'Taster' Polo lesson - borrowed helmet or own hat?

[Tickles]

I'm looking at booking a 'taster' polo lesson or two (seems like a good option were I'll be staying soon) and wasn't sure what to expect in terms of hats/helmets...

My usual hat isn't that new but all safety standards up to date and never been fallen on... but obviously it isn't a helmet.

If I borrow one from the centre I expect it might be one of the 'little or no protection' ones
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/competitionnews/389/257283.html

So, any recommendations as to
- riding in 'normal' riding hat (with fixed peak in my case although OH has a skull...)
- not worrying and borrowing whatever I'm handed
- buying an (inexpensive?!?) but safe one?

 

[Brandy]

I'd take my own - I have a skull cap for every day riding.

 

[MissMincePie&Brandy]

I'd take my own too. Hats borrowed from riding centres are usually minging, as well as probably being quite useless as they often seem to get knocked around and dropped quite a bit.

 

[flyingfeet]

Take your own

Agree about horrible borrowed helments, and frankly unless its got a faceguard its going to make zero difference to your game

If it has got a faceguard that's screwed on then it will break your neck if you land wrong - so not recommended either!

 

[MissMincePie&Brandy]

sorry, i didn't answer your other question about what to buy.

TBH I don't think it really matters whether you go for a velvet peaked hat, or a skull, as long as the safety standards are in place.

I would recommended that you go to your local saddler and try on a few. You'll find that you don't like the way some look on you, and you'll find that some brands just wont fit. If you can, by buying a 'junior' hat, you get all the protection, but at a reduced price.

 

[Happy Hunter]

Everyone in the UNi polo teams - unless already semi pro - wears normal skull caps.

 

[bumblelion]

I play polo occassionally (for fun!) and always take my own hat (jockey skull).

 

[rara007]

Everyone in the UNi polo teams - unless already semi pro - wears normal skull caps.

This.

Most of the polo helmets don';t have the right harness to come up to correct riding hat standards.

 

[tinap]

Daughter had a polo taster & took her own skull cap. She absolutely loved it btw, although had achey arms the next day!! Have fun!! xx

 

[IdoShowing]

if you really get into it, get one of the Charles Owen polo hats - they are the ones that you have to wear at the Uni Nationals cos they conform to safety standards.