two front vents. It also has a breathable Coolmax lining, which is removable and machine washable.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, naylors.com or ebay.co.uk

Premier Equine Odyssey Helmet

Colours: Black or navy | Sizes: S–L | Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), VG1 | RRP: £100 |

This lightweight helmet has a technical padded liner, which is removable and washable, with antibacterial and moisture-wicking properties. It has a four-point eco-leather and webbing harness with padded chin guard, as well as ventilation points between the chrome and glitter panels.

In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk

You might also like:

8 riding hats you can get your hands on for less than £100

10 riding hats that are perfect for children

13 riding hats that are worth your attention

Use your head: how riding hats are tried and tested before use

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Our 135th episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, which is currently supported by Charles Owen, features an exclusive interview with young grand prix dressage rider Annabella Pidgley. She talks about her whirlwind journey since taking on Charlotte Dujardin’s former ride Gio. We’ll then hear from British Equestrian Trade Association executive director Claire Williams, who clears up some mysteries around helmet standards and what to look for when buying a new helmet. We hope you will enjoy listening.

Episode 135 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, our popular audio service, which is currently supported by Charles Owen, is now live.

Each episode is available for H&H fans to listen to via your favourite podcast app, as well as here on the website. Search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your preferred podcast app and click subscribe to be notified about each new episode.

• View all episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast

Our 135th episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, which is currently supported by Charles Owen, features an exclusive interview with young grand prix dressage rider Annabella Pidgley. She talks about her whirlwind journey since taking on Charlotte Dujardin’s former ride Gio.

We’ll then hear from British Equestrian Trade Association executive director Claire Williams, who clears up some mysteries around helmet standards and what to look for when buying a new helmet.

• We would love to hear your feedback on all our podcasts, so please do send your thoughts to pippa.roome@futurenet.com

Horse & Hound Podcast: episode 135

Catch up with more episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast…

The Horse & Hound Podcast 134: National Hunt legends Lucinda Russell & Peter Scudamore | Laminitis advice

The Horse & Hound Podcast 133: Dressage world champion and world number one Lottie Fry

The Horse & Hound Podcast 132: Leading show horse producer Kirstine Douglas | Feeding your horse for weight gain

The Horse & Hound Podcast 131: International dressage rider Abi Lyle | Teaching horses to stand still | News round-up

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

If you’re looking for the latest safety technology, look no further than the best MIPS horse riding helmets. You can find MIPS helmets with the help of the yellow logo that usually appears somewhere on the helmet.

It’s not unusual for hats to be made in a standard version and then in an upgraded version with MIPS technology – for example, you can get the Uvex Exxential II and the Uvex Exxential II MIPS – and these will look the same from the outside, bar the yellow logo. So if you’re set on buying a helmet with MIPS, double check the description before you hit the checkout.

What are MIPS helmets?

MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System and it is a technology used in some newer helmets that offers added protection against angular impact and damaging rotational forces.

When you fall and hit your head, it’s most common to fall at an angle, which creates rotational motion – science has shown that our brains are very sensitive to rotational forces. MIPS can reduce the risk of brain damage by allowing your head to move inside the helmet. This reduces the harmful rotational motion that would otherwise be transferred to your brain.

This technology is not only used in horse riding helmets, but helmets worn in snowsports, motorsports, cycling and climbing, too.

Best MIPS horse riding helmets

Charles Owen MS1 Pro

Colours: Black or limited editions | Sizes: 52–62cm standard fit, 56–58cm round fit | Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), ASTM F1163, VG1 (with Kitemark) | RRP: £160 |

This helmet offers a deep fit that is made secure with the padded harness. It has 10 ventilation slots and a removable cup headband that you can wash and replace as necessary. It is also available in limited edition styles in collaboration with Boyd Martin, This Esme and Harlow Luna White.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com

Champion Revolve Radiance Vent-Air MIPS Peaked Helmet

Colours: Black, black/multi or navy | Sizes: 6¼–7¾ | Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), ASTM F1163, VG1 | RRP: From £295 |

This low profile, lightweight hat is built with a lightweight glass fibre shell that incorporates a ventilated airflow system and a new contoured shaped peak with a sparkle centre panel. The harness is made from soft padded synthetic leather with a rear lacing adjustment and fastens with a quick-release buckle.

In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk

Uvex Exxential II MIPS

Colours: Black | Sizes: XS–XL | Standards: VG1 | RRP: £149.95 |

This helmet combines sportiness, climate control and safety. It brings an update to the Uvex Exxential II with the introduction of MIPS technology, which is designed to further protect the brain against rotational movements in the event of an accident.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Champion Revolve Vent-Air MIPS Jockey Skull

Colours: Black | Sizes: 6¼–7¾ | Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), ASTM F1163, VG1 | RRP: From £208 |

An upgrade to the Champion Revolve Vent-Air skull, this modern, lightweight helmet offers good ventilation and comfort thanks to the central ventilation strip and removable crown comfort padding in breathable microfiber. It has a durable painted acrylic and sand finish that helps to prevent you silk slipping. It also features a four-point soft leather harness with rear lacing adjustment.

In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk

Charles Owen My PS With MIPS

Colours: Black or navy | Sizes: 52–62cm standard fit, 56–58cm round fit | Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), ASTM F1163, VG1 (with Kitemark) | RRP: £265 |

The My PS gives riders the elegant look with modern style wide peak and a deep fit. It has 10 ventilation slots, a removable headband and a six-point leather-look harness.

In the US? View now at statelinetack.com

You might also like:

13 riding hats that are worth your attention

8 riding hats you can get your hands on for less than £100

7 adjustable riding helmets to help you find the perfect fit

10 riding hats that are perfect for children

What is MIPS technology and why could it revolutionise riding helmet design?

A safety feature, already widely used in cycling and skiing helmets and designed to reduce brain injuries, could revolutionise riding

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A ratings system designed to complement existing safety standards and fill the gaps relating to concussion risks has been cautiously welcomed – and questioned – with experts advising riders to look at the whole picture when choosing a riding helmet.

The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, which has been rating helmets for different sports since 2011, has released its first STAR (Summation of Tests for the Analysis of Risk) evaluation system for equestrian sport.

The focus is on assessing which helmets best reduce concussion risk, and the testing process works by translating metrics from real-world head impacts into evidence-based test methods to assess performance under realistic conditions.

A total of 40 riding helmets were tested, and ratings published online this month. Two earned the top score of five stars, 11 earned four, and the rest three stars or below – and retail price was not necessarily a reflection of performance under this system.

“Standards for equestrian helmets are typically based on severe impacts,” said Stefan Duma, Helmet Lab founder and Virginia Tech’s Harry Wyatt professor of engineering. “What we found is that a lot of riders come off at lower velocities, and many helmets are too stiff to effectively cushion those softer impacts. The helmets that perform better are able to deal with different energy levels.”

To develop the system, researchers analysed more than 100 videos of rider falls. They measured the hardness of sand, dirt, grass and synthetic surfaces at equestrian events, and took equipment, including dummy heads, necks and pendulums, to Virginia Tech’s equestrian facilities to simulate falls.

Data was taken back to the lab to recreate falls in controlled, quantitative tests, which used to assess the helmets.

“With every sport, we go through detailed analysis to make sure that the biomechanics we’re testing relate specifically to those athletes,” said Professor Duma.

“For these ratings, we determined what the acceleration profile would look like for a rider falling on the ground. Then we take that trace and bring it into the lab and recreate it, to make sure our testing matches what a rider would experience if they fell off a horse.”

He said “the real key” is that the system “provides a framework for manufacturers to make better helmets”.

“They can look at our analysis, recreate that testing, and optimise their helmet design to make the best helmet possible,” he said.

“That’s going to be better for consumers as well as manufacturers. Ultimately, we hope to reduce the number of injuries.”

The research was funded by private donors, led by Jacqueline Mars, plus the US Hunter Jumper Association, US Equestrian (USEF) and US Eventing.

The Champion Revolve X-Air MIPS helmet – the only Champion hat tested – topped the ratings.

“Champion has always been safety first in terms of our design, it’s our top priority,” Ben Hanna, production engineer at Champion Manufacturing Group, told H&H.

“We’ve always been trying to push to maintain the highest levels. It shows all the effort we put in over the years has paid off.”

He added that Champion knew Virginia Tech was working on a equestrian rating system, but did not know which, if any, of its helmets had been tested.

He said the ratings system gives interesting insight into how helmets that meet the top standards, designed to test for protection against catastrophic, life-changing injuries, perform in other situations.

“I think it’s important to understand that the Virginia Tech STAR ratings are specific to their test, as any rating system is,” he said. You can only score helmets against what you’ve tested for, but it provides that extra layer of insight and when choosing a helmet, from a safety point of view, look at the whole picture and not just one individual test.”

He added: “So I think for people who are looking to buy a new hat and want to know how to interpret these results, our position would be that the Virginia Tech STAR rating is a useful indicator of helmet performance.

“If people are looking for the safest helmet, they should look for a well-fitting helmet that is comfortable and that they will wear every day. Because you may have the safest helmet on the planet, but if it’s uncomfortable and you don’t wear it, it’s not going to do any good.

“You want it to be rated to [an approved standard] like PAS 015 or the latest SNELL standard. And I would definitely support the motion that you should get a MIPS hat, because it adds that extra layer of protection. Then look at the Virginia Tech STAR ratings.”

Other industry figures have also welcomed the research – while raising questions about the system.

MIPS, the multi-directional impact protection system, which is included in certain helmets and intended to help reduce harmful rotational motion, “welcome the new benchmark […] yet aspects of the test and rating methods leave room for improvement”.

“While we appreciate the new initiatives to evaluate equestrian helmets and promote helmet safety more generally, we at MIPS believe that the new rating systems may be cause for confusion,” said the MIPS statement.

Manufacturer Charles Owen, which had four helmets tested with varying results, also welcomed and questioned the system.

“We appreciate the Virginia Tech findings in relation to low-velocity impacts. However, it’s important to highlight the potential issues in basing research methods on social media videos of accidents,” said a statement from Charles Owen.

“The three main international safety standards of VG1, PAS:015 and ASTM incorporate low-velocity impacts as seen in this study, as these do play a role in everyday accidents.

“However, there are also crucial tests, such as spike tests, rotational tests, crush tests and hazard edge tests that also need to be considered when evaluating helmet safety.

“These tests are peer-reviewed and developed over many years by medical consultants, industry experts and PhD researchers to replicate major causes of rider head trauma and concussion.

“We encourage all riders to ensure their helmets meet a minimum of three safety standards [PAS:015, VG1 and ASTM] as this ensures your helmet has been tested against nine different accident scenarios. As every rider will know, every accident is different in the levels of force, speed and angle involved.

“The helmet study by Virginia Tech focuses on just one potential cause of concussion. While this can be useful to simplify the science, we advocate that consumers dig deeper to understand the accepted industry standards for themselves.”

Responding to Charles Owen’s statement, Barry Miller, the helmet lab’s director of outreach and business development, told H&H the lab uses a “wide array of data sources”, which include injury reports from sporting organisations such as USEF, the national injury database, and more.

“But without video footage, all of these methods are still incomplete,” he said.

“There are more than 50,000 [US] emergency room visits from equestrian accidents every year, but few have video footage to corroborate the details of the accident. The videos we’ve used are primarily from sanctioned equestrian events and many could have been posted to social media.

“While we might not be able to use advanced computer analyses for each unique video, we can certainly add them to a growing catalogue of rider falls.”

He added that the lab welcomes videos from all sources to help “understand and quantify fall characteristics”.

