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Discuss horse riding and ownership on our Horse forum.

Original poster

Riding helmet for children, any recommendations?

20 replies

MmeLindt · 16/03/2009 12:54

Our DC have recently taken up riding and have until now borrowed the helmets from the riding school.

Since they started riding, we have had nits twice and while it may be a coincidence, I would like to buy them their own helmets.

Can anyone recommend a helmet that I can order online?

I had looked at Decathlon, they had one that was adjustable from 48 - 51 cm but is no longer available. Tesco online also do an adjustable one, but do not state the size. Does anyone have one?

I don't want to spend a fortune as they are just starting out and might decide that they prefer ballet or football at some point. DD is almost 7yo but small for her age, DS is 4.5yo.

Oh, a great advantage would be if the shop would post to Switzerland or Germany, but I can get it delivered to my parents in Scotland if need be.

Thanks.

OP posts:
seeker · 16/03/2009 12:56

Don't buy online - sorry. They have to be properly fitted. Go to the nearest tack shop, or ask at the stables where they ride. They'll know the best place locally.

Original poster
MmeLindt · 16/03/2009 13:01

Ah, bum.

The only shops that I have found here are mega-expensive ones, they cost at least 80chf (almost £50)

The other children all have the now discontinues Decathlon ones.

Will have a look in France, perhaps they will have cheaper options.

OP posts:
seeker · 16/03/2009 13:07

They cost about £40 in the UK, I'm afraid! Could you go to a shop and get one fitted, then say you need to think about it and try and get the same one on line for less? Or is it only me that's cheeky enough to do stuff like that?!

Original poster
MmeLindt · 16/03/2009 13:16

Oh, I did not realise that they are that expensive there.

I am really kicking myself for not getting the Decathlon ones earlier.

Will head into town and try some on. I have not found many online suppliers here, maybe the Swiss don't order things like this online.

Thanks.

OP posts:
Pixel · 16/03/2009 23:55

Tesco have got these on special offer atm. Are they the ones you saw? If they've got any in the store next time I'm in there I could have a look and see if there is any more information about sizes on the box. Actually I'm considering getting ds one as he has almost outgrown his current hat and these have a kitemark so should be ok. He's outgrown his boots as well, awkward child, so I won't be wanting to spend a fortune on a hat either!

Original poster
MmeLindt · 17/03/2009 08:21

Thanks, Pixel. I managed to find the ones we wanted in France, just have to hope that they will send them over to us.

OP posts:
seeker · 17/03/2009 08:52

PLEASE get them fitted properly! A badly fitting hat is worse than useless - quite a minor fall can end up with a broken nose, for example, if the hat slips forward. I really know what I'm talking about!

Original poster
MmeLindt · 17/03/2009 09:03

We did get them fitted, by the horse riding teacher. One of the other girls had the Decathlon helmet and my DC tried it on. She showed us how to adjust the straps etc. That was why I was so annoyed that we could not get them, as they were perfect for both DC. Sorry, I did not make that clear.

I will ask her to check them once we get them to make sure I have adjusted them correctly.

Thanks for your help, Seeker.

OP posts:
seeker · 17/03/2009 14:03

Sorry -I see that you're doing all the right things. I'll get off my hobby-horse (I haven't got my hat on anyway!)

Hope you get the hats.

stealthsquiggle · 17/03/2009 14:10

oooh - has anyone tried those Tesco ones? Pixel did you manage to check them out?

DS is growing out of his (nearly £50 ) one and mine is still too big for him and I really don't want to spend another £50 (and yes, seeker, I hear what you are saying - DS's teacher is qualified to fit them and very firm about them being correctly fitted)

Original poster
MmeLindt · 17/03/2009 14:42

Seeker

I had no idea that this hobby would be quite so expensive.

I have now had an email from Decathlon saying that the hats are not in stock and will not be coming back into stock so we will have to go for the dearer ones in the store.

Hope that DS doesn't decide that he would prefer not to go horseriding after all.

OP posts:
stealthsquiggle · 17/03/2009 14:46

'scuse me, MmeL, may I hijack your thread to re-ask if anyone has bought those cheap hats from Tesco and whether they are any good?

Original poster
MmeLindt · 17/03/2009 14:48

Ask away, I would be interested in them too if I could not let the DC try them on.

Although at that price, it would almost be worth getting mum to send them over and if they don't fit, then flog them here on ebay.

OP posts:
Themasterandmargaritas · 17/03/2009 14:50

I have used www.rideaway.co.uk before and they have been great. Mme Lindt, could you do what i do and order them, send them to your parents just before you visit so that if they don't fit they can be sent back?

They have Polly Hatz for kids, which is the same as dd has, adjustable etc, for £23. Mine cost almost £50 here in Kenya

Original poster
MmeLindt · 17/03/2009 14:53

M&M
Oh, that is fab. Might be worth waiting for.

OP posts:
Pixel · 17/03/2009 20:17

I went in Tesco today and had a look at the hats. The junior size pollyhat is 52-55cm and they were only £10 in a clearance sale so I got one for ds. I'm now wondering if it's labelled wrongly or if the sizes are really out as it fits me rather well! (I'm usually 6 and 7/8ths). Ds has ASD and objected strongly to trying on a hat that looks different to his velvet one so I haven't yet managed to find out if it does go down small enough for him to wear. If not, I'll have it for myself for the summer .

I'm sure the pollyhats are actually pretty good. My friend loves hers even though she works on a saddlery stall going round all the big shows and with her huge staff discount could have practically any hat she wanted. They also have the kitemark as well as the BS EN 1384 standard which is more than my much more expensive Harry Hall hat does. (I bought it at Hickstead last year as it is a lovely fit and I've always seen Harry Hall as a trusted brand but have only recently found out that it doesn't reach the standard required for pony club and other things.)

Pixel · 17/03/2009 20:24

Robinsons catalogue has hats for £22 that go down to small sizes, if you want the traditional looking velvet hat.

Original poster
MmeLindt · 17/03/2009 20:28

I have ordered them from the website that M&M linked to, they are the same ones that Tesco is selling but a smaller size.

I like the look of the velvet hats but some of the other children had them last year and they were sweltering under them in the summer. We get over 30°C here.

I am waiting to hear from the website if they will send them here to me or if I will have to get them sent to my parent's house. Whatever way, I will get the teacher to check them first before the DC use them. Should be ok as they are adjustable.

OP posts:
Butkin · 18/03/2009 11:00

DD has had Champion skull caps since she was 2.5 and is now on her 3rd one. They are an approved standard for Pony Club etc.

She is professionally measured for each one as it is so important to fit correctly as it is more than likely they will fall off!

Too small and they will be uncomfortable and too big and they will be useless.

I agree that having them measured, making an excuse and trying to then buy on line would be an option over here.

They are usually about 45 pounds.

DD also has a Charles Owen show hat - now they are truly expensive!

sykes · 18/03/2009 11:08

Ignore the look of them you want properly fitted skull caps. You have to for pony club and they are widely acknowledged as just safer. Then get a silk in your children's favourite colour/s.

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