Professionals wearing hats (Olympia)

[MagicMelon]

Well given that from 2013 it will be compulsory to wear hats while at all FEI shows this dead horse only has limited time in which to get flogged! And for whomever said they wear them jumping but not on flat....rules state they have to be worn jumping. I personally always wear one and can't abide it when people don't but their head, their choice, their families live with the repercussions!

I think thats great they'll be made compulsory, I dont see why this rule wasnt brought in sooner. Next thing they need to sort is changing those ridiculous top hats to proper hats (I speak as someone who has been once of very few who competes in 1* BE dressage in my normal riding hat - I refuse to wear a pointless top hat which look dumb, outdated and are obviously a waste of time safety wise).

The problem I have is that yes, it IS their own choice at the end of the day BUT it is their families and friends who end up suffering when they have to look after the person who ends up with a severe brain injury or whatever. I see it as nothing but selfish.

 

[Cortez]

Surely people can make up their own minds? I can always tell the English people when riding in other countries where hat wearing is less shall we say vehement? - they're the ones looking terrified and wearing HUGE helmets strapped to their heads

 

[OWLIE185]

Unfortunately people making up their own minds may result in members of their family and the public at large having to foot the bill and look after them.

 

[Rowreach]

Surely people can make up their own minds? I can always tell the English people when riding in other countries where hat wearing is less shall we say vehement? - they're the ones looking terrified and wearing HUGE helmets strapped to their heads

I hope this remark was made tongue in cheek? If not, what a stupid thing to say.

As a pro rider (ie someone who makes a living riding and producing horses) I won't get on any horse without a hat which fits and is fastened, and if I'm lungeing something a bit wayward I wear a hat then too. It has nothing to do with being "terrified" It has everything to do with showing a bit of common sense.

 

[MissMincePie&Brandy]

I can always tell the English people when riding in other countries where hat wearing is less shall we say vehement? - they're the ones looking terrified and wearing HUGE helmets strapped to their heads

Spouting this sort of rubbish must be the result of what happens to your faculties when you don't wear a hat

 

[OWLIE185]

Well said Miss MincePie&Brandy!

 

[BBH]

For me it has less to do with the hatless riders and all to do with the carers who have to pick up the pieces when they suffer devastating injuries after a fall.

It is a very selfish thing to do IMO.

For those who ride hatless do you think for one minute whether your nearest and dearest want to spend the rest of their lives being a carer.

 

[Silent Knight]

Wow! How rude!

^This^ LoL This really is the forum to vent your hate filled splean.What Perculiar people!

(not you neighs, merry crisis)

 

[Aidey]

Not read all the posts but IMO getting on a horse without a hat feels the same as when you get in a car without a seat belt on, to me it feels wrong, they are there for your safety, if you want to put yourself in more danger, that's your own stupidity.

In relation to the topic, yes I wish they would wear hats especially whilst being filmed on live TV, as others have said there are lots of people watching, especially kiddies, looking up to their 'idols' who aren't setting a very good example.