Get competition ready at EQ Saddlery with the latest in safety and protective gear along with new season fashion for both you and your four legged friend!
With the 2023 season about to begin, now is the perfect time to ensure what your gear is up to date with current safety standards. Wearing helmets, body protectors, gloves and footwear help keep us safe and protected while riding our horses.
HELMETS
Head protection is vital when riding any horse. Whether you are simply walking on a trail or jumping huge fences, a helmet is always a necessity. Below is a comparison table of what standards are currently accepted in competition as of January 2023.
For those customers who compete with Equestrian Australia, it is helpful to note that all EQ Saddlery stores are able to tag your helmet for you so you are able to compete. Please be aware that this service is by appointment only and we recommend calling prior to heading into the store to ensure that we have an official helmet tagger in store on the day you are wanting to visit.
EQ Saddlery stocks a range of helmets at varying price points, all which reach these current safety standards. Whether you are looking for a high end glamorous helmet or you are looking for a beautiful budget friendly option EQ Saddlery has options for every rider. With brands such as KEP, EQ Armour, RIF, Champion, One K, Lami-Cell and Zilco, EQ Saddlery stocks different styles to suit everyone at any price point.
BODY PROTECTORS
Throughout competition body protectors are compulsory on cross country and permitted during other phases of the competition should the rider choose to wear one. Body protectors are made out of a hard foam to protect the spine, ribs and internal organs from the potential damage that may be caused by a fall. Body protectors are recommended to be replaced every 5 years however it is important to regularly inspect them for damage, particularly after a fall. If the foam is dented in any way it is recommended to replace your body protector as any dents may negatively influence the impact absorption qualities of the body protector.
FOOTWEAR AND GLOVES
Once your obvious safety gear is up to date it might be time to think about other methods of safety protection that although aren’t often thought of as protective, still contribute to our safety while on our horses.
Footwear is essential while riding our horses as it helps keep our feet safe whilst riding and working around our horses. Choice of footwear is really up to the rider however the typical choice is between tall boots and jodhpur boots with the addition of a chap/gaitor. EQ Saddlery stocks a range of suitable footwear whether you are competing in a Pony Club, EA or HRCAV.
Whether you are looking for a quality budget friendly option or a high end boutique style boot, EQ Saddlery has options for everyone. From our Apex Jodhpur Boot which is perfect for the avid pony clubber to our range of tredstep boots, EQ Saddlery have something suitable for everyone’s needs!
Gloves also class as safety gear even though they may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you first think of horse safety. Gloves keep our hands protected from the elements such as the cold wind and rain. Rain leads to reins becoming slippery and our grip to not be as strong however wearing gloves gives riders added grip allowing them to continue to have suitable control over their horse. Wind also has a great effect on the control our hands have when riding. The faster you ride, the more wind resistance is caused and over time this can decrease the blood circulation in your hands causing them to go numb. Gloves can provide you with protection from the wind and allow you more control over your hands. EQ Saddlery’s vast array of gloves provides everyone with a suitable option. Whether you need heavy duty work gloves, fleece lined winter gloves or gloves for everyday wear, EQ Saddlery will be able to provide you with something suitable for your needs.
CONCLUSION
Prior to your next competition, check your current gear and make sure that what you are currently riding in is up to the latest safety standards. Refer to our informative tables to cross reference the gear that you have at home. If your gear happens to no longer be up to standard or if you have recently had a fall and are looking to replace your current gear, head down to your local EQ Saddlery store and our knowledgeable staff will be able to assist you in finding the perfect fitting safety gear.
