Best Riding Hats for Showjumping

In the realm of horse riding, prioritising safety is paramount. Whether you’re preparing to accompany your horse or pony to a nearby show for a round of clear jumping, or aiming to refresh your equestrian attire before your upcoming British Showjumping affiliated affair, one item reigns supreme – the riding hat.

Contained within this comprehensive guide are a variety of riding hats, spanning diverse styles. These selections are not only fitting for training sessions in the sand school but also ideal for adorning during affiliated Showjumping events, ranging from grassroots competitions to international spectacles. Delve into our top recommendations for the finest riding hats tailored for the art of showjumping.

The best riding hats for Showjumping in 2024 as rated by World Horse Hub

Uvex Exxential Unisex

Colour: Black, Mocca, Grey, Navy | Size: 52 – 61cm

This wonderful unisex hat by German manufacturer Uvex is the perfect companion whether you’re competing in affiliated or unaffiliated Showjumping. Available in either black, blue, grey or Mocca (brown) no matter if you’re trying to match your jacket, you can be sure you’ll find the best colour to suit your needs.

This offering from Uvex also comes in a variety of sizes from 52-61cm. The outer shell is made of Polycarbonate which delivers a lightweight feel while wearing it, with a weight of just 430g this is probably the lightest riding hat you will ever wear. Of course, safety is the most important and this riding hat from Uvex has a maximum impact strength thanks to the inseparably joined shell of the EPS inner layer and the polycarbonate outer layer, thanks to its optimum adaptation to the circumference and the shape of your head via the adjustable Uvex IAS 3.0 system including height adjustment makes this the number 1 riding hat in our guide.

John Whitaker Competition VX2

Colour: Black, Navy | Size: S, M, L

If you’re a showjumper then it’s probably very likely you have heard of John Whitaker, well now is the chance to own something of his, or his brand at least! This riding hat makes sure to look stylish when you tackle your next jump-off, but we can’t promise it will make you ride like John!

Offered in either Black or Navy this stylish riding hat offers a touch of bling with a centre silver column and silver side accents that will really show off your fashion when you are suited and booted for competition. This riding hat only weighs 600 grams and is made of Polycarbonate and can be fitted via a dial-to-fit system located at the back of the riding hat, and while things might get tough in the ring or hot under the collar, it won’t get warm under the hat thanks to its moisture-wicking lining that keeps the sweat away.

Champion CPX Supreme

Colour: Black, Navy | Size: 52 – 60cm

If you often find yourself in the show ring and also competing in Showjumping then you need a riding hat to look smart in and have a hat that suits both the show environment and the jump-off, that’s where this wonderful Champion CPX Supreme riding hat comes into its own. Offered in Navy Blue with a leather strap and PAS 015: 2011; VG1. Shock-absorbing peak and being British Kitemarked you can be sure you can wear this hat at your local riding club show, HOYS or RIHS qualifiers.

Offering a slim profile with an injection moulded ABS shell covered in the finest quality velvet with a four-point padded flesh colour harness in super soft leather with rear lacing adjustment means no matter what the weather you will always feel great wearing it.

Shires Karben Valentina

Colour: Silver, Coal, Navy, Rose Gold | Size: 53-55cm, 56-58cm, 59-61cm

If you are looking for a bit more glam with your next riding hat to wear while competing in Showjumping, or even in that phase of your Eventing career. The Shires Karben Valentina riding hat brings the bling to the equestrian world with wonderful high-shine accents running throughout the centre of the riding hat and supporting a contrasting logo just above the peak.

Available in a range of colour options including Coal with black shimmer, Navy Blue with silver shimmer and Navy with rose gold shimmer (this is our favourite). Sizes start from 53cm and go all the way up to 61cm and each riding hat can be adjusted for that perfect fit via an adjustable dial at the back. But these riding hats don’t just make you look cool in the ring, they help you keep cool with a thermoregulating lining along with front and rear vents you can be sure you will never get a hot or itchy head again.

But, if things do get a little bit sweaty underneath the Shires Karben Valentina riding hat features a removable lining that is machine washable, so you will never have to “air” your hat again – we have all been there at one point! The safety standards are BSI tested to PAS015:2011 for confidence and also feature the BSI Kitemark for peace of mind knowing you or your little ones are safe and secure within these wonderful-looking hats.

HKM Carbon Art

Colour: Black | Size: XS, S/M, L/XL

Now it’s not often you get style or Carbon fibre style within a cheaper riding hat, let alone both, so this wonderful riding hat from HKM provides style and fashion in an affordable package. It is available in Black and wouldn’t look out of place in the ring.

The HKM Carbon Art is fully adjustable and comes in sizes XS, S/M, and L-XL and features good ventilation and a material chinstrap. To keep costs down HKM has not used true carbon fibre, but more a style of it and while this riding hat complies with VG1 01.040 2014-12 it is not BSI Kitemarked. However, if you are just getting into horse riding and are looking for a good solution to get you more involved in the sport this is a great entry-level to the more costly alternative.

Charles Owen Hampton

Colour: Black, Navy | Size: 6.3/4, 6.5/8, 6.7/8, 7.1/8

If you want a riding hat that screams classic design with elegant features then the Hampton by Charles Owen is the perfect choice for anyone wanting to have that classic style when you’re competing in Showjumping, this riding hat will never look out of place.

Black or Navy are your colour options and they come within a range of sizes to suit everyone. Covered in Italian velvet and featuring a flattering low profile style and wonderful soft nylon tan 4-point chinstrap, everything about this hat screams luxury and classic style, but it also features a Kitemark to PAS015:2011 and certified by SEI to ASTM F1163.

If this has been helpful why not take a look at some of our other guides that can point you in the right direction when looking for the best riding hats for any discipline, maybe your looking for some of the best budget gloves to use around the yard or looking for the best heavyweight turnout to keep your horse as dry as possible, better yet why not take a look at our best coat shine sprays to make your horse look a million dollars after their roll in the field. If those aren’t click-worthy take a look at our world-class equestrian news.