A jockey's cap is the
headgear
Headgear, headwear, or headdress is the name given to any element of clothing which is worn on one's head, including hats, helmets, turbans and many other types. Headgear is worn for many purposes, including protection against the elements, de ...
worn by a
jockey
A jockey is someone who rides horses in horse racing or steeplechase racing, primarily as a profession. The word also applies to camel riders in camel racing. The word "jockey" originated from England and was used to describe the individual ...
in the sport of
horse racing
Horse racing is an equestrian performance sport, typically involving two or more horses ridden by jockeys (or sometimes driven without riders) over a set distance for competition. It is one of the most ancient of all sports, as its basic p ...
. The modern jockey's cap forms part of a jockey's "silks" or
racing colours and is worn over a protective
equestrian helmet
An equestrian helmet is a form of protective headgear worn when riding horses. This type of helmet is specially designed to protect the rider’s head in the event of falls from a horse, especially from striking a hard object while falling or bei ...
.
History
The first form of jockey's cap appeared in the late 17th century and was generally made of
velvet with a peak or visor and a hatband fastened at the front with a buckle.
This early style of cap is preserved in the "State Dress" of the musicians of the
Household Cavalry, who adopted it at the behest of
Queen Victoria. During the 19th century, a lighter version began to be worn by racing jockeys;
it was made of silk in the colours representing the jockey's stable.
Modern jockey's caps are made oversized so that they can be worn over a protective helmet.
Gallery
File:Lord Mayor's Show 2005 (62867326).jpg, Bandsmen of the Household Cavalry mounted band in state dress, wearing the traditional style of velvet jockey's cap.
File:Thomas Aldcroft (jockey).jpg, A British jockey with silk cap in 1862.
File:Four jockeys kneeling in the grass in front of a stable, Washington State (4951163393).jpg, American jockeys with caps in 1922.
File:AP McCoy Jockey (3310059028).jpg, Modern jockey with head and eye protection.
References
Caps
History of clothing (Western fashion)
Sportswear
{{Fashion-stub