Riding hat for 4 year old

[Somanyillustrations]

My DD is pottering about on one of our old 13hh a couple of times a week now, and has outgrown her size 00 hat. Any thoughts on adjustable helmets? Recommendations for where to buy? Also, body protectors, as she managed a couple of strides of canter this week didn't know Dpony had it in her!

I have no idea on adjustable hats, we have always had hats fitted properly even though they only last six months max and seem a complete waste of nearly £70, but they are obviously not!

Body protectors last a bit longer so don't seem so bad, my daughter's first one lasted three years.

I once had a bleed on my brain from the most innocuous fall. Riding the last half mile home on the buckle after a long ride, my horse put her off fore in a sink hole which was covered in grass, fell onto her knees and I fell off from half height. Bang to my head that I wasn't even aware of at the time, three hours later I was admitted to hospital for three days of observation - a small bleed showed up on the scans.

A decent hat is non-negotiable in my view. I would just go for the safest hat possible and wave goodbye to lots of ££ over the next couple of years. I think we are on hat number 5 here aged 8.

Have you got a decent saddlery anywhere nearby, hats especially need to be tried on/fitted.

Thanks lavender, that was my gut feeling too. No doubt if she gets very interested the cost of hats will be a mere drop in the ocean...

DD started riding at 2 and then she just had a cycle helmet. When her head was big enough (3?) she went on to Champion Junior crash hat and now wears Charles Owen.

Should have said I was wearing a hat when I had a bleed on the brain, I always have a pro jockey skull ... at walk, could happen to anyone.

Somany it seems like a waste of money I know but it isn't and you are right, a complete drop in the ocean.

It doesn't have to be an expensive hat it just needs to conform to current PAS standard and be correctly fitted - this is the most important thing - I wouldn't have an adjustable one for a child.

An ill fitting hat can be more dangerous than no hat at all (I am qualified fitter for hats and BP's) there is one shop in particular that fills me with horror (thing big sports chain) that sells hats and you see parents trying them on and 'leaving room to grow' my DP has to tell me to walk away at times - you cannot leave any room to grow in a child's hat it must be perfect.

BP's you have a bit more give with as they can be very adjustable and you can get away with a bit of growing room.

Different styles for different head shapes as well - I get on better with more 'showing' type oval hats than round jockey skulls.

Where I used to work we wouldn't actually sell a hat without the person being there to fit it on. If it was for a present we would so a voucher for them to come back so we could fit it.