Gatehouse Jeunesse Velvet Riding Hat

How your riding hat should fit

The hat must not be loose: excess forward or backward movement is not acceptable. It should cover as much of the forehead as possible without limiting your vision, and once fitted it should not be possible to rotate or push it out of place.

Fasten the harness by inserting one end of the strap into the other and pulling to make sure the buckle is fully engaged. The buckle should sit flat at the side of the face or under the chin, adjusted to be comfortable but firm, with as little gap as possible between the straps and the side of your head.

Dial-adjust hats: open the dial fully before putting the hat on, then tighten it until the hat is comfortably locked in place and cannot move back and forth without gently moving your scalp. Undo the dial when taking it off.

Jockey skulls are sized by number: 0 = 53cm, 0.5 = 54cm, 1 = 55cm and so on, up to 4.5 = 62cm. Many Gatehouse stockists offer free, professional hat fitting.

Cleaning

Wipe painted surfaces with mild soap and warm water, then dry with a soft cloth. Do not soak. Clean webbing harnesses with a damp cloth and keep the vents clear. The comfort liner can be hand washed or machine washed on a gentle cycle and line dried (never tumble dried); refit it securely before use.

When to replace your hat

Always replace a hat after any impact. With normal use, professionals riding every day should replace theirs every 1 to 2 years, and leisure riders every 3 to 5 years, checking the harness, lining and shell regularly for wear.

Storage

Store in a clean, dry, cool place out of direct sunlight, away from extreme heat such as a hot car. Keep away from solvents, cleaning products, adhesives, paints and fly sprays, which can damage the finish.