Protect yourself when riding by using horse riding safety equipment.
If you ride horses, you will fall off at some point, but wearing a sturdy, well-fitted helmet and protective gear can help keep you safer in the saddle.
As an experienced instructor, I ensure my riders wear the proper safety gear every time they ride.
This guide teaches how safety equipment like helmets, body protectors, and boots can prepare you for those unexpected dismounts!
Horse Riding Safety Equipment
Did you know that horse riding is more dangerous than motorcycling and skiing?
In fact, 81% of riders get injured during their riding career, with horse riding being the leading cause of sports-related traumatic brain injuries.
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These facts may sound alarming, but riders can prevent many injuries by using the proper horse riding safety equipment while wearing a helmet reduces the chance of a severe head injury by 50%.
Now let's look at protective equipment for horse riding.
What Safety Equipment Do You Need for Horse Riding?
Being thrown through the air by a powerful animal and hitting the ground hard is no fun, but unfortunately, it is a part of riding that we must accept.
And if you jump, you will increase your chances of falling off even more!
However, you can make your ride safer by using safety items that drastically reduce your chances of a severe injury.
Here's a list of must-have safety gear that will protect you when riding!
1. Horse Riding Helmet
I never ride without a riding helmet, as the possibility of a severe head or brain injury from a fall is too great.
Even the accomplished riders can have mishaps, and it only takes one fall to cause a life-changing injury.
In September 2020, top US show jumper Laura Kraut had a serious fall at a competition where her horse, wearing studs, stepped on her head twice.
Laura credits her hat for saving her life, and she was back competing three weeks later.
"Make sure whatever you are wearing has been tested to the utmost and that you are as protected as you can be," says Laura. "Just wear the right helmet."
How to Choose the Correct Horse Riding Helmet
Your head is the most important feature to protect, so you must wear a helmet that fits you correctly and has a number of safety features.
Everybody has different shaped heads and you will find some brands of helmets more oval shaped while others are more round shaped and differ in sizing.
It is best to go to a saddlery store that have a wide range of riding helmets, so you can try on different brands and see which one is best for you and have it professionally fitted.
Safety Standards
When buying a helmet, look for one that has passed at least one international equestrian safety standard.
The more safety standards a horse riding helmet has , the better protection it will offer.
In the USA, you should buy an ASTM/SEI-Certified riding helmet.
The UK has the BSI Kitemark whereas the European standard helmet must be CE marked.
Buying a Helmet Online
Never buy a second hand or used helmet as it may have been used in a fall or been dropped or damaged, compromising your safety.
When buying a riding helmet online, only buy from a trustworthy and well established equestrian retailer.
If you are replacing a helmet and know the size and brand then buying online is no issue.
Otherwise, you must measure your head to buy the correct-sized helmet.
Ensure the manufacturer has good return policies if the helmet doesn't fit you correctly.
Charles Owen Luna Gloss Helmet
Charles Owen has a worldwide reputation for making safe, high-quality riding helmets.
The Luna is for everyday riding and has three international safety standards.
It has innovative 360-degree ventilation and a padded headband for a comfortable fit with slim and low-profile styling.
Tipperary Windsor
The Windsor is ASTM F1163-15 and SEI Certified with 360-degree crush-resistant fiberglass banding.
It is lightweight with a wide brim, and the ABS shell provides high-impact resistance.
One K Defender Chrome Stripe
The One K Defender has everything you could want in a helmet with an aesthetically pleasing design.
It is certified to ASTM and CE EN standards and features a polycarbonate and advanced ABS composite outer shell with a ventilation mesh for maximum airflow.
2. Body Protectors
Body protectors help prevent severe injuries in the event of a fall, but they also give you the confidence to ride to the best of your abilities.
But they are for more than just cross-country riding as more and more riders now own one for everyday wear.
Approximately 70% of accidents occurring out hacking or at home, not just in competition.
It doesn't matter if you are a leisure rider or a professional, all riders should wear some form of body protection to help reduce internal injuries.
How do Body Protectors Work?
Body protectors protect your torso and internal organs, such as your heart and lungs.
They absorb the impact of a fall and distribute the force across the body.
Some protectors are made of lightweight materials, while others are constructed from heavier materials for maximum protection.
Wearing a body protector helps reduce the risk of serious injury, such as broken ribs or internal bleeding and ideal for all equestrian activities.
Choosing a Body Protector
When choosing a body protector, it is vital to ensure it fits correctly with a flexible design to allow full range of movement.
A poorly fitting protector can be uncomfortable and even increase the risk of injury.
Try on several options to ensure a proper fit and consider the type of equestrian sports you will be doing.
Safety Standard
The protector must be ASTM and SEI-approved in the USA.
The British Equestrian Trade Association has three different levels of protection.
Level 3 is the highest and compulsory for eventing, while EN 13158 is the testing standard for Europe.
How to Fit a Body Protector
Like riding helmets, different body protectors will fit you differently depending on the manufacturer and style.
The protector should be a snug and comfortable fit around your torso over light clothing.
Begin by fastening the front closure and adjusting the straps on the sides and shoulders as needed.
Ensure the protector covers your chest, ribs, and back and does not interfere with your range of motion or breathing.
Finally, double-check that all straps and closures are secure before using the protector for any activities.