“Our STAR testing and methods have been approved by the Institute of Medicine, one of the highest scientific bodies in the country,” he said. “The STAR ratings have also proven to help manufacturers improve helmet designs [in other sports] that in turn reduced real-world concussions. We look forward to seeing these improvements that take helmet safety to the next level.”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Charles Owen has added a selection of new colours to two of its popular traditional-style velvet riding hats. Riders who love the classic look will be pleased to hear the Fian and Hampton hats are once again available in brown, grey and bottle green, as well as black and navy options.

These colours were originally released when Charles Owen launched the Hampton in 2001 and the Fian in 2012, but in recent years these velvet hats have only been available in black or navy. The three additional colours have been brought back in response to customer feedback.

“We know how much our consumers loved their traditional velvets, so after many requests we’ve decided to bring the other colours back,” said Charles Owen’s Becci Flanagan.

The Fian combines the elegance of its predecessor – the Fiona – with sophisticated safety technology to create a safe and stylish hat for showing and hunting. Covered in velvet, it has a slim tan harness that creates an elegant appearance, while the traditional satin headband with incorporated drawlace adjusts the height of the helmet so that it cradles the head. 

It is available in sizes 49–62cm, and meets the ASTM F1163-15 and VG1 standards. The Fian retails from £279.

The Hampton is also covered in traditional velvet, with a soft tan harness, satin lining and low-profile design. It is available in sizes 52–65cm, and meets the PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), ASTM F1163-15 and VG1 standards. The Hampton retails from £197.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Hat silks are the perfect addition to a jockey skull because they allow you to turn a fairly plain helmet into something that can express your individuality. They’re an essential part of cross-country colours, but equally important for anyone who subscribes to the matchy-matchy movement.

From glittery hat silks and hat silks with pom poms, to a unicorn or a bumblebee, there’s something for everyone. But if bright and bold isn’t for you, there are plenty of smart muted tones, plus a selection of plain black and navy options, too.

Most hat silks come in one size and are stretchy enough to fit any riding hat.

Best hat silks for brightening up your riding hat

Luv Ponies Swap It Hat Silk

Colours: Pink, navy or purple | RRP: £15.50 |

Great for a rider who likes to try different looks, this hat silk comes with changeable pom poms – and it can be personalised with a name.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Hy Sport Active Hat Cover With Pom Pom

Colours: Amethyst purple, emerald green, coral rose or sky blue | RRP: £16.99 |

These hat silks are designed to be worn with the Hy Sport Active range.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk 

Elico Fantastia Lycra Hat Cover

RRP: £18.50 |

This cute hat silk will match well with a pink, purple, blue or black top, which makes it really versatile if your young rider is into matchy-matchy.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk 

Shires Switch It Hat Cover

Colours: Black, navy, charcoal, raspberry or royal | RRP: From £13.99 |

These silks come with a selection of pom poms so that you can switch up your look.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, naylors.com or ebay.co.uk

Luv Ponies Pink Rainbow Hat Cover

RRP: From £14.95 |

With the option for personalisation, this hat silk is super-cute and a really pretty colour.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or etsy.com

Elico Camouflage Hat Cover

RRP: £18.50 |

This silk is perfect is you’ve got a rider trying to avoid the pink and sparkle.

In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk

LeMieux Pom Hat Silk

Colours: 16 colours | RRP: £22.95 |

Available in a wide range of colours, these LeMieux hat silks are really rather smart.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or naylors.com

Equetech Unicorn Hat Silk

RRP: £16.50 |

There are a few unicorn style hat covers available, but this sleepy one is one of our favourites.

In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk

Hy Reflector Hat Cover

Colours: Yellow, orange or pink | RRP: £16.50 |

Ideal for those who ride on the road, these fluorescent hat silks come in three colours.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

Woof Wear Convertible Hat Cover

Colours: 15 colours | RRP: £12.99 |

These hat silks come in a wide range of colours and have a removable button so that you can add a pom pom if you so fancy. Woof Wear pom poms are available in a choice of four colours (RRP £6.99).

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com 

Shires Metallic Hat Cover

Colours: Rainbow, pink, blue or black | RRP: £8.99 |

These hat silks are not only bright but shiny and fun, too.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk 

Shires Double Pom Pom Hat Cover

Colours: Green, plum or navy | RRP: £13.50 |

Why settle for one pom pom when you can have two?

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

LeMieux Mini Hat Silk

Colours: Bluebell, papaya or watermelon | RRP: £22.95 |

Loved by younger riders, these hat silks are designed to match the LeMieux Mini range.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or naylors.com

Shires Velvet Sparkle Hat Cover

Colours: Black or navy | RRP: £15.99 |

These hat silks say smart and sophisticated with a bit of sparkle.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

Shires Zebra Hat Cover

RRP: £22.99 |

Perfect for young jockeys who enjoy dressing up.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

Woodlodge Silks Hat Covers

Colours: Wide variety of designs | RRP: From £16 |

Hat silks from Woodlodge Silks are great for any rider who loves bright, bold and different – there’s a really wide range to choose from.

In the UK? View now at etsy.com

Elico Three Hearts Hat Cover

RRP: £18.50 |

This hat silk is smart with a touch of sparkle.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk 

Plain hat silks

Hy Lycra Hat Cover

Colours: Black or navy | RRP: £14.99 |

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

Shires Velvet Hat Cover

Colours: Black or navy | Sizes: S–L | RRP: £12.50 |

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

WeatherBeeta Prime Hat Silk

Colours: Black or navy | RRP: £11.99 |

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The benefits of liquid titanium headwear are now available to riders as well as their horses, with a new range of safety helmets incorporating the same technology, which may boost concentration as well as confidence.

H&H has reported on the popularity of the liquid titanium masks, sported by showjumpers from grassroots to grand prix level, which riders believe have a calming effect on some horses. One convert to the hoods, Camilla Downe, known as Cam, is an amateur showjumper who works in product design.

Cam has created a hat liner incorporating the liquid titanium technology, which when attached to the inside of a rider’s helmet, appears to have a calming and confidence-boosting effect.

“In clinical trials, we found that a significant number of our 350 participants reported feeling much braver,” she told H&H. “We were pleased with our product, which seemed to have an effect in initial trials, but to see it confirmed so overwhelmingly in the official study was amazing.”

Cam said a huge amount of work went into the design, to ensure the liners do not in any way affect hat fit or comfort. They are detachable, so can be removed for easy washing, and do not alter the look of the hat once inside.

Cam said riders wearing them were happy to jump courses on average 10-15cm higher than their pre-declared “comfort zone” height. By using pressure mapping, the researchers also found decreased rider behaviours related to nerves, such as pressure on the reins and muscle tension.

And the benefits may be even wider, she added.

“One thing I noticed in my horse, Polar Foil, when he had his on was that he seemed to concentrate more,” she said. “When I schooled him in it, he seemed to pick things up much faster than normal — and it appears there’s a similar effect on people.”

Cam explained that when they tested the liners in a competition situation, riders were far less likely to make errors of course, either jumping or in dressage, and participants said they were able to remember courses or tests more easily than usual.

“One rider turned pale as she came out of the arena as she suddenly remembered she’d forgotten to post a birthday card!” Cam said. “I honestly think these are a game-changer, and for everyday life as well as riding.”

Professor Buck Doffe, from the Advanced Psychological Research Institute Laboratory, told H&H the results of the study appear very positive.

“There will be some who say it’s a placebo effect but in some cases, does that matter, if the outcome is desirable?” he said.

The masks are available to buy online now.

• What do you think about the technology? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, and you could win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

New competition riding hat rules have come into force for British Showjumping (BS) for 2022, with other organisations set to update their accepted helmet standards from next year.

The 2022 BS rulebook clarifies its existing rule on protective headgear, and removes a couple of the older standards.

The previous rule stated that a riding hat “designed to provide protection” must be worn at all times when mounted, with a properly adjusted and fastened harness, and that competitors must wear “protective headwear” to an approved standard when jumping, including warming up. The 2022 rule goes further, so an up-to-standard hat must be worn at all times when mounted.

“Protective headgear must be worn at all times when mounted by anyone, whether or not a competitor, which complies to the below standards at any British Showjumping competition or activity. Harnesses must be properly adjusted and fastened at all times when mounted,” it states.

BS has also retired a couple of the older hat standards. PAS 015 (1998) and Snell E2001 are no longer approved. But PAS 015 (2011), with kitemark, and Snell E2016 remain on the approved list.

British Eventing (BE), the Pony Club (PC) and British Riding Clubs (BRC) are all updating their accepted standards in a similar way from 1 January 2023.

The three organisations unified their standards in 2018, so a single colour of hat tag can be fastened to the harness to indicate a rider is wearing a helmet of an approved standard.

“In order to ensure riders are wearing the most up-to-date riding hats, please note that from 1 January 2023, the following hat standards will not be accepted, due to the age of hats made to these standards: PAS 015 1998 [and] Snell 2001,” states the 2022 BE rulebook, with similar notices appearing in the PC and BRC rulebooks

“To manage this change, a new colour of hat tag will be required for all BE, PC and BRC activities from 1 January 2023.”

Competition riding hat rules for 2022 and 2023

British Showjumping hat standards 2022

• British and European: PAS 015 (2001), VG1 provided they are BSI Kitemarked
• American: All SEI ASTM F1163 04a onwards and Snell E2001 and Snell E2016.
• Australian and New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards

British Eventing, Pony Club and British Riding Club hat standards 2022

• British and European: PAS 015 (1998 or 2011) and VG1, all with BSI Kitemark
• American: ASTM F1163: 2004a onwards with SEI mark, Snell E2001 onwards with the official Snell label and number
• Australia and New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards with SAI Global mark

British Eventing, Pony Club and British Riding Club hat standards 2023

• British and European: PAS 015 (2011) and VG1, all with BSI Kitemark
• American: ASTM F1163: 2004a onwards with SEI mark, Snell E2016
• Australia and New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards with SAI Global mark

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Anyone who has been injured during their involvement with horses is asked to report details to the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) as part of efforts to improve safety.

BETA has launched a new rider accident and equipment reporting form to collect information, which it is hoped will inform design of safety equipment.

“A better understanding of what happens to our hats and body protectors during an accident is key to being able to design better and safer equipment, as well as feeding into the safety standards that determine how these garments perform,” said BETA chief executive Claire Williams. “The data collected through this questionnaire will provide invaluable insights contributing to this understanding, and help us, along with our trade members, continue to be innovative in the space to help keep riders across all sports safer.”

The reporting form is available online or via a QR code that can be scanned on phones, “helping to make it more accessible to busy riders”.

It asks people to provide details of any accident that they were involved in, and, if possible, supply images or video of the helmet and/or body protector worn at the time.

“There’s a real paucity of true [injury] data when it comes to the equestrian industry,” said BETA chief medical officer Diane Fisher.

“It’s so important to get this data as we can feed it back to the industry, to the manufacturers so they can use it to help further improve what they do, as a basis for our safety equipment.

“It also allows us to research injuries in real time. If we are picking up certain injuries and trends, it allows us as BETA to step in and campaign at the time, which makes more sense than working on the back foot.

“We all accept that riding has real dangers attached, but using the protection available correctly can mitigate and minimise these risks. As equestrians we all have a responsibility to keep ourselves fit, healthy and injury free, not only in our own best interests but also in the interests of these very special animals we are lucky enough to spend time with.”

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A rider who sustained a hairline skull fracture in a team-chasing fall has shared images of her severely damaged riding hat and said she was “incredibly glad” she had replaced it recently — and that she was “lucky to be alive”.

