An equestrian helmet for hacking out is a standard riding helmet worn for a relaxed ride on roads, tracks, and bridleways, chosen for comfort, ventilation, and a secure fit over a longer ride. Hacking out is not a competition, and the helmet does not need to look formal, but the risks are real: traffic, uneven ground, sudden noises, and other animals can all startle a horse. A helmet is worn for the whole ride, from the yard gate to the return home.
Hacking out is one of the most popular forms of riding. It may be a short ride around the block, a longer ride through woods and fields, or a ride with friends along a bridleway. The pace is usually a walk or a trot, with a canter on a safe stretch, and the rider may meet cars, cyclists, dogs, and farm machinery along the way. The horse is not in a ring, so the rider cannot control everything around them, and a helmet is the simplest protection for the head.
What Is Hacking Out?
Hacking out means riding out from the yard for pleasure, rather than for a lesson or a competition. The route may follow quiet lanes, bridleways, tracks, and fields, and it may include road crossings, gates, and bridges. The rider may ride alone or with a group, and the ride may last for half an hour or for several hours.
The horse may be calm and steady, but even a quiet horse can shy at a plastic bag, a sudden noise, or a vehicle passing close by. A horse that shies may jump sideways, stop suddenly, or spin round, and the rider may lose their balance. On a road, a fall can mean landing on tarmac, and on a track it can mean landing on stones or roots. A helmet helps protect the head in each of these cases.
What Should a Hacking Helmet Be Like?
A hacking helmet should be comfortable for a long ride. That means a light weight, good ventilation, and a soft lining that does not press or rub. On a warm day, a helmet with vents lets air flow through and helps keep the rider cool, and a lining that wicks sweat is more comfortable than one that holds moisture. A helmet that feels good is one the rider will keep on for the whole ride.
The helmet should also be practical. A peak helps keep sun and light rain out of the eyes, and a helmet with a washable lining is easier to keep fresh after a sweaty ride. Some riders prefer a helmet with a slightly larger peak for hacking, because it gives more shade on a sunny day. Others prefer a low-profile helmet that fits easily under a hat or a hood in cold weather.
Fit is still the most important thing. A hacking helmet should sit level, feel snug all round, and stay in place when the rider looks around, checks traffic, or turns in the saddle. The chin strap should fasten securely and sit close under the chin, and the helmet should not rock forward or back when the horse moves.
Do You Need a Different Helmet for Hacking and Competing?
In general terms, no — one well-fitting riding helmet can be used for hacking, lessons, and competition, as long as it meets the standard required for each activity. Many riders use the same helmet for everything, and that is fine if the helmet is in good condition and fits well.
Some riders do own two helmets: a smart, traditional helmet for shows, and a more ventilated, practical helmet for hacking. That can work well, because the hacking helmet can be washed and aired more often, while the show helmet stays smart. It also means the rider always has a spare if one helmet is drying after a wash or is being checked after a fall.
If you own only one helmet, choose one that suits your most common ride. If you hack out most days and compete only rarely, a comfortable, ventilated helmet is the better choice. If you compete often, a traditional helmet that looks smart in the ring may suit you better. Either way, the helmet must meet the required standard and fit well.
What Should You Look for When Choosing One?
Start with fit and the standard. Try on several helmets to find the shape that suits your head, and check the label inside to see which standard it meets. If you ride at a riding school, check the school’s rules, and if you compete, check the competition rules. A helmet that does not meet the required standard may not be accepted.
Next, think about ventilation and weight. A light helmet with good airflow is more comfortable on a long hack, especially in warm weather. Try the helmet on for a few minutes in the shop, and move your head around to see if it stays in place. A helmet that feels heavy or hot in the shop will feel worse after an hour on a horse.
If you are learning about how helmets handle different kinds of impact, reading about what MIPS is for helmets can help you understand one of the technologies used in modern helmet design. Some hacking helmets include this kind of system, and knowing about it can help you compare helmets when you shop.
How Do You Care for a Hacking Helmet?
Store the helmet in a cool, dry place, in a helmet bag or a box, away from sunlight and heat. Do not leave it in a hot car, in a damp tack room, or hanging by its chin strap. A hacking helmet gets used often, so it is worth looking after it well, so that it keeps its fit and its shape.
Clean the shell with a soft, damp cloth after a dusty or muddy ride, and let it dry naturally. If the lining is removable, wash it according to the maker’s instructions and let it dry fully before you put it back. A clean lining is more comfortable and helps the helmet fit as it should. Do not use harsh cleaners, and do not put the helmet in a washing machine.
Check the helmet before every ride. Look for cracks, dents, or soft spots, and check that the strap, buckle, and fitting system still work. After any fall where your head hits the ground, have the helmet checked and, in general terms, replace it, even if the damage is not visible. The liner inside can be damaged in ways you cannot see from the outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to wear a helmet for hacking out?
A: Yes, in general terms. Most riding schools and clubs require a helmet for hacking, and it is sensible to wear one even on a quiet ride, because a horse can shy without warning.
Q: Can I wear a skull cap for hacking out?
A: Yes, in general terms, as long as it fits well and meets the required standard. Many riders prefer a helmet with a fixed peak for hacking, because it gives shade from sun and light rain.
Q: How do I know if my hacking helmet still fits?
A: It should sit level, feel snug all round without a painful pressure point, and stay put when you shake your head. If it has become loose or tight, or if the lining is worn, have the fit checked.
Olivia
Writer at Helmet Today, covering helmet reviews, fit and riding safety.
