Velvet Riding Hats

A velvet riding hat is the traditional choice for English equestrian headwear. Featuring a smart and luxurious velvet covering, modern velvet riding hats combine the latest sophisticated safety standards with classic styling.

With so many different velvet riding hats available, it’s important to remember that you need to choose carefully. For the safest riding hat, choose one with multiple current safety standards, that has been manufactured by an equestrian safety wear specialist.

As the traditional choice of equestrian headwear, a velvet riding hat is very versatile and can be worn for most equestrian occasions. Velvet riding helmets are particularly popular in the show ring, and also on the hunting field thanks to their traditional and classic appearance.

Many riders also choose to wear a smart velvet hat for hacking, everyday riding and training, dressage competitions, showjumping competitions, and for horse riding lessons.

Velvet riding hats are not permitted for cross country riding in the UK due to the fixed peak. For cross country you’ll need a jockey skull cap.

To clean the outside of a velvet riding hat brush mud and dirt off gently with a soft brush. To keep the inside of your hat fresh, use a specialist hat cleaner or deodoriser, like this one from Charles Owen which digests the dirt and grease.

To help keep your hat clean you can store it in a padded hat bag, this will also help prevent any knocks or bumps while you’re not wearing it.

There are a few different considerations to make when purchasing a velvet riding hat. You’ll need to think about when you’ll be riding in it and what activities you’ll be doing, which safety standards the hat has, what colour will match your outfit, and whether you want extra features like ventilation. Most importantly, you will need to choose a velvet riding hat that gives you the best fit, as this will offer you the best protection.