History of the
Riding Helmet “Every Ride, Every Time.” That’s the motto most of us equestrians live by when it comes to our helmets. Keeping our noggins safe is our number one priority, but that wasn’t always the case. When riding headwear was first introduced two centuries ago, it served one main purpose – fashion. A variety of hats emerged in the 1800s: the top hat and the bowler hat. Foxhunters were fond of wearing these out in the field because they exuded style and class. The top hat, also known as the high hat, silk hat, or chimney pot or stove pipe hat, was invented in 1797. Sometimes called the “topper,” this hat is tall with a flat crown and broad brim. While foxhunters no longer ride to hounds displaying such finery, the top hat is still worn by advanced level dressage riders. The bowler hat, also known as the bob hat, billycock, and most notably, the derby hat, was invented in 1849. With a hard felt shell and a rounded crown, the bowler hat was originally created for the British soldier and politician, Edward Coke. Shortly after the end of the Victorian Era, it became popular in the United Kingdom with middle and upper class equestrians because it looked tasteful and would not blow off easily while riding.
Opposite: “Helen Buchanan,” 1912, from the Harris & Ewing Collection, courtesy of the Library of Congress, Reproduction # LC-DIG-hec-00773; This Page: Top: “Washington Horse Show,” 1914, the National Photo Company, courtesy of the Library of Congress, Reproduction #LC-DIG-npcc-27870, Bottom: “England’s Oldest Hunt, being chapters of the history of the Bilsdale, Farndale and Sinnington Hunts,” 1907, Webster Family Library of Veterinary Medicine, Wikimedia Commons