Gatehouse

Watching 5* eventing, international showjumping, high profile dressage or your local riding club clinic, you are bound to see Gatehouse riding hats, from skull caps to smart fixed peak riding hats. These riding hats are incredibly popular for good reason, and as official Gatehouse riding hat stockists, we have stocked many models of Gatehouse hats for several years, fitting lots of customers with their perfect hat.

Gatehouse specialises in creating rider safety head protection that is not only lightweight, comfortable and competitively priced but also meets safety standards, having undergone significant testing processes to test its ability to protect the rider’s head. You will find exactly which standards each model of Gatehouse riding helmet adheres to on the product descriptions.

Skull cap riding hats are chosen for their versatility – a skull cap must be worn for cross-country, where fixed peak riding hats are banned, but they are also commonly chosen for all other equestrian activities, looking smart when paired with a hat silk. Gatehouse skull caps tend to have quite a deep fit, feeling very secure over the base of the skull. Some are ventilated, and the obvious benefit of a ventilated skull cap is that the vents help to keep your head cool during ridden activity. Ventilated riding hats are increasingly popular, and although generally a little pricier, tend to be chosen by most riders seeking a comfortable skull cap. The Gatehouse skull caps meet SNELL E2016 and F1163-15 standards, which means they have been tested for their ability to protect against all types of impact, including flat impact, hazard edge impact, spikes, crushes, and secondary impact such as a hoof hitting the rider’s head on falling. These hats are therefore especially popular with eventers, but equally suit leisure riders, giving maximum protection. The SNELL E2016 standard is permitted by all governing bodies for equestrian sport within the UK.

Fixed peak riding hats are chosen for showjumping and dressage, creating a very smart and flattering look while keeping your head protected while riding or handling horses. The peak also keeps the sun out of your eyes, which can be especially helpful when bright arena surfaces reflect the light! Gatehouse fixed peak hats are ventilated for breathability and comfort during riding, featuring an adjustable harness for secure fit under the chin. Many fixed peak riding hats now feature removable liners for ease, and Gatehouse fixed peak riding hats were one of the first to have removable liners. These liners can easily be washed or replaced, and they are quick-drying and moisture-wicking. Gatehouse riding hats are lightweight with a slim profile, and are available at a competitive price point, while maintaining the look of a premium riding hat. In terms of safety, Gatehouse riding hats adhere to PAS 015-2011 which means they have been tested for their ability to help protect against flat impacts, hazard edge impacts, spikes and crushes. This safety standard is permitted by most governing bodies in the UK, including British Showjumping, British Dressage, British Eventing (for the showjumping and dressage phases), British Riding Clubs and the Pony Club. 

Caring for your Gatehouse riding hat is easy – painted surfaces and the harness can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. If your hat has a removable liner, this can be machine washed on a gentle cycle or hand washed and left to dry. The liner must then be secured to the shell of the hat using the hook and loop fastenings before riding in it again. It is important not to soak your riding hat, store it while it is damp, tumble dry the liner or obstruct the vents, as caring for your hat in this way can compromise its function. Avoid using cleaning agents as these are likely to harm the material of your riding hat.

Your Gatehouse riding hat should be stored out of direct sunlight in a dry and cool area in its original bag. Avoid keeping your hat in places where the temperature is extreme, for example in a vehicle on a hot day, as this can negatively affect the material that the hat is made from. Avoid exposing the hat to sprays or solvents including fly spray or sprays for your horse’s coat, as these are likely to damage the outer shell.

Like all riding hats, your Gatehouse riding hat should be replaced after five years or after a fall or impact, whichever happens first. It is important to replace your riding hat after an impact of any kind, even if the hat appears undamaged, as this impact will have been absorbed by the inner shell of the riding hat which then cannot offer the same level of absorption, and therefore protection, again. When a riding hat is over five years old, the protective layers inside the hat may have lost their ability to absorb impact, again meaning the hat will not offer maximum protection in comparison with a new hat.

It is important to get any new riding hat professionally fitted, as different brands’ riding hats are shaped slightly differently to suit different skull shapes. A Gatehouse riding hat may therefore not suit everyone. Many of our team are fully trained in professional riding hat fitting and can help you determine whether a Gatehouse hat is for you by fitting the hat to you in store. Alternatively, if you know what size and model you need, we have a large selection of Gatehouse hats in stock ready for quick dispatch, with express delivery options available – helpful if you need your new hat quickly!

A riding hat is an essential piece of equipment whether you are riding or handling horses, and it is important that your riding hat has been purchased in the last five years and meets current safety standards to guarantee adequate protection. At Houghton Country we stock a huge range of riding hats including skull caps, fixed peak riding hats and velvet riding hats for those who prefer a traditional look!

Looking to upgrade your equestrian safety gear? We have everything you need to stay safe in the saddle, including a range of body protectors, hi-viz clothing and riding boots.

Pop into our Northumberland store for your Gatehouse hat fitting – no need to book an appointment – or contact our knowledgeable team on 01661 853110 for help and advice.