Replacing riding hats

[fizzer]

How often to you replace your riding hats? I am a bit of a hoarder and have about 7 riding hats. Different makes and models, some vented, some velvets and skull caps.

Was just wondering if I should ditch some of them as a couple are 3- 5 years old.

I know some people say replace every year but if they have hardly been used would they still be vulnerable.

All comments welcome.

 

[PolarSkye]

Well, as it took me 7 years, several falls (one of which had me blue-lighted to hospital and another left me with two broken ribs) and Kal using it as a football in his stable to replace mine (last year) I'm probably the wrong person to ask. Had my first fall in my new hat last week . . . did it get it checked and it's fine.

P

 

[Devonshire dumpling]

Polarskye - have you ever considered a seatbelt on your horse??

 

[fizzer]

I am sure you are not alone, I had one hat about 10 years I just used to add the chin strap harness to it.

 

[JustKickOn]

see --> http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=516230

 

[fizzer]

Oops, didn't see this thread.

 

[PolarSkye]

Polarskye - have you ever considered a seatbelt on your horse??

Ha ha ha! .

To be fair, the blue light incident wasn't off Kal, it was off a nutjob RS horse (name Otis) who took quirky to new heights. I did break my ribs coming off Kal though.

Oh, and I've been wondering why my left foot/ankle has been hurting so much since my fall last week - upon inspection I have a rather impressive foot-shaped bruise - seems he stood on me (not that I remember). Thank goodness he doesn't have shoes on behind!

P

 

[MoodleCob]

Not sure about riding hats but my motorcycle helmet gets replaced every three years. In a fall there can be damage you can't see, even if you drop it from a not-so-high height, knock it off a table etc because the inside is only designed to absorb an impact once. Also the outer shell starts to become brittle after a few years of use. Can you get riding helmets tested?