New Safety Top Hat Launched for Dressage Riders

Dressage riders can now look stylish and protect against head injuries when competing at any level with the launch of a new high-tech top hat that meets official safety standards.

 

The hat looks like a standard top hat, but has a crash hat inside and fastens with a chin-strap. It was launched by Dutch hat manufacturers L'Hiver at a trade show at 's-Hertogenbosch (24-27 March).

 

"As far as we are aware this is a world premier," Boy de Winter from L'Hiver told H&H, adding the hats have been approved to meet EN1384 safety standards by assessors TNO and Tüv. "We have taken our first orders and they will be available in June."

 

Mr de Winter reported there has been a lot of interest, from all levels of riders, especially from the USA.

 

"We've been working on the hats for five years, but sped up due to public demand after Courtney King-Dye's accident," Mr de Winter said.

 

Since last month hard hats have been mandatory in all US national dressage competitions and all under-18s must wear an approved helmet at FEI competitions in the US. Adults do not have to wear safety helmets in international classes, although they are "strongly recommended" to do so by the FEI.

 

Source: Amy Mathieson, Horse & Hound news writer