Skull Cap Horse Riding Hats – Stylish Protection for Every Rider 

What is a Skull Cap?

A skull cap – also referred to as a riding skull cap or equestrian skull cap – is a streamlined, brimless helmet designed specifically for horse riding. Its low-profile shape offers maximum coverage and protection, making it a popular choice for cross-country, eventing, and general riding. Unlike traditional peaked helmets, the skull cap sits snugly on the rider’s head and provides a completely unobstructed field of vision.

Why Choose a Riding Skull Cap?

Enhanced Safety

Skull caps meet stringent safety standards such as PAS 015, ASTM, and BSEN1384, with some high-performance models boasting SNELL certification for additional rotational impact protection. If you're unsure what these standards mean or which one is right for your discipline, check out our helpful guide: What Riding Hat Standards Actually Mean – PAS015 Explained.

The peak-free design offers a snug, secure fit that can reduce interference during a fall – making skull caps a trusted choice for high-intensity disciplines like eventing.

Comfort & Fit

Modern skull caps feature ventilation channels, soft padded linings, and adjustable harness systems for a secure, comfortable fit.

Many riders appreciate the deeper fit, especially at the back of the head, offering a sense of increased protection during faster work or uneven terrain.

Choosing the Right Skull Cap Riding Hat

Safety Certifications

If you’re riding competitively or under specific club rules, double-check which standards are required. Many skull caps are certified to multiple safety levels, so you can choose one that matches your riding needs with confidence.

Achieving the Right Fit

Measure around the widest part of your head (just above the eyebrows) using a soft tape to get an accurate starting point.

Your skull cap riding hat should feel snug, not tight, and sit evenly without tipping or rocking. Different brands vary in fit, and some offer oval or round-shaped helmets to suit different head shapes – though not all ranges do, so taking the time to find the right match for your head shape is worthwhile.

If you need help finding the right size or shape, feel free to contact us to speak with one of our trained hat fitting professionals. If you're local, you can also book an in-store fitting appointment with a trusted, trained professional to ensure a safe and comfortable fit.

Personal Style

There are many stylish options in matte, gloss and metallic finishes. Want to match your hat to your riding gear? Choose a fun or smart look with a hat silk or cover – perfect for shows, teams, or riding schools.

Skull Cap vs Peaked Riding Hat

While riding skull caps are essential for high-impact disciplines like cross-country, riders who compete in dressage or showing often opt for more traditional helmets. These peaked styles offer a smart, traditional appearance and are often preferred for disciplines like dressage, showing, and hunting where a classic look is encouraged. Explore the range of peaked riding hats suited to disciplines that value a smart, traditional finish.

Protecting Your Helmet Investment

Once you’ve chosen the perfect skull cap, it’s vital to protect it. Store it in a durable riding hat bag to keep it safe from dust, knocks, and sun damage. Helmets should be stored somewhere dry and cool – and always replaced after a serious fall or after 3–5 years of use.

Whether you’re training at home, heading out on a hack, or competing in British Eventing, a skull cap riding hat is one of the most important safety items in your kit. Offering unbeatable protection, sleek styling, and adaptability across disciplines, a quality equestrian skull cap helps you ride with confidence and comfort.

Explore our full range today and find the perfect fit to suit your riding lifestyle.