So top internationals can get away with not wearing a hat?

I don't think anyone is saying they're too good to fall. They're not crap riders, just perhaps a bad influence, to those who can be influenced.
 
I find that video ridiculous to watch, had he put his hat on seconds later the outcome would have been very different and he probably would not have been here to tell the tale (although the chinstrap thing annoys me too, as without it there's no point even wearing a hat in the first place!)!!

No one is too good to wear a hat. It's the difference between life and death in my opinion no matter what level you are!
 
The thing is, wearing a hat is sensible and the right thing to do. But it's not compulsory or a legal requirement for an adult. So I guess it is an individuals right to decide. I rarely wore a hat when younger, just at shows really to look correct. That was the norm. Now I wouldn't dream of getting on a horse without one, but I do have an aversion to being told what I can and can't do when it's not putting anyone else at risk.
 
tradition03.jpg

:D
 
Absolutely.

But being stupid or sensible about your own safety is your own choice. Or it should be. I'm sensible these days, but in my younger days I have been stupid. As I would imagine we all have. You either learn from it or you don't.
 
Is this where I bore people with pictures of my brain again, complete with bleed - and that was with a hat on, without it I wouldn't be here.

I wish I could agree that it's okay, would love to ride bareheaded again one day (did as a kid), but it's not just my choice. I have a family and friends and a job. It affects everyone.

And anyone who thinks that a wee bang on the head is worth all the riding without a hat, you stop and think what it's like to stand at the middle island section of a dual carriageway and not be able to figure out how to get to the other side. Sit down and cry. Or watch your family deal with your temper changes. Or sit in an office and realise that once again you've not only forgotten something important, but you don't even remember it from the first time round.

Personal choice? Deal with the headaches, deal with the feeling so sick that even moving your eyes is a mistake.
 
this comes up time and time again, national competitors have to wear hats at all times, international competitors competing at shows/events under FEI rules do not have to.....acting as stable manager, at shows/events with classes under both rules I find myself saying to my stewards/helpers as they yell at foreign riders in international classes. they do not have to wear hats unless competing.
Could I just say we are all adults and personally and I know I am going to get hammered here, I hate wearing a hat, and do not wear one out hacking, I do wear one hunting, and since my husband insisted its a skull. I am in my 60's and feel I should be able to make up my own mind. Please do not tell me about the National Health service and how much it would cost if I am taken to hospital, I have paid NI since I started work at 15, and have only been in hospital twice, I think I have paid my way. I would imagine most people hunting and riding of my age are the same. I would say, that the last time I was in A and E, the drunks who were verbally and physically abusing the staff, have probably not paid half the NI that I have, who is going to tell them that they are abusing the system.
 
IMHO, more fool him or anyone that chooses not to wear a hat.

A hat might not be very comfortable, but if it is the thing that stops you from serious head injury, (or worse) on that one occassion where your 'normally -safe-and-sound-nothing-ever-happens-ride' goes wrong then it will get my vote any day of the week.

At the end of the day I understand it's personal choice, but mine will ALWAYS be, to wear a hat.
 
Oh for goodness sake this is hardly the same as working horses with no helmet on day in day out. International/FEI has nothing to do with it...go to a national show and the winner if male will take their hat off for the prizegiving. I'm not saying it is right but ridiculing Denis for this is just stupid. He was not showing off he was doing what is deemed "respectful" and taking his bloody hard earned lap of honour. He was incredibly lucky but go right down to pony level and you will see male riders take their helmet off for prizegivings
 
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