Somerset-based Susannah Stanning was competing as part of Team Rideaway in the intermediate speed class at the Cotswolds team chase on Sunday (31 October) when her horse Our Kaempfer tripped, fell and landed on her head.

“I remember being pretty convinced he was going to land on me. He cartwheeled over and his hindquarters landed square on top of my head on the floor. It was about as dramatic as it can be,” Susannah told H&H.

“I was unconscious for about five minutes but I was incredibly lucky that they have such amazing medical staff there.”

Susannah, who runs a yard producing team chasers and polo ponies with her husband Roddy, was taken to hospital by ambulance and a CT scan showed she had sustained a hairline skull fracture, and she was diagnosed with concussion. Her horse was not injured in the fall.

“I didn’t have any damage anywhere else, I was extraordinarily lucky,” she said.

“I was kept in hospital overnight for observation but the fracture should essentially heal on its own in time. I was given advice about the concussion and there will be no riding or driving for the immediate future.”

Susannah agreed for images of her damaged riding hat to be shared online and said she had been “astounded” by the response. She is sending her hat back to Champion for the damage to be fully assessed.

“Looking at the damage to my hat I feel incredibly lucky to be alive. I have seen some video footage of the fall and it really could have been a very different story. I only bought my hat three weeks ago when I decided I probably needed a new one, and I’m incredibly glad that I did,” she said.

“I think people have been shocked by the amount of damage to my hat and thought there would have been a lot more damage to me,” she said “I’ve been very lucky in that I’ve not had a head injury before, and it goes without saying how important it is that everyone wears a riding hat with the correct safety standard, and if you have a fall it’s important it gets replaced. I hope some positives can come from this and people learn from my experience.”

Susannah’s husband Roddy, who was at the team chase, added how “brilliant” the medical team was at the Cotswold.

“We were unlucky it happened, but lucky it wasn’t worse and that this happened at a properly organised event with paramedics and a racecourse doctor. The immediate medical attention quite likely made a significant difference to her outcome,” he told H&H. “It highlighted that it’s even more important that you wear a hat at home because you’re unlikely to have any medical cover there if something happens.”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A rider who was seriously injured and spent six days drifting in and out of consciousness after she was kicked in the head has served a riding hat reminder to other equestrians.

Holly Williams has credited her hat and the emergency services for saving her life when she was kicked in a freak accident while turning out a horse in May.

“I’m lucky to be alive,” she said. “It was an evening after work and I went up to ride, as I normally do, and the horse Herbie – who I had on loan – was lovely.

“I had a lovely ride, a nice canter and I remember putting my saddle away. I normally put my hat in my car once I’ve ridden, but I couldn’t be bothered to take it off, so I decided to keep it on while I led him up to his field. What are the chances?

“We have to go through a gateway [on the way to the field] and I remember laughing as he grabbed some grass, then everything went completely blank.”

Holly was found face-down by the gateway by a passing walker. The damage to her hat and her other injuries led medics to the conclusion that she was probably kicked in the back of the head.

“Thank god for that walker,” she said. “She called the ambulance, with the help of my yard manager, and I was taken to hospital. I had an MRI, which showed a bleed on my brain.”

Holly spent the next six days drifting in and out of consciousness, and spent two weeks in Royal Surrey County Hospital in total. She had to re-learn how to do simple, routine tasks, such as writing, hoovering, walking down stairs and making a cup of tea.

Three months later, Holly is continuing to make good progress. She is receiving help from an occupational therapist and is “getting her life back”.

“It’s hard, but I’m glad to be alive,” said Holly. “If I hadn’t had my hat on, I would have died.”

She has shared her story to make others think about wearing a helmet when handling horses, and to serve as a reminder for riders and yards about having emergency contact details in an easy-to-find place. She is also encouraging equestrians to read the small print on their personal accident insurance to ensure they are covered for all eventualities.

“If I can get a message out there for people to wear a helmet, and if it makes the difference to just one person, it will be worth it,” she said, adding that no matter how well you know a horse, accidents happen.

“I’d had the horse on loan for about three months and I’d grown to know him and to love him. It seemed really out of character for him,” she said.

“The ambulance and hospital teams have all been amazing – if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be alive.”

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A rider who suffered multiple fractures and severe concussion in a fall at home wants to spread as much awareness as possible, of head injuries and the importance of wearing a correctly fitted safety helmet.

Sandra Murphy was jumping her own horse Tilly over small fences on 17 July when the mare tripped and went down. Sandra suffered a fractured shoulder, collarbone and vertebrae, as well as the head injury, but believes that had she not been wearing her helmet, recently fitted and brand new, she would not be here.

The founder of Equidiet and the BAME Equine and Rural Activities Focus Group told H&H she had just finished filming for a television programme and was jumping one last double.

“It was only 70cm, as I’m no hero!” she said. “Tilly jumped in big, and it should have been two strides but she went ‘Is it one or two?’, went to jump and just fell over it.

“It was a miscommunication; I can’t blame her, I more blame myself.”

Sandra hit her head on the floor, was knocked unconscious, and was taken to hospital in an air ambulance. She credits her assistant Lara Holden also for saving her life, as she came straight over with an oxygen canister after the fall; Sandra, who is in remission from cancer, also spent six weeks in hospital with Covid early this year and needs the oxygen while her lungs recover.

“She saved my life as I’d stopped breathing,” Sandra said.

Doctors at first did not realise the extent of Sandra’s injuries and sent her home but two days later, she was in agony and called her GP.

“They sent me back to hospital, where I was diagnosed with the fractures and the concussion,” she said. “I was speaking really slowly, and couldn’t form words; I said to the doctor, it felt like I had a blancmange in my head, it was awful. I had real pressure pain in my head and he said ‘That’s concussion’.”

Sandra had never suffered concussion before, and had not realised the full implications.

“The doctor explained it all, and how careful you’ve got to be,” she said. “It’s a brain injury, and you have to look after your brain. I won’t be riding for a long time as you only get one head.”

Sandra added that although she has always been a strong advocate of wearing appropriate headgear, this incident has reminded her once again just how important this is.

“Whatever you’re doing, I don’t care; wear one,” she said. “There’s no excuse not to have one on, and your brain’s so precious and so easily damaged. My Uvex helmet saved my life; I would not be here today without it.

“The thing I want to get across to people is, no matter what you’re doing, wear one. I was at home, jumping 70cm, and I trust my horse to the end of the earth; she’d never buck me off or anything but she tripped and fell, it was one of those things.”

Sandra also thanked the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, for which she had raised money while undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, two years ago.

“I had braids in my hair; my hair was my crowning glory and losing it was very hard but every time a braid came out, someone sponsored it and I raised £500,” she said. “That’s what got me through, and knowing I was helping other horse people.

“When you’re riding in the middle of nowhere and a road ambulance can’t get there, they will come and rescue you. I want to thank them so much.”

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A push to upend the ban on top hats in international dressage that came into force this year has been squashed by the FEI’s medical committee.

The ban came into force on 1 January this year, following a vote at the 2019 FEI general assembly.

The decision divided opinions, with some welcoming the move while others were in favour of riders having freedom to choose. A 150-strong petition asking FEI for riders (over-25s) to have the option of wearing top hats in international competition was dismissed in November 2020.

The topic has now arisen again, with several national federations and other corners of the sport calling for riders to have the choice of top hat or protective helmet ahead of the first draft of 2022 rule proposals. This garnered mixed reactions from the FEI dressage committee, ultimately receiving a hard no from the medical committee and the FEI board.

“The traditional dress code with an elegant hat is a world-renowned recognition feature of dressage sport,” said a joint statement from the German and Austrian national federations, plus the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) and Association of International Dressage Event Organisers.

It added they “do not want to give the impression” that dressage has become dangerous.

“We acknowledge the aspect of safety, however we are not aware of any head injuries that have ever occurred to top athletes during a high-level dressage competition.

“Therefore, athletes of the age category U25 and older should have the freedom to decide for themselves whether they want to wear a top hat or a helmet in the competition.

“This freedom of choice should only apply to CDI4*, CDI5*, championships and Games [at] grand prix level. For awards ceremonies and at all other times when mounted, the use of protective headgear shall remain mandatory.”

The European Equestrian Federation put forward a similar suggestion, adding that it proposes to “re-open the discussion”, as a survey among European national federations “has shown a preference for altered rules”.

The dressage committee supported the proposal, for riders with a minimum age of 26, “but not unanimously”.

The committee’s response said the idea was “not supported by the [FEI] medical committee” and the proposal was reviewed at the FEI board’s June meeting.

“The board unanimously agreed not to support the proposal and, therefore, it is not included in the proposed rule changes,” it stated. “The board noted that this topic was subject to a specific vote at the 2019 general assembly and that vote should be respected.”

Scoring, corrections and tack inspections

A further shake-up of some key points on dressage scoring has been mooted as part of the rules revision.

All proposals presented in the first draft are just suggestions and stakeholders have until 30 August to provide feedback. Final drafts are voted on at the FEI general assembly in November, and become rules next year.

The axing of collective marks in 2018 caused spicy debate and a new proposal is tabled for 2022. In broad terms, this would split the current single collective mark in two, giving a mark each for horse and rider.

The joint proposal, put forward by the Austrian and German national federations and the IDRC, said this would force the judge to give an “evaluation of the principles of dressage” at the end of a test.

“Nowadays, everything is supposed to go faster and faster, to be simplified and made as equal as possible. We think that this is not the right way to improve our sport in terms of riding and judging,” it states.

“For some time now, it has been apparent that some principles of riding are no longer really taken into account in the tests. In our opinion, these collective marks are missing which have served the judges as tools to illustrate the principles of dressage training.”

It adds: “Since there is a collective mark for the rider, it is the logical consequence to also give a collective mark for the horse or its training status.”

The FEI dressage committee has supported the change and has sought the expertise of the FEI Judges Advisory Group on the exact wording.

Other key proposals include safety improvements for the tack inspection, with the recommendation that this takes place in a fenced area and that the rider or groom is the one responsible for removing a horse’s ear bonnet, if he is wearing one.

There is also a suggestion to automatically correct judges’ final scores for a combination, if a mark varies by more than 5% from the average of the other judges’ scores. The outlying mark would be changed to be the same as the closest score.

What else should I know?

• A proposal to allow equine “body bandages” in the warm-up, to protect from accidental spur marks, was dismissed as a “gadget”
• The FEI is seeking to define an “amateur” category, across the Olympic disciplines
• The short grand prix test to be used at all World Cup final qualifiers
• Suggestion to ban fly masks in training areas (already banned in competition)
• A proposal to forbid using “any type of white substance around the horse’s mouth to imitate foaming”, as it is considered cheating and may also hide lip injuries

Read the full first draft of FEI dressage rule revisions

What do you think about the proposals? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, and you could win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger

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‘You have one life – why not put a hat on?’: Charlotte Dujardin on opting for a helmet at Tokyo Olympics trot-up

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

There were many highlights of the Tokyo Olympics dressage trot-up on Friday (23 July), but many eagle-eyed individuals spotted that Britain’s Charlotte Dujardin was among just a handful of riders to wear a helmet for it.

Charlotte’s Olympic horse Gio is not known for being difficult on the ground – and behaved impeccably throughout the trot-up – but Charlotte was, nonetheless, taking no chances when it came to safety, pairing her riding hat with gloves and the rest of the sporty Team GB ensemble.

“I think it should be a rule [to wear helmets in trot-ups],” said Charlotte. “I see all these crazy horses and it’s so dangerous. I was in Rio when Cosmo reared up and hit the groom on the head, and I will never forget that sound until the day I die.

