#hathairdontcare at Royal Ascot: BHS puts safety first
Hats are hitting the headlines this week as Royal Ascot gets under way.
The British Horse Society (BHS) is taking advantage of headwear’s high profile to launch a campaign to promote the importance of wearing an up-to-standard riding hat.
Lucy Conn, of the BHS, is modelling a Patey Protector hat — with added embellishments —on the first day of the five-day meeting.
Riders are being asked to support the campaign by sharing their own #hathairdontcare selfie on social media, and nominating their friends to do the same.
“Whilst it isn’t law to wear a hat when riding, we are urging all riders to make sure they always wear a safe hat,” said a BHS spokesman.
“People might think it isn’t cool or that it will mess up their hair; but wearing a hat can make the difference between life and death.
“The BHS are asking all riders to put their safety first by donning a hat that meets EU safety standards while riding.”
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Former eventer Polly Williamson, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a fall from a young horse in 2011, urged riders to check their headgear.
“I know all too well the importance of ensuring your riding hat is safe, and I know the jockeys riding at Royal Ascot will do too,” she said.
“Without my hat, I don’t know if I would be here today — it’s as simple as that.
“My advice to horse riders is to always check that your hat is included in current safety rules; it could save your life.”
Related articles:
- 8 types of Royal Ascot racegoer you are sure to recognise this week
- Brush up on your racing dress-code etiquette — and find out how to choose the perfect hat
- Money off new helmets for concussed riders
James Bebbington, of Patey Hats, added he thinks the hat the company donated “looks fantastic” and hopes it will raise awareness for the cause.
The BHS and Townfields Saddlers are offering 20% off new hats in exchange for damaged helmets when accidents are reported through the organisation’s accident reporting website www.horseaccidents.org.uk
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
Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.