Hi, i can't decide between the gatehouse riding hat or Charles Owen hats? Its the navy velvet show hat im looking at Which one is the better one?
Thanks! Zoe
Whichever fits correctly - I'm guessing they're made to the same safety standards so I would either get one professionally fitted or read up thoroughly so you can find the prefect fit. A hat isn't safe if it moves or is too tight.
They are both different shapes/fits inside, the Hickstead just has the bsen standard and the Charles Owen H2000 has the bsen and the pas standard, the H2000 is a bigger hat because of this, which is why the Fiona is neater like the Hickstead as its just got the bsen standard too.
For straight showing I'd choose the Hickstead or Fiona. Try them on and buy it in a shop, after postage you rarely save much if it appears cheaper online and they all do vary slightly as all the hats are hand finished. x
I have the Fiona and the navy Gatehouse and find that the Fiona fits me better. The Gatehouse feels more rounder on my head and presses my forehead so I save it just for showing when I'm just wear it for short bursts.
I have a round head, and I wear the Charles Owen Showjumper. I stood in the long isle at Ingatestone Saddlery and tried every single hat on and I just prefered the look (bit vein I know). Didn't realise it had all three safety standards until I was stood at the till.
I have a Patey or the Beagler Classic for showing, but if at a show where you have to have safety standard headwear, I have the Fiona. I found the others too round.