“You have one chance in life – why not just put a hat on your head? It might ruin the way you look and your hair and whatever, but for me, it’s more about my safety and that’s why I did it.”

Other riders beside from Charlotte Dujardin to don a helmet during the Tokyo Olympics dressage trot-up included Canada’s Moreira Laliberte (Statesman), Finland’s Henri Ruoste (Kontestro DB) and Switzerland’s Estelle Wettstein (West Side Story OLD). There were plenty of eye-catching outfits on display, but the majority of riders did not wear a helmet.

“It’s everyone’s choice if they want to [wear a helmet],” added Charlotte. “You might think you have a really safe horse, but it just takes that one chance. Or it just takes another horse to spin round, and buck or kick and get you.”

• Do you think riders and grooms should be required to wear a helmet when trotting up horses at international shows, or should it be left down to personal choice? Let us know your thoughts by emailing hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, and you might be in with the chance of winning a bottle of Champagne Taittinger

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A leading veterinary group is encouraging all vets, nurses and handlers to wear safety helmets when working with horses.

VetPartners, which owns practices including Rainbow Equine Hospital in North Yorkshire and Liphook Equine Hospital in Hampshire, ran a campaign titled Hat Hair — Don’t Care, to highlight the importance of wearing helmets.

The company teamed up with manufacturer Charles Owen to provide hats and silks to practices, for staff to wear when carrying out certain procedures.

The advice was to wear the hats when leading horses, holding them for examinations or procedures including lameness work-ups, lungeing, grooming, picking out feet, turning out, clipping, removing shoes, giving injections and tubing, as well as loading and riding.

Vets were also urged to consider wearing hats for swabbing stallions, or any procedure involving a stallion’s reproductive organs, hind limb nerve-blocking and injecting horses of “known or declared poor temperament”.

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VetPartners equine executive member Carrie Goodbourn, who is overseeing the campaign, said: “Head injuries are sadly a high risk for vets and nurses in practices and they occur in all sorts of circumstances. People can be seriously hurt, and in some cases, suffer life-threatening injuries, so the health and safety of our colleagues has to be top of our agenda.

“In other professions and disciplines within the equine industry, the wearing of hard hats has for a long while been accepted as the norm and a mandatory safety requirement. In taking those steps, we are aligning ourselves with leading, respected organisations like the British Horse Society, which have been active in advocating the wearing of hard hats for many years.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

When you look inside your riding helmet, or a helmet you might purchase in your local tack shop, it’ll have the information about what safety standards the helmet meets, along with marks of assured quality – or it should do if you’ve made a good purchasing decision.

But if we’re honest, as riders, do we really know enough about what is our most important piece of protective kit? Have we chosen it because we’ve decided it’s safe as well as stylish?

Helmet safety standards

Helmet safety standards can get a little confusing and appear to many as just a string of letters and numbers. Luckily, the UK is home to some of the most knowledgeable experts at the forefront of helmet design and they are dedicated to helping us make the best possible choice – and protecting our heads.

Standards are in place to ensure that the helmets we buy provide us with a certain level of protection. Behind each standard is a technical committee of experts ranging from hat manufacturers and design engineers to traumatologists and surgeons. Claire Williams, executive director of the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), is involved with a number of these groups and committees and convenes the group responsible for European equestrian helmet standards independently of her role at BETA.

“As a group, we come together with the aim to make helmets safer. We are currently working on a new version of the EN1384, which will be more similar to the PAS015 product approval specification,” she says. “Once it has been republished, we can begin work on a full revision, which will include work from another group who are developing new tests that simulate the impact of a rotational fall. In terms of standards, this will happen soon – but in real-life terms, this will take a few years.

“When we’re developing a new standard, we have to consider what the consumer is willing to buy,” she adds. “Fifteen years ago, a ‘super-standard’ was introduced. Helmets designed to meet this standard were more similar in design to a motorcycle helmet, but this unsurprisingly wasn’t popular with equestrians, so the standard was withdrawn. We have to strike the balance of working for safety and finding something that riders want to wear.”

Claire, who also advises the FEI and a number of national equestrian federations, predicts that future standards will become more sport-relevant.

“We’re working on new tests and new headforms [metal “heads” used for testing] that will help us better simulate the effects of a rotational fall or crush injuries specific to equestrian sports.”

Matt Stewart, Charles Owen’s head of innovation, currently sits on committees responsible for VG1, EN1384, PAS015 and ASTM F1163.

“It’s a long process to introduce a new standard,” he says. “When we meet, we present research, discuss the data and make suggestions about how it can be improved. I am currently pushing for changes to existing standards as well as to make new ones.

“When the committee is in agreement about how to proceed, we can move forward with introducing an update to the standard. Once this is announced, manufacturers will have some time to ensure their hats are compliant and ready for sale.

How riding hats are tested

There are several standards produced by different countries and each one requires helmets to undergo various tests that simulate potential accidents. In some tests, the helmets sit on headforms.

Helen Riley heads up the engineering team at Champion and sits on the committees chaired by Claire. She also acts as an advisor to the British Standards Institution, Snell Foundation and FEI. Helen explains that there are five main areas of testing – crush, penetration, shock absorption, harness strength and stability – and reveals that the tests include…

• Linear impact tests: “These aim to test your helmet in a variety of accident scenarios by dropping it onto an anvil from a height. A flat anvil is used to test even ground, while a hemisphere-shaped anvil is used to test impact more similar to an uneven road surface or motor vehicle. A hazard anvil, which has a sharp edge, simulates colliding with an object such as an arena fence or being caught by a hoof. The energy transferred to the headform is calculated in each instance and the helmet will fail if the threshold is exceeded.”
• Penetration test: “This simulates an impact from a sharp, pointed object, such as branches or a horse’s studs. The helmet is placed on a headform and a 3kg metal spike is dropped from a height – if the spike triggers a sensor on the headform, the helmet will fail the test.”
• Lateral deformation test: “This assesses the helmet’s ability to withstand varying degrees of crushing force. If the helmet deforms more than the maximum limit, it will fail.”
• Harness retention test: “This measures the strength of the harness and its ability to keep the helmet in place during and following an impact.”
• Stability tests: “There are two stability tests – the roll on/roll off test is passed if the helmet remains on the headform when weight is attached and then dropped from a height, while the other is passed if the helmet moves less than 15mm when force is applied by hand.”

Each standard requires a different number of these tests to be undertaken and each one to varying degrees. Helen references the penetration test as an example – in this test, the higher the spike is dropped from, the more force it will hit the helmet with.

“VG1 requires the penetration spike to be dropped from 50cm, PAS015:2011 from 75cm and Snell E2016 from one metre, while ASTM F1163-15 does not include a penetration or crush test at all.”

Matt adds: “Each standard has its merits, but some are simply more robust and stringent than others. The best way to protect yourself is to choose a hat that meets multiple standards because it has been tested in the largest range of scenarios.”

Some manufacturers can test helmets in their own labs, which is where Matt spends most of his time working.

“When we develop a new design, we’ll first decide which standards we want a hat to meet. Then once we have a design, I’ll simulate the tests on a computer before physically testing all our prototypes,” he explains.

Helmet certifications

Although manufacturers may be in a position to test their hats, they can’t certify them and this is done independently.

“We are part of the BSI Kitemark scheme,” Matt adds, “so we send our hats to them for independent testing. This ensures that not only does the first hat produced meet the standard, but those that are produced the following year and beyond are of the same quality.”

Claire elaborates: “Being part of the Kitemark scheme proves that the manufacturer submits helmets for regular batch testing, is independently audited, and also uses approved suppliers and parts. It is normally required by your governing body or organisation’s hat rules.”

The most basic marking is the CE mark which, though not a quality mark, does show the product is fit for purpose as outlined in European personal protective equipment principles. Despite Brexit, Claire suggests you’re still likely to see CE marks on products for years to come.

“From the end of next year, new products will have to have a UKCA mark. Over time, this will replace the CE mark, but as EU member countries, such as Ireland, still require the CE mark, it’s likely that products will display both.”

Claire explains the complicated system of standards with a simple analogy.

“Standards are like a cake recipe. You have raw ingredients, the measurements and the method. Your end result – the cake – is a hat that meets a standard. Each hat created by a different manufacturer looks different because its ingredients (different materials and technologies), method (different tests) and measurements (level of protection required by each test) are different to any other.

“But crucially, they still complete the recipe and produce a certified hat in the same way that you can make a cake in countless different ways. How the manufacturer gets to the finished product is up to them.”

Claire also points out that just because a hat is four times more expensive, it doesn’t make it four times better.

“It‘s like handbags – you can spend £50 or £5,000. While one might be designer and blingy, they are both up to the job of carrying your things. You have to choose the right hat for the job – standards will help you work this out – and it has to fit. The best hat in the world can’t do its job properly if it doesn’t fit.”

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A rider who spent six months in hospital recovering from a brain injury after a fall out hacking is using her experience to remind others of the importance of correct safety equipment.

Sarah Washington, 23, was riding out with her friend Gabby Andrews last June when her loan horse Teddy inexplicably spooked and bolted down a narrow track.

Sarah, who had recently started studying veterinary medicine, was dragged and knocked unconscious, and Teddy then galloped back home to the yard.

Gabby, whose 18hh four-year-old Major had stayed calm, called for an ambulance and when paramedics arrived, Sarah was placed into an induced coma and taken to the Royal Stoke hospital.

Scans revealed she had severe bleeding and bruising on her brain and a device had to be inserted to monitor the pressure inside her skull.

She remained in an induced coma in intensive care for three weeks and spent a total of six months in hospital undergoing rehabilitation, including re-learning to walk, speech therapy and help with her memory.

“I don’t remember much from my time in ICU and after that, although my long-term memory was OK, my short-term memory was affected and I wouldn’t know what day it was or I would forget where I was,” Sarah told H&H.

“When I first came out of intensive care, I wasn’t speaking at all — I don’t think it was because of my injury so much as I was confused and scared in a place with loads of people I didn’t know.”

Because Sarah was hospitalised during the pandemic, visits from her family were extremely limited and it was not until she moved to a rehabilitation ward at a smaller hospital, a specialist neuro rehab unit at The Hayward, that she was allowed to see her parents once a week.

“It was definitely difficult to deal with, although we got through it by regularly Facetiming,” she said.

Sarah was discharged on 15 December, and her recovery since has exceeded all expectations. Not only is she now back in the saddle but she is also using her story to campaign for hat safety.

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Dr Diane Fisher spoke about the simple, potentially life-saving actions, people can take if a friend hits their head at

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“I set up an Instagram account to document my recovery and it ended up becoming more about spreading awareness about equestrian safety and helmets,” Sarah said.

When hat manufacturer Champion saw her posts, they asked her to send her hat back to them for analysis of the effects of the fall.

“It had really significant and visible damage,” Sarah said. “They sent back a really detailed report from their engineer. Without the hat, I would certainly have been a lot worse off.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A senior trauma doctor has urged people to send injured riders to hospital with the helmet they were wearing as part of a training clinic on potentially life-saving steps anyone can take to help someone with a head injury.

Dr Diane Fisher, who is a rider as well as a trauma consultant attached to both Royal Stoke University Hospital and the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, spoke about the simple first-aid actions people can take if a friend hits their head at the yard.

“The part that worries me is the secondary injury — I can’t do anything about the fact you’ve hurt your head, but what I can do is make sure that people know what to do with the secondary injuries,” said Dr Fisher in her “rider clinic” webinar on 28 January, held in association with Champion.

“When someone has had a head injury, their head tends to drop down and their tongue goes to the back of their throat and obstructs their airway so they are not able to get oxygen in and around their body.

