Charlotte's hat.

[bonzo77]

Charlotte Dujardin is the only dressage rider I've seen wearing a helmet instead of a top hat. I think it's great. I know traditionally above a certain level the rules always used to be top hat only. Why the change in the rule and why is she the only one?

[bonzo77]

I think they're for safety for everyone. Not just those who have already had a head injury. Are there any moves to get everyone to wear a helmet at all levels for all events?

[BlueChampagne]

Clare Balding ‏@clarebalding1

Charlotte Dujardin on why she wears a crash hat rather than top hat - she had a fall & fractured her skull so it?s for safety

[CMOTDibbler]

Having had a life changing riding accident when schooling on the flat, I'd never, ever ride without one (was wearing body protector and hat at the time). Not that getting to Advanced was ever going to be an issue !

[BlueChampagne]

Thanks CMOT I was wondering that too. Have been out of dressage for a few years, and never got above elementary anyway!

[bonzo77]

Thanks for the info. It makes me crazy that top levels riders (and the queen) would ride without them. But then I wear mine on the ground too when leading or lunging.

[CMOTDibbler]

They changed the rules last year/early this year to allow crash hats in Advanced and above, and made them compulsory for under 21s.
I think Laura started wearing them all the time after that US dressage rider was brain damaged, and Carl Hester also wears them in Grand Prix.

Bloomin good thing too - you never know when something might happen