Table of contents
Why Do I Need To Replace My Riding Hat? What Are The Signs My Riding Hat Needs Replacing? How Often Should I Replace My Riding Hat Is Your Hat Is The Current Riding Hat Standard How Should I Store My Riding Hat Horse Riding Hat Standards For Equestrian Disciplines 2025 We Have A Wide Range Of Riding Hats Why Is It Important To Replace My Hat Summary Of When To Replace Your Riding Hat Frequently Asked Questions About When To Replace Your Riding Hat You Might Also Liked Our Article On Horse Riding Hat Standards Then You Might Also Like These
Why Do I Need To Replace My Riding Hat?
Immediate Replacement Situations
After Any Impact You should buy a new helmet after any impact, including dropping it on a hard surface, as it is very hard to tell if a helmet is damaged just by looking at it without specialist equipment.
If your helmet has been involved in a fall, kick, or any other impact—even if it has been dropped and the impact seemed small—replace it immediately.
Even if the helmet isn't visibly cracked or broken, it should be replaced after it has hit the ground because of a fall. This is especially important for helmets that are several years old or have spent a lot of time in hot cars or trunks.
Why Materials In Riding Hats Degrade Over Time
Environmental Factors The reason is due to repeated small impacts (placing in the car, dropping in your house, etc.), along with the constant exposure to the elements as an outdoor product (high heat or UV exposure, deep cold exposure, very arid climates, very humid climates, being left in the garage through changing seasons and temperatures, sweat, etc.) - the materials that comprise helmets will degrade over time.
High temperatures can lead to the degradation of helmet materials, compromising their ability to absorb impact and protect the rider. Exposure to excessive heat may cause the outer shell to weaken, rendering it less effective in dispersing force during a fall. Similarly, extreme cold can make the material more brittle.
Riding Hats Can Have Invisible Degradation
This degradation can compromise the helmet's ability to protect effectively, even if the helmet appears to be in good condition externally. Over time, the EPS foam can become less effective at absorbing impacts, and the outer shell may become brittle. This degradation is often invisible to the naked eye.
What Are The Signs My Riding Hat Needs Replacing?
Signs that your riding hat needs replacing include:
- The helmet feels loose even when properly adjusted
- Padding is flattened and won't spring back
- Straps are fraying or hardware is corroded
- The helmet no longer meets current safety standards
How Often Should I Replace My Riding Hat
Frequency-Based Riding Hat Replacement Guidelines
Whilst there is generally a five-year helmet replacement guideline, is a safety measure and whilst materials inside your helmet still offer maximum protection, as helmet materials degrade over time due to exposure.
Charles Owen recommends replacing a helmet every three to five years, depending on how frequently you ride. Remember to replace your horse riding helmet every five years - even helmets that still appear to be in good shape actually "expire."
I Am An Occasional Rider How Often Should I Replace My Riding Hat
If you ride less frequently and store your helmet properly, the 5-year guideline is appropriate.
How Often Should I Replace My Riding Hat If I Use My Riding Hat Every Day?
Competition riders or professionals who ride daily may need to replace helmets more frequently due to constant exposure to elements and wear. If you ride frequently (3+ times per week), consider replacement closer to the 3-year mark due to increased exposure to sweat, UV rays, and minor impacts.
How Should I Store My Riding Hat
It's crucial to store helmets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Regular inspection for signs of damage and following manufacturer's guidelines for temperature exposure can significantly extend the lifespan.
Proper storage will help extend your helmet's life and maintain its protective qualities:
How To Store Your Riding Hat:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Avoid extreme temperatures (like car trunks or unheated garages)
- Keep away from chemicals, cleaning solvents, and petroleum products
- Store where it won't get knocked around or dropped
Best Ways Of Storing Your Riding Hat:
- On a helmet hook or peg on the wall
- In a padded helmet bag or case
- On a shelf where it won't roll off
- Some people use a wig stand or helmet stand
What To Avoid When Storing Your Riding Hat:
- Leaving it in your car, especially in summer heat
- Storing it loose in a tack trunk where other equipment can bang into it
- Hanging it by the chin strap (can stretch and weaken the straps)
- Storing it where it might fall or get crushed
Before Storing Your Riding Hat:
- Let it air dry completely if it's been sweaty or wet
- Remove any detachable padding if you've washed it
- Check that nothing is pressing against the shell that could cause deformation
Can I Store My Riding Hat At The Yard:
If you need to leave your riidng hat at the stable, a helmet bag provides good protection from dust and minor impacts. Some riders keep a designated spot in their tack room or use a helmet hook in their grooming area.