“You’ve already got a piece of brain tissue that’s in pain and the last thing in the world it needs is to be starved of oxygen, so it’s really important that as soon as an injury has just happened that we work through the first aid.

“From an equestrian point of view, you do need to check it’s safe for you to get across to that casualty; if you are with people, get someone to catch the horse so he doesn’t come running back over you or the rider.”

She added while the advice is that people shouldn’t remove a person’s helmet if they are not trained, that has to be balanced with whether the person’s airway is obstructed and whether you are going to be able to open that with the hat on.

“If that person is not breathing, then if you need to take the hat off, you take the hat off. Without the airway, there is no question that they will die or become brain damaged from lack of oxygen as opposed to a head injury that may not be that bad,” she said.

“If they are breathing ok and the hat is on that’s fine, leave it alone and leave them where they are. However, if the airway for whatever reason is not open or they are vomiting, you’re going to have to move them to get them onto their side otherwise they are going to choke. It’s a case of dealing with what’s thrown at you.”

Dr Fisher demonstrated a jaw thrust as a way of opening someone’s airway without tilting their head and moving the neck. This involves simply putting a finger each side of the jaw, below the ears, and gently pushing forwards (see tutorial video below).

She urged equestrians — especially at the moment while the NHS is dealing with the pandemic — to be sensible, lunge first if appropriate, and to be realistic about their riding ability. She added trauma teams have seen head crush injuries, which have happened at places such as gates, and stressed that for this reason it is “incredibly important” people wear hats on the ground when dealing with horses as well as when riding.

Dr Fisher also strongly recommended riders download the What3Words app and urged them to take responsibility for having a plan about what to do if things should go wrong. This includes telling someone where you are going hacking and what time you are back, and if you are hacking out with a friend, making sure you both know what to do if anything happens.

“In hospital we are really concerned with mechanism of injury and this is how my Facebook page started as I can’t tell you how many equestrians I’ve seen or know who say ‘I had a touch of concussion’ or ‘I had bit of a bang to the head’ — it’s not, it is a traumatic brain injury,” she said. “It’s not ‘just a little fall’. As equestrians we are quite hard, I think, and we have that [culture] of ‘fall, get straight back on’. I think we are moving away from that now.

“When you come into hospital, we need to know as much as possible about how the accident happened and what that person was like afterwards, so you need somebody to stay with them the whole time while others are going off and phoning for help, or catching the horse.

“If you’re the person standing with them, you need to be aware of: are they making sense; is there any big change in what their pupils look like; are they saying they feel sick or are being sick and are they sleepy. That’s because you may need to upgrade your ambulance call as it’s not unusual for someone to be a bit stunned after a head injury and then suddenly start to deteriorate. At that point, you can ring the ambulance service back and say ‘I know they were awake five minutes ago, but they’re not now’ — that would take you up from a category three to a category one, which is an immediate response.”

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She added that sending a rider’s hat with them to hospital is “particularly important” at the moment because of pandemic restrictions on visitors, and if anyone is able to jot down on a piece of paper what happened to give to the paramedics, that is a real help.

“Because of Covid there is no visiting, so nobody is coming in with [the casualty], they come in on their own,” she said. “And if their level of consciousness is low, they can’t tell me what’s happened. I need a baseline and a degree of suspicion, so when I or the radiologist is peering at your scans, if we know what happened, we have a really good idea of what we are looking for and it may change how we manage you.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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New research to improve helmet safety for riders is “ready to get under way” thanks to donations topping $425,000 (£320,430).

The money will go towards independent research at the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, in the US, which is working to establish a sport-specific helmet rating system (Equestrian STAR).

The lab’s researchers have been recreating specific impacts experienced by athletes in a variety of sports since 2011 to test protective headgear on the market that already meets at least minimum safety standards.

They then evaluate which are most effective at managing the impacts that lead to concussions and other head injuries and give helmets a star rating, based on how they perform.

Donors include the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the US Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) and the US Eventing Association, plus a matching grant from Jacqueline Mars.

USEF has also shared fall and injury data from its competitions, which will be used in the research and development stages, and the hope is that the project will improve the safety of riders across all disciplines.

“We were asked what it would take to develop the system for equestrian sport: $450,000 to have the system available in 18-24 months,” said Barry Miller, director of outreach and business development for the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, explaining that support “accelerated quickly” following a presentation he gave at the 2019 USHJA annual meeting.

“The USHJA jumped on board immediately with a generous commitment, then Jacqueline Mars stepped up with her own matching donation, which the USEF board of directors and USEA board of governors matched dollar for dollar. We are ready now to get the initiative under way.

“It was great to work with the leaders from all the organisations, together with Jacqueline Mars, to quickly and collectively pull this together on behalf of all members across all breeds and disciplines to benefit improved safety for all.”

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The lab has developed STAR helmet ratings for a number of other sports, including American football, cycling, hockey and football, and the money raised means horse sport is set to be added to that list.

The fund will remain open for donations and any additional money will go towards speeding up the process.

To donate, visit: Virginia Tech Helmet Lab

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Helmet safety specialists MIPS (multi-directional impact protection system) is opening its virtual testing tool to the wider market to help brands’ research and design. H&H speaks to MIPS and manufactuers to find out what this means for riders and the market

ADVANCES in virtual helmet testing are hoped to push hat safety forwards at new speed, while helping keep costs down.

The progress concerns finite element analysis (FEA) tools, which allow engineers and developers to simulate real-world testing on virtual products. While FEA tools are not new, how they are being used in helmet design – and who has access to them – has taken a sizeable step forwards.

Helmet safety specialists MIPS (multi-directional impact protection system) announced in October it is opening its virtual testing tool to the wider market to help brands’ research and design.

MIPS’s FEA testing service allows testing of helmets virtually in accordance with a range of safety standards.

MIPS chief executive Max Strandwitz told H&H the company started FEA modelling in 2002 and has used it for a lot of experimental testing and technology development, but this marks the public launch of openly offering that capability to brands.

“It’s early days, we’ve run a couple of projects with simulation and brands think it’s fantastic because they can see how a helmet will perform before it exists,” said Mr Strandwitz, explaining MIPS offers FEA testing on the rotational element of protection rather than just compression.

“That’s the complicated part, because all of a sudden you have the movement, a certain angled impact.

“Our commitment is to make the world a little bit safer, so we need to bring this to the market. We will start small with a couple of brands, but my ambition is to roll this out to a lot of others. It is a fantastic tool. From a sustainability point of view you don’t need to go into trial and error, you can develop helmets a lot faster, you know you will have a safer result, so I think it’s a win-win in most aspects.”

Alex Burek, of Charles Owen which has been working with MIPS for five years, told H&H this development is “very exciting”.

She said tools such as FEA allow prototypes to be tested more quickly, giving faster insights into potential improvements.

“In short, the faster we can interpret development data, the quicker we can make bigger leaps in equestrian safety within our in-house innovation lab, which will save more lives when products are brought to market,” she added.

Champion Hats also took a major step this year in opening its state-of-the-art testing laboratory.

This brought tools to aid development and improve the safety of Champion’s products in-house, which it had been using as part of its five-year collaboration with the University of Cardiff.

These include FEA modelling of shell compression and optimisation as well as 3D printing of scaled helmet shells and FEA verification of these.

A Champion spokesman said the firm is “proud to be the first organisation” to bring the testing tools in house, and has recruited three engineers, who all have vast experience in FEA, computer-aided design and 3D printing.

“We look forward to providing a bright new safe future for all our customers as our reputation is built on it,” she added.

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A petition has been sent to the FEI asking for the ban on top hats, which comes into force next year, to be rethought. H&H speaks to riders and the federation to find out more...

SOME of the world’s best dressage riders have signed a petition calling on the FEI to allow top hats to be worn at the top level of the sport.

Proposed rule changes for next year, which will be finalised at the FEI general assembly on 23 November, state that protective headgear must be worn while mounted, at all times. Anyone found violating the rule will be “prohibited from riding until the protective headgear is properly in place”.

The petition, signed by 150 leading dressage riders, asks the FEI to allow the option of wearing top hats in international competition, for seniors.

It states that there has never been a “serious accident” at an international dressage competition, and that the top hat is part of the sport’s identity, adding that it is each rider’s right to choose between a safety helmet and a top hat.

Top rider and Dressage at Hickstead founder Dane Rawlins, one of those who signed the petition, told H&H none of the signatories are against the use of safety helmets.

“At that top level, there should be the choice,” he said. “When it comes to prize-givings or anything else, we agree; crash hats, but the people dictating this are inevitably not the people doing it. Are we really going to allow people who don’t do it to dictate the terms of our sport? That’s a freedom issue.”

Dane said the main issue should be teaching people to ride and handle horses correctly, so by the time they reach the higher levels of competition, they are “not walking into dangerous situations”.

“Putting a hard hat on someone won’t stop them riding like an idiot,” he said, adding that those at the highest level will have earned their right to be there, and so ride to a certain standard.

“It’s very hard to argue against safety, but if you go down that road, you’ll be demanding body protectors and airbags for grand prix. To achieve that level, and put on your tails and top hat and double bridle, should be an ambition, and you should be good enough by that time that your risk is all but gone. I think educated, qualified people should be able to make that choice.”

Top rider and trainer Pammy Hutton, who has also signed, told H&H she is a traditionalist.

“But it’s about freedom of choice to me,” she said. “I don’t like being dictated to.”

German grand prix rider Simone Pearce said the petition concerns her, adding that she does not think it right to publicly encourage young riders to go without safety helmets.

“We as professionals have a duty to be positive role models to the younger generations and to the equestrian community alike,” she said. “I understand the argument that the rate of accidents in the competition arena is very low, but it is possible so why not eliminate any risk?”

Simone said she spent a week in intensive care last year after a fall, with nine broken bones, a punctured lung and an abdominal haematoma.

“This freak accident happened at an exhibition show on a 14-year-old grand prix horse; it was a completely devastating accident, which nobody could have predicted and I can’t imagine what more could have happened if I wasn’t wearing my helmet,” she said.

“Equestrian sport at any level comes with so many risks and I don’t understand why some people think that ‘looking good’ could ever justify putting someone’s safety at jeopardy.”

The petition asks for the matter to be added to the agenda for the general assembly.

But an FEI spokesman told H&H: “The petition was sent to the FEI by International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) President Kyra Kyrklund last week. However, as the FEI did not receive any request to change this rule during the period of the rules consultation process, neither from the IDRC nor national federations, the item has not been included on the general assembly agenda for a vote. It is now too late to submit anything new for the 2020 general assembly due to statutory deadlines to which we need to adhere.”

The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund always advises riders to wear a properly fastened hat to the highest possible standard at all times.

This news story will also be published in full in H&H magazine, on sale Thursday 5 November

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While riding hats that comply to accepted standards are already rigorously tested, with some manufacturers going above and beyond the required standards to ensure their products give the best protection possible, new research has suggested ‘there is an urgent need to assess the protective capacity of equestrian helmets under real-world conditions’. H&H finds out more...

There is an “urgent need” to assess the protective capacity of equestrian helmets under more types of real-world conditions, a study involving racing and eventing falls has found.

The study involved researchers from the University College Dublin and the University of Ottawa, as well as British Eventing’s (BE) national safety officer Jonathan Clissold, the British Horseracing Authority’s chief medical officer Jerry Hill and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board’s former senior medical officer Adrian McGoldrick.

It was published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport in March 2020.

The purpose was to examine biomechanics of real equestrian accidents and develop associated thresholds for when concussions happen.

While much previous understanding of sporting concussions is based on research in other sports, this looked specifically at rider falls and also the surfaces competitors are likely to fall on — turf and sand — and the forces, speeds and angles associated with falling from a horse.

