Measuring for a Riding Hat or Jockey Skull

Measure the circumference of your head just above the ears. Measure in centimetres. 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.