hi guys, looking for advice but not exactly dressage. I’m needing a new navy velvet hat for showing horses in the UK and looking for advice on what you think is the best one. I have quite a round head which also makes it hard to find nice ones that fit. TIA
Do people still wear velvet helmets?
These days I see matte and suede finish but not much velvet in certified helmets.
I’m not sure what’s available in Britain but helmet fitting really needs to be done in person. Get yourself to a big tack store and try on everything.
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Charles Owen Hampton or Wellington. Luciana Dinez and I still wear velvet helmets :lol::lol::lol: specifically these ones
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Do you need an approved one or just a “hunt cap”? I know breed show riders in Canada/US, can just wear a hunt cap, which is for fashion only and doesn’t have a harness. As they are thinner, they can mold a bit to a head. If you don’t want the harness/safety helmet, google “Navy hunt cap” to get results in your area.
I wear a black velvet hat for competing. I think it looks less obtrusive with my black Pikeur jacket.
I got a cheap Dublin one (99AUD) with the new certification required by Equestrian Australia from 1/1/18- but I wanted a Charles Owen or Samshield Shadowmat.! I like the price here and that there are no obvious logos, badges or other distractions on this one.
https://www.horseland.com.au/dublin-…t-4404660.html
This is the Charles Owen Fiann - which is very classic.
https://www.horseland.com.au/charles…an-helmet.html
for daily training its my old Dublin Airation. It gets hot here. ddx
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Are stretchy “velvet” helmet covers available? Similar to the colored helmet covers event riders wear? Would that do?
you can get the covers but traditionally in the uk you were velvet hats for showing. I did have a just togs child’s one that fitted perfectly but just wondering what is out there before I get another one.
they are quite popular in the uk for showing
thankyou! I did have a Just togs one but just wondering what’s out there before I buy the same one again.
Thankyou! I did have a just togs one but just wondering what’s out there before I get the same one. The problem is that my head is quite round and most of the elvet ones are quite oval and make my head hurt when I’m in the show ring
Charles Owens Hampton! Love mine, and the navy looks sharp. I wear it everyday, no cover, and the velvet has held up beautifully.
Edited to add: I have the round shape CO Hampton, and it’s the first helmet to ever really fit my circle head.
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Charles Owens makes a lovely navy velvet helmet. I’m in the US and the trend is for the suede helmets. But I think the velvet adds a touch of class. There are not many things better than blue velvet.
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Put your question on the Horse & Hound forum and you will have a response from a lot of people who show in the UK. However, if you go into any good tack shop there will be an experienced fitter and a range of styles to try on. And you will have fun!
Yes- check with Charles Owen. Their “round fit” shape is new and isn’t stocked everywhere, but it’s helpful for those who want a CO helmet but have a round head.
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Thanks everyone!
You will find some nice models available in the UK that are not sold in the US. Buy one when you get there.
I reside in Canada and wear a Charles Owen Hampton black velvet helmet. And I show in “hunterland”. I think I am probably the only one I know that has not purchased the newer styled plastic looking ones but I just love the traditional look of a black velvet helmet for showing! Very classy. Just watch…they will come back into fashion with time. 
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I thought I might be crazy for getting a velvet one as well; I got a CO Hampton but I just LOVE it, and when I went to a show recently there were actually quite a few people who had them so maybe velvet is coming back! I just think you cant go wrong with classic!
Edwina Tops, Luciana Dinaz, still rocking the velvet. I feel like Athena Onassis still is also. Fairly fashionable ladies.
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IRH also makes a velvet helmet-the Medalist. It is inexpensive compared to their more fashionable plastic-y helmets but still SEI and ASTM safety certified. I like IRH because they are sized instead of a dial adjustment and I can get one to fit my pin head without looking as if I am balancing a pot on my head! Unfortunately they only come in black.
