BUYER’S GUIDE RIDING HELMETS

Is it time you replaced your riding helmet? Or just fancy jazzing up your in-the-saddle ensemble with something new? Check out H&R’s top picks

Photos: Jon Stroud and supplied by Champion and Charles Owen. Chart: British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA)

As arguably the most important piece of riding safety kit you’ll buy, your hat takes on a multitude of major responsibilities. Reducing the risk of sustaining a serious head injury is a full-time job and certainly not for the faint hearted. That’s why you need to make sure your helmet of choice is up to the job.

With safety features advancing rapidly it can be hard to keep up with the latest technologies. However, H&R’s on hand to take the guesswork out of your selection by ensuring we only feature helmets that meet the safety standards and regulations of the main governing bodies – British Dressage, British Eventing, British Showjumping and the British Riding Clubs. Let’s take a look at the options.

Safety first

Riding hats are designed to protect your head for just one impact, such as a fall or even being dropped on a hard surface, and must be replaced afterwards. Even if your hat’s lucky enough not to have experienced either, it’s still recommended you replace it every three to five years, depending on how much you wear it, because the protective materials will deteriorate after this time.