Riding hats from reputable brands that comply to accepted standards are already rigorously tested in recreated scenarios in which riders might find themselves. These can vary slightly depending on which standard they comply with, but include situations such as a blow from a horse’s foot, the crushing force from a falling horse and landing on different types of object, such as a pole.

Many manufacturers also go above and beyond the required testing standards to ensure their products are giving the best protection possible.

This study is in no way saying helmets are not fit for purpose, rather that as knowledge of this area continues to grow through research and testing, assessing the level of protection helmets offer in real-world situations would be of additional benefit.

“This investigation found that concussive equestrian accidents occurred from oblique impacts to turf or sand with lower magnitude and longer duration impacts [than linear drop to a steel anvil testing, commonly used in helmet testing standards],” states the study.

“This suggests that current equestrian helmet standards may not adequately represent real-world concussive impact conditions and, consequently, there is an urgent need to assess the protective capacity of equestrian helmets under real-world conditions.”

Footage of 1,119 racing and cross-country falls in Britain and Ireland between August 2011 and May 2018 was collected. These included both falls that resulted in diagnosed concussions and those where riders did not have a head injury.

Of these +1,100 falls, 114 were concussive and of these, 25 met the exact criteria needed for the study. This included having a clear view of the fall, the rider’s head must have hit the ground and they cannot have had multiple impacts (for example, falls where a rider landed and then was kicked were excluded). The study also included 25 non-concussive falls.

These 50 falls, which included both men and women, were then reconstructed.

“From the accident reconstructions, it is apparent that current certification standards for equestrian helmets represent different loading conditions than those associated with real-world concussion,” concluded the researchers.

“It is unknown how equestrian helmets perform for oblique impacts to a compliant surface and, therefore, there is a need to assess the protective capacity of equestrian helmets under these impact loading conditions.”

Mr Clissold told H&H BE was “lucky enough” to work with Dr Michio Clark, one of the study’s authors, on this “very detailed and thorough project”.

“We hope the findings will lead to further development of equestrian helmets to help reduce the risk of riders’ being concussed in falls,” he added.

A spokesman for Charles Owen, which provided helmets for the research, told H&H studies like this are “important to support the whole equestrian industry in taking small steps towards improved safety for all riders”.

“The research from this paper, and others like it, are used as reference material for industry-standard committees, like ASTM [American Society for Testing and Materials — one of the safety standards riding helmets can comply to],” he said.

“Those standards dictate the kind of tests each equestrian helmet must go through to be sold in various markets around the world. So in essence, research papers and studies conducted today help form safety standards for rider’s helmets for the future.”

The spokesman added Dr Clark has spent time at Charles Owen and has been involved in other published papers “vital” in shaping equestrian helmet standards.

“We are actively using them in the helmet committees and working groups that address changes and improvements for the future,” added the spokesman.

“Having a wider audience in the general public rather than just academics and the industry will also help to push changes.

“This paper and others that look at oblique impacts are making the noise necessary for change and new test methodology in the standards is being written.

“The helmet industry is taking notice and looking to create helmets that mitigate rotational falls.”

A spokesman for helmet manufacturer Champion Safety added the company has been investigating the relationship between rotational acceleration and concussion for many years, recently introducing the MIPS (multi-directional impact protection system) brain protection system to several ranges of its helmets. The MIPS system is also available in some riding hats from other manufacturers.

“MIPS works by allowing a small movement of the helmet on the head which redirects rotational forces away from the skull in the event of a fall and in doing so helps mitigate against brain injury,” he told H&H.

“As the industry’s understanding of the relationship between horse rider falls and concussion increases, we hope to see more test labs having the capability to measure these forces and this will hopefully mean we can start to include performance criteria for this type of injury into our global standards.”

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Improving knowledge would allow riders to make better-informed decisions when choosing a safety helmet, as experts hope a new testing standard to cover protection against rotational forces will be released soon. H&H learns more...

An increasing number of helmets in sports, including cycling and skiing, have multi-directional impact protection system (MIPS) technology – a low-friction system that adds protection against rotational motion transferred to the brain from angled impacts to the head, which can cause strain in the brain.

Experts agree it is important riders understand the risk of rotational motion and potential injuries to the brain. When MIPS technology is implemented in a helmet, it can help reduce rotational motion by allowing the head to move independently of the helmet by 10-15mm, so redirecting the force transferred to the brain.

Hans von Holst and Peter Halldin, who co-founded MIPS with Svein Kleiven, told H&H it is important to understand that different types of brain injuries can occur. And statistics have shown that when people fall and hit their head, it is most common they hit the ground at an angle.

“When you have suffered a concussion, which includes very minor to very severe injury, the likely cause of this is rotational motion of the brain,” said Mr von Holst.

Mr Halldin, who is a convenor for the European Committee for Standardisation (known as CEN), added it is important to gain an understanding of real-life accident situations, which can be complex in riding owing to variations in activity or surface.

“You could be riding on gravel or grass – or doing an activity such as jumping or racing, so the impact situation for the head can be very different,” said Mr Halldin.

“Not many people know the brain is so much more sensitive to rotation and, if you know that, you would probably choose a helmet with the best protection for that. We need to work more on rider education and how we improve it; it’s not about scaring people, but it’s good to have more information so riders can make their own decisions on safety.”

Rider and MIPS technical engineer Maria Daggenfelt told H&H equestrians can sometimes be influenced more by how a helmet looks rather than focusing on safety.

“There is a lot of focus on the look of a helmet and the equestrian world doesn’t always talk about safety enough,” she said.

“MIPS is an ingredient brand, which means we work with different helmet manufacturers to incorporate the technology, making it more accessible to everyone. If we get MIPS into even more helmets and have more awareness, the hope is riders won’t see a reason not to have it.”

Helen Riley is brand manager at Champion, which incorporates MIPS into eight of its helmets – with three more planned for August. She told H&H rider education is of “utmost importance”.

“Buying a piece of safety equipment such as a hat is an investment in your own safety, and research before purchasing is highly recommended. An understanding of the performance requirements of any standard or specification is crucial,” she said.

A spokesman for Charles Owen, which incorporates MIPS in three of its helmet styles with plans to add more, told H&H rider education is at the forefront of the brand’s work.

“A rider who understands the mechanisms of a fall will make better choices with regards to safety equipment and search out helmets independently certified to more safety standards,” he said.

“As riders most often fall at an angle to the ground, addressing the tangential impact – which results in rotational motion – would be beneficial in these standards, thereby improving the outcome of falls that occur more frequently.”

Calls for new hat testing standard

Mr Halldin told H&H he hopes a new European test standard will be released in the near future to include rotational testing.

“The conclusion is that we should test helmets the way we have been doing, but complement this with testing for angle impact. What’s important is we never say a helmet is bad; helmets are good and protect the head and the brain, but we can protect the brain even further if we improve the test methods,” he said.

“It’s also important that we test helmets in a realistic way; these should be robust, simple, cost-effective methods which do not result in making helmets super-expensive – we should not make a standard that then requires expensive solutions for people.”

Anna-Louise Mackinnon of the Medical Equestrian Association told H&H the association would be in favour of a new European standard.

“A recent Swedish study has shown the two helmets they tested incorporating MIPS technology performed better in testing than other helmets. This provides a good argument to suggest making riders more aware of the availability of these higher-performing helmets would be a good idea and the introduction of a new European standard would be beneficial, particularly when more helmets providing the standard are available and on the market,” said Dr Mackinnon.

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News from the recent FEI general assembly includes the latest clean sport initiatives and wearing protective helmets when mounted to become compulsory

The FEI is looking at introducing dope testing outside competitions as well as testing from hair and saliva samples.

Veterinary director Göran Akerström updated national federations at the general assembly in Moscow (16 to 19 November) on the FEI’s clean sport work, urging delegates to have national head vets and testing programmes, as “we will not be able to protect horse welfare and ensure a level playing field and development of sustainable sport without it”.

He spoke of “lots of discussion” about contamination and stable security, adding there is a “huge need” for education of all stakeholders.

“We’ll introduce an electronic system giving us information on horses,” he added, “to enable us to start looking at out-of-competition testing, as it’s very important to ensure horses aren’t being trained on painkillers, for example.

“We’re looking into hair testing, opening up the possibility of detecting anabolic steroids for a longer time, and to deter micro-dosing of sedatives and heart rate-lowering substances on the field of play, especially in endurance, we’re looking into developing saliva testing.”

Mr Akerström also cited certain “problematic” specified substances, which have caused problems in areas including South Africa and Mexico (news, 24 October).

“Further research is important and will be carried out,” he said.

Compulsory headwear from 2021

In other news from the general assembly, federations voted in favour of a rule that all riders must wear protective headgear when mounted on showgrounds from 2021.

“Tradition is important in our sport, but it’s difficult to not follow the medical community’s advice,” said FEI dressage committee chairman Frank Kemperman. “There’s no really strong argument against the use of protective headgear in dressage.”

Riders may still be allowed to go without safety helmets in prize-givings — although in a report from FEI medical committee chairman Peter Whitehead, it was revealed that of 581 records submitted on non-eventing injuries in FEI competition, this year seven were in dressage. Two were head injuries, one sustained in a prize-giving and the other in a trot-up.

The New Zealand federation, which introduced the rule for national events three years ago, supported the change.

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A horseowner whose father had to be airlifted to hospital after being kicked in the head by a “quiet” horse is urging others to always wear helmets while handling horses.

Holly Bearsley, who works as a small animal vet, said the accident was a reminder that even familiar horses could act in unpredictable ways.

Last Wednesday (30 October), Holly’s 77-year-old father David Stevenson was turning out a 15-year-old eventer they have owned for 10 years when the horse pulled away.

“The horse must have done that journey 3,000 times with no incident at all,” Holly said. “This time he got excited, got away, bucked and kicked my dad in the head.”

David was knocked unconscious for five minutes. Fortunately Holly’s mum, who has recently undergone knee surgery, was at the yard and was able to call the air ambulance.

“Great North air ambulance arrived within 10 minutes and they were absolutely brilliant,” Holly said. “He was lucky to have survived.”

David suffered multiple facial fractures, but scans did not show any bleeding on the brain. He is now back at home where it is expected to take six to eight weeks for the bones to heal and three to six months to recover from the concussion.

“What I wanted was to highlight to people was that this wasn’t a youngster or an unpredictable horse — accidents can happen and people need to be careful,” Holly added. “It can happen to anyone and a split second can lead to tragedy.”

Continued below…

‘She kicked me square in the head’: rider credits hat for saving her from serious injury

‘I really believe that hat saved my life. I could be half the person I am today’

‘You’ve only got one head’: coach’s hat warning after surviving six-inch gash to her face

‘Sometimes people save their best hats for competitions, but they should be wearing them at home too’

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Holly, whose family own their own yard in North Yorkshire, said that if her father had been wearing a helmet, some of the injuries could have been avoided.

“He has damage to the bones of his forehead and both eye sockets, where a hat would have protected him,” she said. “He would lead youngsters with a hat on, but not older horses. I think we will all be wearing hats at all times now.

“I wouldn’t have done before if I was just going out to the field, but I certainly will now — and also when getting ready at competitions, studding up and tacking up.”

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A coach whose hat “saved her” when her face was split open in a fall has reminded others about the importance of wearing a correctly fitting safety helmet.

Victoria Baker, a BHSI coach based in North Yorkshire, fell from her five-year-old sports horse Charlie on 30 October.

“It was just one of those things,” Victoria told H&H. “He can be very exuberant; we were at a friend’s all-weather gallops and he got a bit excited.