Tipperary Adult Eventer Pro Vest
The Eventer Pro vest upholds the highest safety standards and certifications
It offers complete protection while being extremely comfortable and flexible to wear.
Artist Unknown Ovation Adult Comfort Flex Body Protector
This Ovation body protector for adult riders has SEI-ASTM, CE level 3, and Beta level 3 safety certifications.
It is a secure and comfortable fit, and the non-restrictive design gives you complete range of movement when riding.
3. Air Vests
Investing in an inflatable air vest can be a great idea if you are looking for additional safety gear, especially when riding cross - country.
An air vest body protector is designed to inflate upon impact, providing extra protection to the rider's chest and torso.
They are an innovative piece of technology that can save a rider's life in the event of a fall from their horse, especially cross country jumping.
They differ from regular safety vests as they work by using a lanyard attached to the rider's saddle.
When the rider falls, the lanyard triggers a hidden canister to release compressed air, inflating the vest in seconds.
These protective vests should be worn over your body protector as an extra precaution.
Ovation Air Tech II Vest with 65G Cartridge
This light, durable air vest is suitable for all riders and is CE EN-13688:2013 certified.
It offers complete protection when worn over your body protector
4. Riding Boots
Wearing the correct footwear for riding is essential for both comfort and safety, so it is good to invest in a pair of boots.
Horse riding boots have a heel so your foot cannot get caught in the stirrup, which can be dangerous in a fall, whereas a nonslip sole helps keep your foot position firmly in the stirrup.
Boots also provide support and stability for your feet and ankles while riding, helping you maintain good posture and balance.
Additionally, riding boots can withstand the wear and tear of riding and can be long or short (worn with chaps).
TuffRider Ladies Starter Front Zip Paddock Boots
If you are a beginner rider and want to avoid splashing out on expensive boots, these TuffRider front zip design paddock boots are ideal.
These boots, made from 100% synthetic leather and with a front zipper, are both fashionable and comfortable at an affordable price.
ARIAT Women's V Sport Zip Tall Riding Boot
These lightweight Ariat boots offer a comfortable and ergonomic fit that molds to your legs.
The high Spanish-cut topline gives these tall boots a fashionable look.
5. Gloves
Wearing gloves while horse riding is essential for several reasons.
Firstly, they protect from the elements, such as wind and cold, which can help keep your hands warm and comfortable during long rides.
Secondly, gloves offer protection in the event of a fall or accident, which can prevent injuries to your hands and fingers.
Thirdly, gloves provide a better grip on the reins, which can help prevent slippage and give the rider better control over the horse.
Overall, wearing gloves is a smart choice for any horse rider looking to stay safe and comfortable during their ride.
Buying Gloves for Horse Riding
When buying horse riding gloves, there are a few things to remember.
Firstly, you'll want to make sure you get the right size.
Gloves that are too small can be restrictive and uncomfortable, whereas gloves that are too large can slip off or interfere with your grip on the reins.
Leather gloves are popular for their durability and grip, but synthetic materials can be more affordable and easier to care for.
Roeckl Roeck-Grip Unisex Gloves
These unisex gloves are supple, flexible, and breathable to give you maximum grip on the reins and fit like a second skin.
They come in various colors and are ideal for spring, summer, or fall riding.
YJ Tails Women's Horse Riding Gloves
These affordable gloves, made from superior microfiber fabric, are ideal for all weather conditions.
The velcro allows a personal fit and ensures a firm grip on the reins for better control of your horse.
6. Safety Stirrups
Falling off is one thing, but you could be severely injured if your foot gets stuck in the stirrup, even if you wear boots with a heel.
A safety stirrup allows the rider's foot to be freed quickly in the event of a fall and not get dragged by the horse.
You can find many safety stirrup designs that allow quick foot release for all budgets.
The stirrups should be one inch wider than your riding boots, the same as a regular stirrup.
Acavallo Arena AluPro
These Italian-made aluminum stirrups have a stylish look, suitable for all equestrian activities.
They feature a low-profile safety release arm in case of unexpected emergencies and a cheese grater stirrup pad to keep your feet in the correct position.
Horze B Vertigo Magnetic Safety Stirrups
These classical-looking stirrups have a quick-release mechanism using magnets to stay securely closed.
They feature an extra wide anti-slip footrest for traction and stability when riding.
FAQs
How do you know if a riding helmet fits?
The helmet should have firm even pressure all around your head without any painful pressure points. Move the front of the helmet up and down. If it is a snug fit, your eyebrows will move with it.
How do you measure your head for a horse riding helmet?
Measure your head by wrapping a soft fabric tape measure around the widest part of your head, above your eyebrows and ears. Compare the measurement to the manufacturer's sizing chart.
Conclusion
From helmets to body protectors and riding boots, these pieces of safety equipment can make all the difference in preventing severe injuries in the event of a fall or accident.
So, if you're planning to go horse riding, gear up with the right equipment and stay safe at all times!
Resources
1. https://www.sciencealert.com/horse-riding-is-more-likely-to-put-you-in-hospital-than-football-skiing-or-motorbike
2. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/19
3. https://animalscience.cahnr.uconn.edu/equine-helmet-safety-php/#:~:text=The%20American%20Medical%20Equestrian%20Association,cumulative%20damage%20to%20the%20brain.