Helmets or Top Hats? Issue Not Yet Done With

Supporters of top hats are making a last ditch effort to have the traditional headgear as an option over safety helmets when the International Equestrian Federation’s General Assembly that has the final word meets in Antwerp, Belgium next week.

Although outlawed as of Jan. 1, 2021 and reinforced by the FEI executive board six months later, the European Equestrian Federation has declared its members have shown a preference for restoring top hats as an option for senior and Under-25 competitors in CDI4, CDI5 and championships and games.

So it plans to raise the issue at next week’s annual get-together.

The European federation weighed in after moves by Germany, Austria and the International Dressage Riders Club to put the issue on the agenda.

“The traditional dress code with an elegant hat is a world-renowned recognition feature of Dressage sport,” according to their proposal. “We do not want to give the impression that Dressage sport has become dangerous. We acknowledge the aspect of safety, however we are not aware of any head injuries that have ever occurred to top Athletes during a high-level Dressage competition.

“Therefore, Athletes of the age category U25 and older should have the freedom to decide for themselves whether they want to wear a top hat or a helmet in competition.

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