How to Properly Fit a Riding Hat: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Ensuring your riding hat fits correctly is crucial for maximum protection and comfort while you're riding. A poorly fitted hat can compromise your safety, causing it to slip, tilt, or even come off during a fall. This guide aims to provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to accurately fit a riding hat for optimum protection.

Measurement: The Starting Point

The first step is to measure the circumference of your head. Use a flexible measuring tape, placing it about one inch above your eyebrows, ensuring it passes over the bump at the back of your head. It's best to get someone else to do the measuring for you to get the most accurate measurement. Always refer to the sizing chart specific to the brand and model of hat you're considering.

Checking the Fit

Once you've determined your size and selected a riding hat, it's time to check its fit.

1. Initial Placement: Put the hat on by widening the four-point harness (if available) and slipping it onto your head. Avoid pulling it down by the harness.

2. Positioning: The hat should sit one inch above the eyebrows and should cover the entire skull down to the base of the head. The brim should be parallel to the ground.

3. Fit Check: A well-fitted hat will feel snug but not uncomfortably tight. You should be able to insert one finger between your forehead and the hat.

Adjusting the Harness

Many modern riding hats come with a four-point harness that helps keep the hat securely in place. To adjust:

1. Fasten the Buckle: Close the safety buckle under your chin. It should be tight enough to allow only one or two fingers to slide underneath.

2. Rear Adjustment: If your hat has a lace adjustment at the back, now is the time to fine-tune it for a snug fit.

Movement Test

To ensure that your hat stays in place during physical activity, it's essential to perform some movement tests:

1. Shake Test: Gently shake your head from side to side, then up and down. The hat should not move independently of your head or slip.

2. Leap Test: Make a slight jumping motion. If the hat stays put, it's a good fit.

Additional Considerations

• Hair: If you have long hair, you may wish to wear it in the same style you usually do while riding when fitting your hat.

• Liners: Consider whether you'll be using additional padded liners, especially for growing children, and fit the hat accordingly.

• Professional Help: If possible, it's always best to get fitted by professionals who can provide valuable insights and adjustments to achieve the perfect fit.

Final Thoughts

Ensuring your riding hat fits correctly is not just a matter of comfort; it's a crucial safety measure every rider must take seriously. Always opt for hats that meet current safety standards and never compromise on the fit.Measuring for a Riding Hat or Jockey Skull

Measure the circumference of your head just above the ears. Measure in centimeters. For conversion to the riding hat or jockey skull sizes please see the chart below:

A correct fit is important if the riding hat is to offer maximum protection ? and that includes adjusting the harness correctly and keeping it fastened whilst riding. We recommend that you buy your hat from a retailer that has attained dedicated Gatehouse hat training and certification or the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Hat Fitting Certificate. It is important that the hat fits securely but not so tight as to cause discomfort during wear. Extra padding can be used sparingly to get the optimum fit but this is best carried out by a professional hat fitter.

Having bought your hat, ensure you look after it well. Avoid exposure to solvents or cleaning agents, adhesives, paints, fly sprays, chemicals such as Deet etc. - spraying your horse with these chemicals while wearing your hat, may result in damage to the external coating.

Store in the original or protective packaging in a clean, dry cool area out of direct sunlight and avoiding extreme temperatures.

As hat manufacturers, we are constantly trying to improve the level of protection available, whilst producing a hat that is comfortable to wear. The introduction of polystyrene (EPS) liners has played a big part in that development process, since it is lightweight and also provides excellent levels of shock absorption.

Riding hats that have been subjected to a severe blow or fall should always be replaced, even if the outer shell shows little or no sign of damage. This is largely because the inner protective lining is designed to absorb and disperse the energy on impact and, while the outer shell may spring back and retain its shape, the EPS liner can become compressed, reducing the shock absorption properties and so rendering the hat less effective in subsequent falls.

While no helmet can be guaranteed to save your life, it can go a long way to reducing the impact of a damaging fall or blow to the head.