The key is protecting a riding hat from impacts, temperature extremes, and UV exposure that can degrade the materials over time.
Is Your Riding Hat Is A Current Standard
Horse Riding Hat Standards ensure helmets provide adequate head protection.
These standards test the helmet's resistance to various impacts and accident scenarios, including flat impact, edge impact, and crush resistance
As of 2025 The most important standards to look for are
- PAS015:2011
This standard, updated in February 2025, includes flat impact, edge impact, spike impact, and crush resistance tests
- VG1 01.040 2014-12
This European Horse Riding Hat Standard focuses on impact resistance, stability, and shock absorption.
- SEI ASTM F1163:2023
This Horse Riding Hat Standard tests for flat impact and edge impact, with the 2023 version also including crush resistance
- SNELL
This Horse Riding Hat Standard tests for a wider range of impacts, including rotational and crush scenarios, making it a good choice for cross-country riding
No Longer A Recognised Horse Riding Hat Standard
-
EN1384:
While no longer a widely used standard, it's important to be aware of its history and how it relates to other standards
A riding hat that meets multiple standards offers more comprehensive protection and covers a wider range of potential accident scenarios
Horse Riding Hat Standards For Equestrian Disciplines 2025
We Have A Wide Range Of Riding Hats
Why Is It Important To Replace My Hat
Your horse riding helmet protects your head through several engineered safety mechanisms:
A Riding Hat Is Designed to Absorb The Engergy Of A Fall. The foam liner (usually EPS - expanded polystyrene) is designed to crush and compress during impact. This crushing action absorbs the kinetic energy from your fall that would otherwise be transmitted directly to your brain. The foam essentially sacrifices itself to protect you.
If your riding hat is compromised at all then there is a higher risk of injury and brain damage.
Summary Of When To Replace Your Riding Hat
Your riding hat is what protects your head in a full and potential brain injuries. If you are not wearing a fully up to standard riding hat you run the risk of increased brain injury if you fall off in it.
Replacing your riding hat can depend on the amount of usage, that is how often you ride
If you drop or have a fall or damage your hat then you are adviced to replace it immediately
Frequently Asked Questions About When To Replace Your Riding Hat
Why can't I just keep using my old helmet if it looks fine?
Helmet materials degrade over time even without visible damage. The foam liner compresses, adhesives weaken, and UV exposure breaks down protective materials. What looks fine externally may no longer provide adequate protection.
Do I really need to replace it after every fall?
Yes, even minor impacts can cause invisible damage to the helmet's structure. The foam is designed to absorb impact by compressing, and once compressed, it can't protect you as effectively in a subsequent fall.
My helmet is expensive - can't I just replace parts of it?
Helmets are designed as complete systems. You can't replace just the shell or just the liner and expect the same level of protection. The entire helmet needs to be replaced as a unit.
How do I know if my helmet is too old?
Check the manufacturing date (usually on a sticker inside). Most manufacturers recommend replacement after 3-5 years. Also look for compressed padding, cracks, loose straps, or if it no longer fits snugly.
What if I barely ride - do I still need to replace it regularly?
Even with minimal use, materials still age. UV exposure, temperature changes, and general aging of materials occur whether you're riding daily or monthly.
Can I use a bike helmet instead?
No - equestrian helmets are specifically designed for horse-related impacts and meet different safety standards than bike helmets. They're tested for different types of falls and impacts.
Is it worth buying a cheaper helmet if I have to replace it anyway?
Your head is irreplaceable. A quality helmet that meets current safety standards is essential protection, regardless of replacement frequency.
You Might Also Liked Our Article On Horse Riding Hat Standards Then You Might Also Like These
Gilly Davidson
Gilly has run Barnstaple Equestrian Supplies since 2015. Over this time Gilly has built up a wide range of knowledge across many equestrian products.
