Velvet riding hat recommendations

[CastleMouse]

OK, since I REALLY want to do equitation next year (this time it <u>isn't</u> just a phase), I'd love to get a new black velvet riding hat (without spending a lot of money) , as 10% of the score goes towards turnout I think. I already have a lovely velvet riding hat, but unfortunately it isn't up to standards

, as I have only worn it for dressage where your riding hat doesn't need to be up to the current safety standards, but for IPS it has to be. I'm not a fan of the cheap Charles Owen ones tbh, but I quite like the H2000, what are people's opinions on that one? I already have a skull cap (up to date), but I wouldn't wear it for equitation, even if I had a velvet silk on it.

 

[Governor]

I just bought the Showjumper xp (if you haven't seen it, it doesn't scream showjumper at all, infact i'll probably use it more for dressage). Its got flesh straps aswell which I think is always smarter and more flattering...although being a CO and kitemarked its pretty bulky and thick but feels fine on and looks ok.

 

[CastleMouse]

I've seen that one before...

 

[TGM]

I would also recommend the CO Showjumper - my daughter has one and it looks very smart! Very similar to the H2000 but a little cheaper. However, to be correct you should really buy a navy hat, not black

.

 

[TGM]

Just to add, if you don't want to pay a lot of money another option is the Just Togs Junior Showjumper. The harness is 'leather look' not real leather but the price is only a little over £30:

http://www.tds-saddlers.com/ProductDetails.asp?PCLinkID=8330

 

[CastleMouse]

[ QUOTE ]
However, to be correct you should really buy a navy hat, not black

[/ QUOTE ]

But my show jacket is black, so a navy hat would look a little bit odd

 

[TGM]

Well to be correct you should have a tweed or navy jacket, with a navy hat! (Unless you want to look like you are in mourning

) A tweed jacket would be most appropriate with a pony like Mouse. You could compromise and instead of blowing your whole budget on an H2000, get a Just Togs hat and spend the rest on a tweed jacket (preferably in green or brown).

And if you don't believe me ask FMM (HHO's showing expert!) for a second opinion

 

[CastleMouse]

But it's equitation, I'd wear tweed for working hunter pony classes though.

 

[TGM]

Well my daughter does equitation classes and wears a green tweed jacket with a navy hat. The majority of riders in her classes seem to wear tweed jackets too, with a few in navy jackets.

I've have found this link which gives turnout guidelines for, amongst other things, equitation classes:

http://historicalfact.com/~es/horses/showing/other.html

But it may be different in Ireland!

 

[CastleMouse]

Strange... possible the IPS is different...

 

[Governor]

I bought a tweed jacket off Ebay which had very little by way of description, it was a bit of a gamble but for £35 I did it anyway. What turned up was a brand new Gorringe jacket. Its fabulous. I think the person is still selling them, its worth having a look.

Although I have a black hat, black jacket and a tweed. So i'm not correct for either but I don't show...I'll swap to navy if I ever justify a beagler....

 

[pocket]

Yes, I learnt my lesson this year! Always had a black hat! Now thanks to HH forum, I went and bought a H2000 showing hat, a little more expensive than most but worth the money. Luckily I cut the straps off an old Navy Christy Beaufort (beautiful hats) when I was 16......... before most of you were born and it doubles as a beagler!!!!!! Phew

Equitation, I think a tweed jacket is the done thing for that, check with the PUK rules or who ever you are competing with. But yes the hat should be blue

 

[CastleMouse]

Thanks guys for your help

The IPS doesn't seem to state what kind of jacket that's allowed

 

[Christmas_Kate]

I have a champion one, which is quite good and cost about 40 quid. I tried a Just Togs SJ one, and they're awful, they're really bulky and don't fit right.