The Best Equestrian Sun Hats for Show Days (and Every Barn Day in Between)
If you ride, you already know the sun hits different at the barn. Between long show mornings, hours at ringside, and afternoons schooling outside, your face and scalp soak up more UV exposure than most people realize. A great equestrian sun hat isn’t just a cute accessory — it’s performance gear that protects your skin, keeps you cooler, and finishes your look like a pro.
So how do you choose the right one?
Below is a rider-approved guide to finding the best sun hat for equestrian life — whether you’re headed to a hunter/jumper show, a schooling day at home, or a tailgate with friends.
Why Riders Need Real Sun Protection (Not Just “A Hat”)
Most standard fashion hats aren’t designed for the way riders live:
they’re too floppy or too stiff
they don’t breathe in heat and humidity
they blow off in wind
they lack true UV protection
they don’t work with show-day hair (hello bun)
The right equestrian hat needs to be functional first — while still looking elevated enough for showgrounds, hospitality tents, and post-ride brunch.
Here’s what matters most.
What to Look for in a Great Equestrian Sun Hat
1. UPF Protection That’s Actually Rated
Not all hats offer the same UV protection. Look for a UPF 50+ rating, which blocks about 98% of UV rays. That’s hugely important during long outdoor days where sunscreen alone isn’t enough.
Pro tip: hats with wider brims provide better facial and neck coverage, especially at midday shows.
2. A Secure Fit for Wind, Walking, and Ringside Chaos
Showgrounds are windy. Barn aisles are busy. And you’re constantly moving — between stalls, warm-up rings, vendors, and friends.
A good sun hat should stay on your head without constant readjusting. Features like:
hidden adjustable interior ties
structured but flexible crowns
lightweight materials that don’t shift
make a huge difference in comfort and confidence.
3. Breathable Materials That Don’t Trap Heat
If you’ve ever worn a heavy hat on a July weekend show, you know how miserable it can get.
Look for hats designed with:
lightweight straw or woven natural fibers
airflow through the crown
trim that’s decorative and functional
Breathable hats lower perceived temperature and help prevent headaches and fatigue from heat exposure.
4. Brim Shape That Matches Your Riding Life
Different equestrian days call for different brim styles:
Wide flat brim (classic derby style)
Best for: hunter/jumper shows, VIP tents, long ringside days
Why: maximum shade + timeless show aesthetic
Fedora or sculpted brim
Best for: casual riding days, clinics, travel
Why: structured and polished without being formal
Visor styles
Best for: quick hacks, schooling, hot weather barn chores
Why: sporty, breathable, and easy to toss on
Think of brim shape as a tool — not just a look.
Show-Day Styling: How Riders Wear Sun Hats Now
Modern equestrian fashion is all about being effortless and functional. Riders are pairing sun hats with:
tailored show-grounds outfits
airy dresses + boots
linen sets for warm weather circuits
denim + button-downs for casual barn days
And the best hats are the ones you can wear all day without feeling like you’re in costume.
If you want a hat that looks right at home next to the ring and also at dinner afterward, go for a clean silhouette with distinctive trim — subtle, but special.
The Riata Difference: The Original Equestrian Sun Hat
Riata Designs hats were created specifically for equestrian life — not adapted from generic fashion styles. That’s why riders love them for show circuits, barn days, and everything in between.
Each hat is made to give you:
UPF-rated sun protection
secure fit that stays on
breathable comfort in heat
timeless equestrian style
custom trim options for personal flair
If you’ve ever struggled to find a hat that feels made for your world, this is exactly why Riata exists.
👉 Shop the Riata collection here
FAQs Riders Ask Before Buying a Sun Hat
“Will this stay on in wind?”
A well-built equestrian hat should fit securely with adjustable internal sizing and a structured crown. If you’re constantly holding your hat, it’s not the right one.
“Is UPF really necessary if I wear sunscreen?”
Yes. Sunscreen wears off. You sweat. You forget to reapply. UPF hats add a physical barrier that protects your skin all day.
“Can I wear this at a hunter/jumper show?”
A structured brim, neutral tone, and elevated trim make a sun hat show-appropriate for ringside and hospitality spaces.
“How do I pack it for travel?”
Use a hat box or structured carry-on. Avoid crushing brims under heavy items. (Internal link: care/FAQ page if you have one.)
Final Thoughts: The Best Hat Is the One You’ll Actually Wear
The truth is, sun protection only helps if you use it consistently. The best equestrian sun hat is the one that feels great and makes you want to put it on every time you walk out to the barn.
When your hat fits right, breathes well, and looks perfect for your lifestyle, you don’t think about it — you just ride, show, and live in it.
✨ Ready to find your show-day (and barn-day) essential?
Browse Riata Designs hats here.
