Beagler & Patey hats

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EquiGirl1

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I dont really know much about them as I have no desire to ever own or ride in a hat that does not have a harness. I know there is a stigma attached for those pro and against on the hunting field but I was just curious as to whether they would stay on if you fell off?

I noticed the story about the hunt master who fell over the weekend and is critically ill after hitting her head on the road and noticed she is wearing a traditional beagler/patey with no harness. First and foremost I wish her a full recovery and do not in anyway wish to be insensitive but it did make me think whether her hat stayed on or not? Even if the cap stays on does it offer a decent level of protection?

This isnt a "what if she had been wearing a hat compliant with safety standards" post as ultimately serious injury is a risk we all take by riding, and I do not know the details of her injury. It just raised a few questions with me about the hats.
 
I had a bad fall in mine out hunting a few years ago and cracked a bone in my neck, still have nerve problems now. I fell sideways and the hat came off, despite being a very good fit.

I fell onto semi frozen turf and had concussion too.

Needless to say, I don't ride in it now!

I think years ago they probably were considered 'safe' compared to a flat cap or similar, but with what you can buy now I really don't see the necessity to ride in one.
 
Shame they're not safe though as they are mega stylish and do look lovely!

I remember the first time I threw off the jods, tweed jacket and hairy pony and went hunting on a proper horse at 17, in a proper blue hunt coat, long boots and my patey.

So proud! Lol but I think it's much better that there are more safe hats about now.

Patey have actually brought out an approved version of their beagler with a harness, which looks nice too.
 
Yes I have seen the harnessed version on their website, unfortunately doesn't give the same look does it! My husband had a patey and has always wanted another one, I have informed him as he has 2 children I think he would be very selfish, and he agreed, heads are too important! X
 
Firstly I hadn't heard about Fiona's fall, and I wish her the very very best for a full and speedy recovery.

Secondly, I have posted on here before about two people I witnessed having falls in their beautiful Patey hats out hunting, both of whom ended up with serious head injuries. In one instance, the hat hit the ground before the rider, and in the other (another very elegant lady master) the horse's foot connected with the back of her head as it tried to get up, and the back of the hat was totally mashed.

IMO it doesn't matter if the hat falls off or stays on, they are a waste of time and money if you are remotely concerned about safety.

Interestingly, after our lady master's fall, most of the elegant ladies of the hunt ditched their Pateys and starting hunting in crash helmets.
 
It's all about 'the look' I'm afraid and it is true that you do look much more the picture with a beagler on top.
But personally not worth the risk at all! My beagler comes out for the show ring and that is all, always a proper hat for the hunting field.
Although I do often look at people and think ooh they do look very nice but then have to slap myself. I'd rather walk away from a fall with a bit of a headache than in intensive care.
 
I thought as much, especially as yes they look uber smart but there is a reason the rest of us have mushroom heads and these hats must lack a lot of padding!

Do they ever fly off whilst galloping along? I have a strange shaped head it would seem, in that a lot of standard hats dont fit me, champions, charles owen etc dont fit, I wanted a hs1 in silver but it didnt fit so got it in black (apparently they use different pads in them?), and it is secure, harness tight etc but I think if I were going along with the strap undone it might just fly off, especially if I am going against the wind!
 
I have one which I used for competing BD, you have to have an approved hat to compete so its got no use for me now. I certainly wouldn't wear it to hunt, too risky for me!
 
I think they're beautiful but choose to wear a hat with harness but them I'm the one who looks obese on the hunting field because I wear a BP under by hunt coat!

At the end of the day it comes down to personal choice, if people want to wear them that is their choice (they are infinitely smarter than hats with harnesses imo) :)

Wishing the Cattistock field master a good recovery. There was a nasty fall on Wednesday with our hunt on the road, an air ambulance was called :(
 
I read that article this week and it has made me think a bit more. I love mine, it is beautiful and I really do enjoy wearing it, I think there is more chance of my head coming off than my Patey, but it matters none as they are not approved in any way.

I pick and choose where I wear it and which horses I will sit on with it on, but I know deep down that doesn't matter either, accidents happen anywhere.
 
RunToEarth said:
I read that article this week and it has made me think a bit more. I love mine, it is beautiful and I really do enjoy wearing it, I think there is more chance of my head coming off than my Patey, but it matters none as they are not approved in any way.

I pick and choose where I wear it and which horses I will sit on with it on, but I know deep down that doesn't matter either, accidents happen anywhere.
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Have a look at this photo, scary stuff with cap flying off in the opposite direction!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...00952685707.303856.12456465707&type=1&theater

I do wonder whether Patey have considered a lining such as the Kan body protectors for a bit more protection than just the foam?

Having broken a HS1 myself when my horse lost it's back end and threw me, I never ride in anything else.
 
I was really shocked to read they are constructed of linen and glue :O So, if someone suggested wearing this combination on your head as a form of protection in a high risk sport would you?
 
undertheweather said:
Have a look at this photo, scary stuff with cap flying off in the opposite direction!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...00952685707.303856.12456465707&type=1&theater

I do wonder whether Patey have considered a lining such as the Kan body protectors for a bit more protection than just the foam?

Having broken a HS1 myself when my horse lost it's back end and threw me, I never ride in anything else.
Click to expand...

Yes, I saw that in H&H yesterday - I know they aren't up to safety regs but getting them refitted every few years does make a difference with regards to them coming off your head.
 
jrp204 said:
I was really shocked to read they are constructed of linen and glue :O So, if someone suggested wearing this combination on your head as a form of protection in a high risk sport would you?
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Definitely not! that's why they brought out a new one with a plastic lining as I said earlier on in the thread :D
 
I keep my Patey in the hat box, now and again I take it out and stroke it and put it away I promised my OH I would not wear it any more.
 
RunToEarth said:
I read that article this week and it has made me think a bit more. I love mine, it is beautiful and I really do enjoy wearing it, I think there is more chance of my head coming off than my Patey, but it matters none as they are not approved in any way.

I pick and choose where I wear it and which horses I will sit on with it on, but I know deep down that doesn't matter either, accidents happen anywhere.
Click to expand...

RTE I've noticed your posts on other Patey threads and it's really interesting (and I mean this in the nicest sincerest way :)) how your attitude to wearing your Patey is changing :)
 
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