Horse riding is by its very nature a risky sport and the equestrian community is sadly all too familiar with accidents in which riders have sustained injuries in falls.  Whilst the most fortunate riders have suffered nothing more than minor bruising from falling off their horse, many others have sustained broken bones or even more serious injuries in their riding career.

When we get into the saddle, we accept the risks that come with sitting on a heavy, powerful animal at potentially high speeds.  Despite the fact that there may not be all that much we can do to reduce the risk of falling off, there is much which can be done to prevent or lessen injury.  This is the reason why riding hats and body protectors are mandatory in eventing and other horse riding disciplines.

One of the foremost manufacturers of riding safety equipment in the UK is Charles Owen.  This company has been making riding hats for British riders for almost one hundred years, but their emphasis on using the finest materials and most up-to-date designs has not changed.  The firm is truly passionate about creating the very best equipment so as to give riders the very best protection in the event of a fall. 

How Charles Owen hats work
Charles Owen takes into account the most recent developments in medicine and brain injury prevention when designing its riding hats.  This knowledge can lead to both minor adjustments and revolutionary changes being made in designs in order to ensure that every Charles Owen riding hat offers the ultimate protection. 

When a new Charles Owen riding hat is in the making, it will be tested by both dummies and professional riders.  This is because the company believes that whilst dummies are a useful guide, there is nothing that can replicate testing by human beings in the field.  It is this combination of mock and real tests which has lead Charles Owen riding hats to be considered as amongst the safest yet most comfortable helmets out there.

Charles Owen hats have a microscopic lining which resembles bubble wrap on a very small scale.  When there is an impact, these tiny bubbles of air burst.  This absorbs the shock which would otherwise have travelled through to a rider's head, possibly causing a head or brain injury.  It is because these bubbles burst that it is so important that a Charles Owen hat is replaced if it is worn in a fall or accidentally dropped on the ground. 

The Charles Owen helmets are also designed to have a hard shell with a large surface area.  This is so that in a fall, an impact will be spread over a much larger load bearing area instead of one specific spot.  Together with the bursting bubbles, this means that the impact to the head is much less forceful and should be less damaging.

Stay safe with a Charles Owen hat from Dogwood
At Dogwood, we take pride in the fact our collection boasts nothing but the finest in riding equipment and horse tack.  Every product you see in the Dogwood collection has been handpicked because of its exceptional qualities, and it is for this reason we have included many Charles Owen riding hats. 

The Charles Owen GR8 hat is probably the best known of all the range, and is worn by professionals and leisure riders alike.  Gently shaped for an attractive look and as comfortable as anything, this is a tried and tested favourite.  Other favourite models of Charles Owen hat include the H2000 hat, the John Whitaker II and of course, the Charles Owen Young Riders Hat for junior enthusiasts of equestrian sport.

If you would like further information about any Charles Owen riding hat or indeed any other product featured by Dogwood, please telephone us on 0845 30 10 365.