Buying a riding hat.

[OldLadyKnowsNothing]

Hello. I know absolutely nothing about riding gear (or horses, if it comes to that) but my 12 yo niece has asked for a new riding hat for Xmas. I am unable to take her shopping to check fit as she's a 5 hour drive away, so have to buy online, which I realise is less than ideal.

I found an online guide to measuring for a hat, and sent it to my sister, who tells me DN is 54cm.

What else do I need to know?

If you buy online get an adjustable one, e.g. Troxel. Then a self-measurement should be OK. Otherwise I wouldn't risk buying online without trying on. People have different shaped heads and different makes of hat which are nominally the same size can feel quite different.

You say "new" riding hat though - so presumably she is already riding. What activities does she do? If she does e.g. pony club or cross-country or showing, rather than riding at a riding school, this may affect what style of hat is appropriate.

Don't buy one online - there's no way of ensuring it'll fit. Send your sister the money you want to spend. It's very important to get hard hats correctly fitted, they're not a lot of use if they don't fit right!

I think this is where she rides.

I'd tell her to go to shops try different ones on and let you know which one she wants.

I'm a 54 but so many didn't fit right etc. I don't think you can buy one safely without trying on!

You really can't buy hats online unless its one of the adjustable ones. See if a tack shop local to them who does hat fitting will do you a voucher, then she can have it fitted properly - all the brands fit differently

I did wonder about that, Bluestocking, I used to ride motorcycles myself and wouldn't buy a lid online unless I'd already tried one on.

Sorry, so many x-posts!

Would £50 buy a reasonable hat?

Looks like you can get a junior skull for under £50. Could you ask DSis/Niece where their nearest tack shop is and see if you can get a voucher for her to spend there?

I think that might be the best idea. :) Thanks all.

You're a great aunt! It's much nicer to wear your own hat than some manky old stables hat.

Thank you. Just hope she can get something ok for the money, I know it's not a lot for a riding hat but she has four sibs and I try to spend the same on each. :)

Some hats are different shapes too, Charles Owens are oval shaped and Champions are round! I had a Charles Owen that was too tight at the sides yet loose at the front, but my Champion is perfect (both the same size!)