“He jumped in the air, fired me upwards and I came down between his front legs. The toe of his front foot hit my hat, then his hind foot came down in front of my ear.”

Victoria was taken to hospital by ambulance.

“I had a six-inch laceration from the front of my ear to the top of my scalp and a black eye,” she said.

“I was stitched up a few days later and it feels a bit like I’ve had a facelift, but I’m amazed I wasn’t more injured – my hat saved me.”

Victoria said she will be renewing her Gatehouse HS1 safety helmet and wants others to give more consideration to wearing a quality safety helmet.

“I always say to people buy the best you can afford; you need a good quality hat,” she said. “On the other hand you find sometimes people save their best hats for competitions, but they should be wearing them at home too.

“As an instructor it’s important to be a role model for people and I will always ride and lunge in a hat. It winds me up if an instructor jumps on a horse without a hat or where you see for sale adverts of people on horses without hats. While we try to be safe, accidents do happen.”

Victoria added that she wants others to be more aware of manufacturer guidelines on replacing and fitting hats.

“I’ve had people turn up for lessons with loose chin straps and hats that don’t fit properly. You’ve only got one head, it’s not worth taking a risk with it,” she said.

“Often people aren’t aware of manufacturer guidelines about replacing hats; if you wear it every day perspiration is going to cause the padding to eventually deteriorate and compress. I replace my hat every two years. Manufacturers aren’t trying to rip you off – the guidelines are there to protect us.”

Article continued below…

10 things to remember on International Helmet Awareness Day

This weekend (14-15 September 2019) is the 10th annual Riders4Helmets International Helmet Awareness Day, and to mark the occasion, here’s

Helmet ‘saves young rider from breaking her neck’ in rotational fall

‘When my parents heard what I’d spent on the hat, they said ‘how much?’, but they’ve since said they totally

Rider whose horse landed on her ‘saved’ by safety helmet

‘Having an up-to-date helmet definitely saved her life’

Paul Varnsverry, technical and safety product advisor for Gatehouse Hats told H&H that any hat that has suffered an impact should always be replaced and added that even wth normal use, the effectiveness of the protective materials will deteriorate over time.

“While professionals riding a number of horses every day and in all conditions should look at replacing safety headwear every 1 to 2 years, the leisure rider could extend this to every 3 to 5 years with good care and depending on how often they ride – although they should make regular checks for signs of wear to the harness, lining and outer shell,” said Mr Varnsverry.

A spokesman for the British Equestrian Trade Assosication told H&H it recommends hats are replaced at least every five years, or before if the rider has had a fall.

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The mother of a girl who doctors thought could have broken her neck in a rotational fall were it not for her helmet is urging others to put safety before everything.

Robyn Byrne and her pony Cracker fell while jumping an oxer at a Forces Equine show at Arena UK on Sunday (6 October).

Mum Nikki Byrne told H&H the combination appeared to miss the correct stride.

“He hit the back rail of the oxer and did a full rotational fall,” she said.

“She flipped and her head hit the ground but her helmet took all the impact.”

Nikki said medics were on hand instantly and Robyn was taken to hospital, where she had to have stiches inside her mouth but otherwise escaped injury. Cracker, a 16-year-old Welsh section D, has a sore shoulder, and has undergone treatment and “pampering” but was otherwise uninjured.

Nikki said she had thought the Samshield hat, which she bought for Robyn for her birthday this year, was expensive – but is glad she paid the price.

“From what the doctor said, the hat saved her from breaking her neck,” Nikki said.

“There’s a lot of talk about how much hats cost but to me, safety is paramount.

“She was jumping 90cm so she must have been about six feet in the air when they fell and the hat’s taken all that impact, and the external structure of it hasn’t broken at all.”

Nikki had paid extra to have the hat personalised for Robyn but she said Samshield hopes to be able to transfer the “bling” to another hat, so she will only have to pay for a new helmet itself.

She added that they had forgotten to take Robyn’s body protector to the show so she was not wearing it when she fell.

“That was a big lesson learned – if we forget it again, she’s not jumping, simple as that,” Nikki said. “It’s just not worth it.

Continues below…

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“They’d been smashing it all summer – she won at Trailblazers and the British Riding Club championships – then this happened at her last event before Cracker has a rest.

“But she walked away. When my parents heard what I’d spent on the hat, they said ‘how much?’, but they’ve since said they totally understand. It was worth every penny.” 

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This weekend (14-15 September 2019) is the 10th annual Riders4Helmets International Helmet Awareness Day — a campaign designed to educate people about the importance of wearing a hat, following dressage Olympian Courtney King-Dye’s accident from which she suffered a brain injury.

To mark the occasion, the campaign’s Lyndsey White shared 10 important messages that all riders should remember on a daily basis:

1. If you have a hard impact blow while wearing your hat, immediately replace it with a new hat. There may be damage to the hat that is not visible to the naked eye.

2. Hat manufacturers generally recommend replacing your hat every four to five years. Hats take a beating over time from sweat, heat, dust and rain, and the Styrofoam in the hat relinquishes its ability to protect the head over time. “So, replacing your hat sooner than four to five years may in some circumstance be necessary,” says Lyndsey.

3. A ponytail or different hairstyle can affect the fit of your hat. When you try on hats prior to purchase, wear your hair in the style that you expect to wear it when riding.

4. If you purchase your hat online, check the date of manufacture. Purchasing a used hat can be very risky and is NOT recommended. The hat may have sustained previous damage that you aren’t able to see.

5. There is no statistical correlation between skill level and injury likelihood. Professional riders are just as at risk to sustain injury due to a fall as less frequent riders.

6. Even a fall from a standing horse can be catastrophic. Your injury risk depends on the height from which fall, as well as the speed at which you’re travelling.

7. Head injuries are cumulative. An original head injury can be made much worse by additional concussions.

Continued below…

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8. Riding is considered more dangerous than downhill skiing and motorcycling.

9. Approximately 20% of accidents which result in head injury happen while the person is on the ground.

10. It is best if you invest in your own hat regardless of whether or not you own a horse. “It is a personal purchase. Your hat is designed to fit your head,” says Lyndsey. An incorrectly fitting hat offers very little, to no protection. In addition to wearing a correctly fitting hat, you must have the harness correctly fastened on your hat. If the harness is not fitting snugly, the hat can rotate should you have a fall and it won’t be able to protect your head to its fullest intention.

Find out more about the campaign this weekend at riders4helmets.com

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A rider whose horse rolled on top of her after a showjumping fall at Hickstead has credited her helmet for saving her from more serious injury.

Grace Walker Raper’s nine-year-old gelding Alvaro De Reve tripped on landing after the water in a 1.25m derby on Thursday (23 June).

“Alvin” landed on Grace, who had been thrown over his head, then rolled on top of her as he tried to get up.

“I remember seeing the plasticine strip at the edge of the water and thinking I’d landed on it – and that’s all I do remember,” Grace told H&H.

“The doctors couldn’t believe I wasn’t more badly hurt – I haven’t even broken my nose, although I’ve got two enormous black eyes!”

Grace said her fall is a reminder of the importance of wearing a helmet of the appropriate safety standard. Her Charles Owen SP8 has a wider peak than many hats, to give protection from the sun, and although this was bent upwards in the impact, the shell appears undamaged. Grace said she will not wear it again and is to buy a replacement.

“I knocked myself out in a fall from the same horse a while ago, when I was wearing a different hat, and I felt much worse that time than I do now,” she said.

“The doctors told [my sister] Alice first that they weren’t fearing for my life any more, then that there wasn’t any brain damage, then that I hadn’t even broken any bones, and that I was very lucky.”

Grace said she always wears a hat whenever she is riding.

“But you see people who don’t, even jumping,” she said. “Horses are so dangerous anyway, even hacking, you could have a fall.

“People should just always wear one, and one that’s up to standard; Alice has realised the one she wears at home wasn’t to the right standard, and she wears that one more than her show hat.”

Continues below…

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The rider suffered a head injury in the cross-country fall

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Alvin was unharmed and, having been checked by a vet, has been given the green light to hack out this week.

Grace’s sister Alice Clennan added: “She is the luckiest person in the world not to have broken any bones but having an up-to-date helmet, which we believe is one of the safest on the market, definitely saved her life.”

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A multiple Paralympic gold medallist has reminded riders of the importance of wearing safety helmets after she had a “freak accident” out hacking.

Sophie Wells MBE, who won individual and team gold at the Rio Paralympics, was hacking out Saturday (15 June) when the horse she was riding spooked and fell.

Sophie told H&H: “The horses are used to geese and swans but it just so happened that a duck flew out from underneath my horse’s feet up into his face. He went to spin, lost his footing and went splat with me still on him.

“He took off and galloped home which is frightening in itself – it’s what every rider dreads out hacking because you’re not in a contained space. Thankfully I’ve never had it happen before. I was on my own and managed to call my dad Mervyn and my groom Lewis who managed to catch him back at the yard.”

The eight-year-old gelding was uninjured but Sophie suffered whiplash and bruising.

“He landed on his left side and because I was still on he landed on my leg. I’ve got bruising but apart from that I escaped; I was quite lucky,” said Sophie.

“Once I got home I jumped back on to make sure he wasn’t frightened by what happened and thankfully he was ok.”

Sophie, who posted about the incident on her Facebook page, said riders should not take safety for granted.

“We landed on grass which was quite soft but the left side of my hat took quite a knock. Every time I have a bad fall I replace my hat because it’s not worth risking it,” she said.

Injured dressage rider Courtney King-Dye back in the saddle

Courtney surprises herself by how successful her first ride is after six months out of the saddle

Rider’s safety helmet warning after horse stands on her head

The rider is calling for others to wear a helmet when riding after her frightening experience

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Sophie, who formerly competed in a top hat, said she switched to a safety helmet after USA Olympic rider Courtney King-Dye suffered a brain injury in a riding accident in 2010 when she was not wearing a hat.

“From then I always wore a safety hat in training, and competition – whatever the age of horse. The horse who I had my fall on is very calm and laid-back and we were only walking – you wouldn’t have thought an accident would happen. It was just a freak accident and completely proves the point why safety should come first,” said Sophie.

“Hats these days are so comfortable and airy – I wear mine from 7.30am until 4pm. Sometimes I’ll start teaching with it on and forget I’ve still got it on. I put it on social media as a stark reminder as to what can happen from nothing and hopefully everyone can learn from it – people shouldn’t bypass safety.”

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Roy Burek, a pioneer in rider safety and the chairman of Charles Owen, has died in his sleep from a heart attack aged 61.

Mr Burek committed his life’s work towards making riding safer and saving lives.

He was the grandson of the Charles Owen, who founded the company in 1911. Under Mr Burek’s guidance, the business has grown into a global market leader of top quality riding helmets, featuring cutting-edge technology, design and research.

Mr Burek was integral in developing international safety standards and research into the science of head injuries. This led to him being appointed as honorary professor at Cardiff University in 2017.

A spokesman for the company told H&H they are devastated at his passing.

“Roy’s tireless passion for creating a safer world brought Charles Owen to the forefront of equestrian safety innovation and his dedication to offering help and advice to colleagues and to riders of all levels will be missed,” he said.

“He was an irreplaceable resource in both the equestrian and research communities, and his legacy will live on in the safety products he committed his life to designing.”

“He will be very sorely missed by us all. We all know how much he believed in this family business and it is now time for us to come together and do Roy proud.”

The spokesman added that at a time of mourning, it is the “strong union of Roy’s incredibly proud family” and the excellent global team that will ensure his work “continues to save lives into the future”.

