We like the crash hat William

       William Fox-Pitt and Little Fire in the CIC2* 7 Year Old Championship

 

Those who remember that William Fox-Pitt vowed to keep wearing his top hat for as long as it is permitted in the dressage phase may have been surprised to see him in a crash helmet at Osberton International Horse Trials today.

It is mandatory for riders to wear a crash helmet for 6 Year Old Horse classes and under however, as William was riding in the 7 Year Old class, it spiked our interest. It appears that he had forgotten his top hat to change into and therefore went into the ring wearing his crash helmet – we must say we think that it suits him and doesn’t make him look at all ‘like a pillock’ (William’s words, not ours, when he was asked about it Rio). In fact we rather like the look

However, the top hat was firmly in place when he next entered the arena on Volcan Du Barquet in the CCI1* so it seems that someone is going to have to hide his top hat well in future to make the change permanent

 

       "Dear Alice - it worked! Have to hide it more carefully in future though ....."