Tips for Selecting the Best Equestrian Helmet
Equestrian hats are a type of headgear that has become increasingly common on horses in recent years. Not only do they protect the rider’s head from nasty kicks and punches, but they also look very good. In this article we’ll take a look at a few riding hats and why they are becoming so popular.
It might surprise you to learn that the safety standards for riding hats have been toughened up over the past decade. Prior to the turn around in safety standards, riding hats were simply worn by riders as a sort of fashion accessory. This trend took a dramatic turn during theeties when riders started getting seriously injured in riding accidents and some even lost their lives. Thankfully, these days the wearing of an equestrian hat is a much better idea and this has lead to a much lower incidence of serious injury or death amongst horse riders.
If you’re thinking about buying a riding hat then it’s worth taking a look at what sort of hat is suitable for the rider. There are three main aspects to consider when choosing a hat: colour, design and comfort. A hat must be brightly coloured, as this will be visible to other riders and it should be designed in such a way as to minimize eye and wind resistance. The best hats prevent light from passing through them as much as possible, which is why many helmets also have reflective patches on the outside.
One feature that many people find very useful is a thumb hole in the riding hat. This allows the rider to insert one’s index finger into the brim. This is a great way of clipping one’s fingernails. Thumb holes are also great for putting rings on one’s fingers. Another important aspect is that the thumb hole should be securely taped on, as otherwise the rider will be able to pull his or her finger out easily.
The best hats are made with high quality materials, and they should be durable enough to stand up against even the worst weather conditions. High quality hats are usually equipped with an adjustable size dial. This is important because riders need to take their helmets off and on throughout the day, and there’s no point getting one that is so small that it quickly begins to sag. Also, an adjustable size dial ensures that riders won’t be able to squeeze into their helmets. Riders who are looking for a good deal should try shopping for these riding hats online.
An all-round good selection of riding helmets is available online, and there are many different options to choose from, including new ones that have just been released and long established models that are still highly popular. It’s best to buy a new helmet that matches your own helmet, as opposed to trying to customize a vintage helmet. Also, if you have a fear of heights then perhaps you should look into equestrian bike helmets instead. These are very comfortable and they’ll help prevent injuries.