Riding hats

[C.C.T]

What type of riding hat should I buy?I want one that is good for hacking and everyday riding as well as cross country.Also,how do you keep your hat safe when your not using it.Is there special hat bags or something you can buy.I also don't want the hat to be too expensive.

 

[Vixen Van Debz]

If you want to compete XC then you'll need a skull cap, but they're much more attractive nowdays than they have been. Your best bet is going to a tack shop, being honest about your budget, and trying on a range of makes and sizes to find the one for you. I have a great all-round hat (traditional rather than a skill cap) which is kite-marked and BHS/PC/RC approved and it was £30, so they don't have to cost the earth.

You can get carry bags that protect your hat when not using them, as obviously dropping the hat when you're not wearing calls for binning it, just like falling while wearing it does. If you're clumsy, or your hat might get regularly knocked or banged then it's definitely worth the investment.