Mr Burek’s son, Owen Burek, has increasingly been supporting his father in business decision over recent years. He will continue with the company’s work and maintain “business as usual” for employees and customers. He has himself grown a successful business over 12 years and has a wealth of experience and ideas to offer.

Mr Burek’s sister, Cynthia Burek, a professor at the University of Chester, is looking into establishing a trust to fund research on head injury, to continue her brother’s legacy and their grandfather’s mission of Charles Owen being “for a safer world”. A CrowdFunding page has been set up with this aim.

An obituary with tributes to Roy will be published in next Thursday’s issue of Horse & Hound (9 May).

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An innovative polo helmet has won a prestigious international design award.

The Armis polo helmet combines top-level protection with the classic helmet style for the sport and was awarded a Red Dot Award for product design this week.

Designer and polo player Robin Spicer initially came up with the design for his final year project at Loughborough University in 2015 (news, 12 March 2015).

The hat was the first polo helmet to be designed to both the British Standard PAS 015 with a Kitemark as well as fitting MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) patented technology inside. Charles Owen’s My PS and My PS with wide peak will also come with MIPS technology and a PAS 015 kitemark when they are launched next month.

Mr Spicer told H&H he is “over the moon” with the award.

“It has had its fair share of success in the polo industry, but my background is heavily involved in design so to be recognised by the design industry is huge, and for it to be on the biggest industry stage is really humbling,” said Mr Spicer.

He added he continued working on the design “before and after work” around his day job after graduating.

Around two years ago, Mr Spicer took the plunge and quit his job to focus full-time on Armis and launch the helmet commercially.

Polo helmet safety has been a key talking point in the equestrian world in recent years.

H&H polo reporter Aurora Eastwood started a campaign in 2014 for the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA) — polo’s governing body in the UK — to bring in a blanket ruling on safer hats.

From 1 January 2018, players’ helmets have been required to meet the same safety standards as jockeys riding under British Horseracing Authority Rules and a list of approved helmets is available on the HPA website.

World number one Adolfo Cambiaso chose to wear an Armis helmet while playing in the UK last season, following a high-profile dispute with the HPA over a different helmet.

“What you do is fantastic, who ever invests to improve polo and polo safety, I am in favour,” Cambiaso told Armis.

Mr Spicer added: “To have the best polo player in the world and the design industry validating the hard work and the risk we have put into doing this is really amazing.”

More than 5,500 products from 55 countries were entered into the 2019 awards, with the Armis helmet one of the 1,549 designs winning a distinction for high design quality.

“My focus isn’t just to have helmets meeting a standard — that should be a given,” added Mr Spicer, who has more products and developments in equestrian technology in the pipeline.

“It is a good looking product and it performs [in terms of safety and design], it has to look beautiful and be desirable.

“It has to be something people want —this has been designed from scratch and people are paying for something unique, it is not a modification of an existing product.”

Article continues below…

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The helmet is both designed and made in the UK and also features a machine washable inner headband.

Professor Dr Peter Zec, founder and chief executive of Red Dot, congratulated all the winners.

“The fact that their products were able to satisfy the strict criteria of the jury bears testimony to their award-winning design quality,” said Dr Zec.

“The laureates are thus setting key trends in the design industry and are showing where future directions may lead.”

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A rider who broke her neck in a fall has urged others to always wear safety helmets as she believes she wouldn’t be here if she hadn’t been wearing one.

Jasmine Evans, 17, who works at a racing yard in Newmarket, was exercising one of the racehorses when she had an accident on the Heath gallops on 20 February.

Jasmine told H&H: “I normally ride four horses in the morning, and four more horses in the evening. I’ve wanted to do this job since I was a little when my great-granddad would take me to the Heath.

“That morning I was riding out with another worker and coming round a bend the horse tucked up and the saddle slipped. I fell, landed on my head, and my neck and back took the impact. As soon as I fell I heard a crack and knew straight away I had done something to my neck. I had cuts and grazes all over my face and crawled to the side so I wasn’t trampled by other horses.”

An onsite medic attended Jasmine and an ambulance was called.

“I was in excruciating pain and given gas and air,” said Jasmine. “The medics made lie still on the floor and a man held my head so I couldn’t move my neck.

“I was taken to hospital for a CT scan, X-ray and given morphine but it didn’t touch the pain. I had broken my C2 vertebrae, which is next to my skull.”

Jasmine, who didn’t require surgery at the time, was released from hospital a week later.

“I’ve had to wear a neck collar and rest. My boyfriend is a farrier so I’ve being going out in his van so I can still be around horses,” said Jasmine.

“I need to go back to hospital at the end of the month to find out if the neck collar can come off or if I will need surgery to pin the bone. I’m really nervous because it doesn’t feel like it’s getting better – everything is still so sore and I can’t do certain movements and need help getting up. It doesn’t feel like I’m getting stronger.”

Jasmine has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder since the accident.

“I have nightmares and when I close my eyes I see the accident happening, that’s the most terrifying bit. I said no to counselling at first but I’ve asked for some and will be going to see someone,” said Jasmine.

“I’m scared about the future – I don’t think I’ll go back to riding racehorses again. I always saw my future as riding racehorses and now that’s all gone out the window.”

Rider’s hat ‘saved her life’: calls for others to always wear one

The rider was told if she hadn't been wearing her hat she wouldn't be here now

Rider’s safety helmet warning after horse stands on her head

The rider is calling for others to wear a helmet when riding after her frightening experience

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Jasmine wants to raise awareness about the importance of wearing hats.

“I‘ve never sat on a horse without a hat on in my life because I know the dangers. I saw a post on Facebook of a young person riding on a road without a hat and I commented and said anything can happen – I’m not trying to be horrible but I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. I want to look out for the safety of others but some people don’t see it that way,” said Jasmine.

“If I didn’t have a hat on it would have been a whole different situation, I wouldn’t be here. I put a post on Facebook telling people about my story and what happened when I was wearing a hat, and what could have happened if I hadn’t been. I’ve had a lot of support messages wishing me well and agreeing so that makes it worthwhile.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

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A safety feature, already widely used in cycling and skiing helmets and designed to reduce brain injuries, could be set to revolutionise riding helmet design. That is the prediction from Charles Owen’s chief executive Roy Burek, after the company’s MS1 pro jockey skull, whose features contain the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS), won a safety award at the recent equestrian industry trade show BETA International.

MIPS is designed to add protection against the rotational motion transmitted to the brain from angled impacts to the head, which increase the risk for minor and severe brain injuries. A quick, sudden stop such as that caused by a rider falling off a horse at speed will cause the brain to move or stretch; this happens mainly due to the brain’s suspension in the cerebrospinal fluid.

“MIPS is a low friction slip layer that mimics the action of the scalp and how it works to protect the brain against rotational motion,” explains Mr Burek. “The human scalp was designed to be effective at speeds as fast as humans can run, but now we have the ability to go much faster – on a bike, or riding a horse, for example – the scalp runs out of movement and our heads need a ‘top-up’ protection.”

The development of MIPS began in 1995 when Swedish neurosurgeon Hans von Holst questioned why patients were coming in with brain injuries despite having been wearing helmets.

“These helmets did not always show dramatic marks or damage, and yet the patients still had serious brain injuries. The surgeon began looking at standards and construction for helmets, and realised testing was based on straight line impact,” says MIPS chief executive Johan Thiel.

When new methods were developed to look at how angle, speed and sudden stop caused impact to the brain, the idea for a low friction layer which mimicked the action of the scalp came into being. While the technology has been used for equestrian helmets since 2008/09, the biggest markets for MIPS are currently cycling and skiing.

“We believe it is beginning to gain traction now in the equestrian market, however,” says Mr Thiel, who believes the European CE standard will change to integrate this type of technology in the future for all riding helmets. “Horse riders have an awareness they will fall off, but it takes time to educate people about the best equipment for protecting themselves.”

Mr Burek, who sits on the equestrian committee for European CE standard, agrees and says the committee would like to be early adopters of a test method that can reliably assess helmets using this technology.

“Having a test that is relatively cheap, reliable and reproducible is the challenge. Work is underway to produce a test head that recreates the spinning and turning effect of an angled impact fall,” he says.

The new Charles Owen helmets featuring the technology include the MS1 pro jockey skull and two My PS helmets.

Finest Brands International’s Champion Revolution MIPS deluxe hat took highly commended in the safety category at BETA International.

“After 10 years of research, Champion is delighted to announce the introduction of riding headwear with MIPS technology, which is designed to provide a small amount of movement within the helmet during impact. Adding rotational injury protection is an obvious step forward to ensure Champion continue to offer the most advanced protection,” says managing director Sarah-Jane Fedarb.

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The MIPS low friction layer, which is designed to give 10-15mm of movement, adds around 25-45g in weight and around £20-40 to the cost of the helmet.

“Of course we need real world feedback before we start saying that this is for everyone, but that is the case for any product in the equestrian market which is hailed as the next wonder technology that will revolutionise safety,” says Mr Burek, who is aiming to launch the new MIPS hats at this year’s Badminton.

“There will be those who embrace it straight away, those who think it’s not needed and those who will buy it so long as the helmet looks good – but we are confident once we have the proof this makes a real difference to brain injury rates, customers will start demanding this extra feature on helmets.”

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A rider is urging others to wear safety helmets after her hat “saved her life” when she was knocked unconscious in a fall.

Anne Johnstrup of Gloucestershire had just got on her seven-year-old 16hh Hanoverian mare Rosetta when she was bucked off on 24 October.

Anne told H&H: “My friend, Vicky Stacey, helped me get on with a mounting block and I don’t remember another thing. I had just landed in the saddle and apparently Rosetta went down the centre line bucking.

“I’ve never known her to buck but we think the exercise sheet she was wearing had come loose and moved and caused her to spook. I was knocked unconscious and have no memory for almost an hour but I was told I came round quite quickly.”

Vicky, who is an accident and emergency consultant, called an ambulance.

“I was lucky to have my friend beside me. I was taken to hospital and had a CT scan that found I had concussion and had broken my pelvis. I was told if I hadn’t had my hat on I wouldn’t be here now and I just thought ‘oh my god’,” said Anne.

“I was sent home from hospital and had to wait for my pelvis to heal. It will still be a few more weeks until I can ride but I’m now walking without crutches and getting better – I’m very lucky. ”

Anne said she is looking forward to getting back on Rosetta and will be replacing her hat, which was cracked in the fall.

“The great thing is because I have no memory of the fall I have no fear of getting back on but I do worry about the pain my pelvis will give me,” she said.

“I put up a post on Facebook to remind others of the importance of wearing a hat which has had a lot of comments agreeing. The pressure a fall can put on your family if they have to look after you and that’s if you survive. Head injuries can be horrendous.”

Rider’s brain ‘bounced like a ping-pong ball’ in schooling fall

The rider has had to rebuild her life as a result of the fall, but says had it not been

Rider’s safety helmet warning after horse stands on her head

The rider is calling for others to wear a helmet when riding after her frightening experience

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Anne said it is concerning riders still take off their hats in prize-giving line-ups and to salute in dressage.

“An accident can happen so quickly. Why do we still accept that men undo their chinstraps and take their hats off to salute? I know it’s tradition, but isn’t it time to get rid of it? You don’t always get a warning a horse is going to spook,” she said.

“Just don’t take the chance and put a hat on, it just takes seconds. I hope by speaking about my experience I can raise awareness and save at least one person’s life.”

Do you always wear a hat out riding? What about a body protector? Write to hhletters@ti-media.com for a chance to see your views in H&H magazine and win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger (please include your name and address; letters may be edited).

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now