We've teamed with BETA to bring a summer of safety to help you brush up on your knowledge of innovative tack and riding wear to aid a safer ride.
The Difference Between Back and Body Protectors
Back Protectors: As the name suggests, back protectors protect only the back. They are designed to be more comfortable than body protectors, offering the rider greater freedom of movement. While they are more discreet under show jackets, you should be aware that they offer lower protection than a body protector.
(Above) Gatehouse Superflex 2.0
Body Protectors: Offering higher protection, body protectors are designed to protect the rider's upper body in the event of an impact or a fall. They are often composed of several waffle foam pads to cushion and absorb impacts in the event of a fall and protect the spinal column, kidneys, rib cage and abdominal organs. It is worth noting that that the conpetition standards for body protectors has changed to the BETA 2018 certification.
Shop BETA 2018 Body Protectors.
Safety Reins
FR Vincitore offers a safer rein solution to conventional reins, preventing horse and rider from becoming entangled after an emergency or fall. The patterned quick-release connectors are lightweight to not distract your and your horse when riding and can easily be reassembled.
Approved by British Eventing (BE), British Showjumping (BS) and the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI).
Safer & Kinder Studs
A safer and more efficient solution to studding horses, improving welfare without jeopardising performance. The lightweight polymer studs are kinder then traditional metal, won't rust, and prevents cross-threading.
Safety Stirrups
Sometimes referred to as quick release stirrups, safety stirrups are designed to help release your foot faster in case of an accident. By swiftly allowing your foot to break free, safety stirrups can help reduce the chance of getting your foot caught and potentially getting dragged – understandably a big fear for riders. There are many options to browse from to find a stirrup suitable for all disciplines.
MIPS Helmets
(Above) EQX by Charles Owen with Mips
MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) is an additional brain protection system. It is designed to add protection against rotational motion (or kinematics) transmitted to the brain from angled impacts to the head, which is how most riders fall.
Rotational motion is a combination of rotational energy (angular velocity) and rotational forces from angular acceleration that both affect the brain and increase the risk for minor and severe brain injuries.
MIPS’ added protection system has been proven to reduce rotational motion when implemented in a helmet by redirecting energies and forces otherwise transmitted to the brain.
