Horse Riding Hat
What You Need to Know To Choose The Right Look
Your horse riding hat or western hat is the crowning piece to your
ensemble when you enter the show ring. They come in a variety of sizes
and colors so choosing one can be a little difficult.
Below we will take a look at the western hat, the different types of
western hat, how to best color match to your show outfit, and how to
care for your hat. If you have any questions about this process, this
article can help to answer some of them.
The Western Hat
The western horse riding hat is the type of hat you picture when you
think of a cowboy or cowgirl aboard a horse. A true symbol of the west
and western style. It is also a piece of western show clothing that is
required for showing in classes such as western pleasure and
horsemanship.
The western hat is built with a higher crown and wider brim. According
to the history of the western hat, the broader brim served to provide
some shade from the sun. The high crown provided insulation to a rider
on horseback.

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Different Types
Modern western horse riding hats are made of a fur-based felt, straw,
and sometimes leather. You will definitely notice that felt hats are
the most commonly used at horse shows.
You might see straw hats being used, but when showing in more
competitive shows felt hats are the norm for western pleasure,
horsemanship, trail, and western riding.
You will see more straw hats being used in some halter and games
classes such as barrel racing and pole bending, but not always.
The felt hats are easier to shape for showing and come in a wider
variety of colors. They also add a classy and clean look to your
overall appearance in the show ring.
Color Matching
You can find western horse riding hats in almost any color under the
sun. However, just because you can find it doesn't mean you should buy
it and wear it in the show ring.
If you have a red colored outfit or rail shirt, you don't want to top
it off with a red western hat. Your best bet is to stick with neutral
colors.
There are a variety of beiges, tans, and creams to choose from. You
also can find the ever popular black hat and even shades of white. The
lighter color hats require a little more care so as not to get it dirty
when putting it on and taking it off.
Keep in mind the shade of your skin tone and make sure to choose as
shade that compliments you as well as your outfit.
Care & Shape
Your horse riding hat will need care to maintain its condition and
shape. How well you care for your hat will has a direct influence in
how long it lasts you.
You may want to invest in a hat box or carrier which will serve to
protect your hat and help it keep clean and shaped. You also want your
horse riding hat cleaned on regular intervals especially during show
season.
Having your hat shaped regularly is also very important. Shaping is
where steam is used to place creases in the brim of the hat to give it
a crisper look for showing. Some felt hats will also hold their shape
better than others.