Having a bit of a night mare gettng a straight answer from my insurance company.

So far if I have a fall and not wearing a hard had just my stetson my insurance is void full stop.

So after loking at the troxell hats they are now saying that if they dont meet certain british standards they may still void my insurance if I have a fall or only pay out 50% of the claim.

After asking what standard the hat needs to make they dont know !!!!

How can they say whats covered and whats not when they dont know. Been on the BETA site and this is what it says.

Who will allow Which Hat?
The British Horse Society recommends: BS PAS 015 1998
BS EN 1384
ASTMF 1163 95
The British Horse Trials Association recommends: PAS 015 1998
BS ASTM 1163 95
But they will accept: BS EN 1384
SEI Snell E95
SEI ASTM 95
Aust/New Zealand SNZ 3838 1998

As the troxell hat I am looking at has ASTM/SEI certified protection, surley my insurance cant say they wont cover it as its BHS reconised.

Has any one else had this problem ?

I know most people dont wear a hard hat in western but I would rather be safe than risk a nasty acident.

Uhh soon we will have to dress like an event rider.. you know body armor that looks like someting a riot cop wears... however I do think its a good idea to wear a hard hat for schooling a youngster or riding on the road

Who is your insurer.

I am a insurance broker (please don't groan) and can have a look through the policy wording for you to see if they ACTUALLY CAN throw out a claim.

I know you could probably have a look yourself but I know means and ways around things!!

Apparently they now sell riding hats, stetsons and specialised body armour with fitted airbags to comply to the fluffy nanny state requirements
....Schooling and road use, yes wear a hard hat, but sometimes its good to take the false comfort zone away, the feeling of mortality will make you a more responsive rider.
look out that's going to stir the hornets nest !

I have just been asked by the yard owner where I keep my horse to ride with a hat on if there are people about but if I'm on my own it's ok to go hatless!!! Not sure there is any sense in that....
I am thinking of getting a Troxell hat but had one a few years ago and found that it didn't fit that well. I think they have changed the designs since then but now can't find anyone in my area who stocks them so I can try one on!

I got my lovely pink Troxel from Robinsons. I couldn't get it locally as it doesn't comply with Pony Club! Wore it all the time at camp specially as it now matches my hair!

Also think it's great riding without a hat.