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A vital piece of equestrian safety wear, riding hats are designed to minimise any potential head injury as effectively as possible. Therefore, it’s really important to make sure that your hat offers the best possible protection.

With such a huge range of horse riding hats and helmets available on the market, it’s very important to remember that not all hats are created equal. Ensuring your hat meets the current safety standards is a great way to ensure the safety of your head.

This is important for every rider, whether you’re just starting out with horse riding lessons, getting into competitions, or a professional athlete competing at British Dressage, British Showjumping and British Eventing Competitions.

At Eland Lodge we take your safety seriously, and only stock riding hats from the leading tried tested and trusted safety wear suppliers; including Charles Owen, Champion, Uvex and Gatehouse.

Are you unsure of the required hat standards for competing in 2020? Take a look at our handy guide of which standard you need for each discipline.

Body Protector Standards for British Eventing

A body protector is mandatory for the Cross Country phase of an event.

Whenever a body protector is worn, it must conform to the following standards:

• BETA Level 3
• Either a Purple 2009 label or Blue 2018 Label and manufactured in the year 2009 or after.
• An Exo Body Cage which, if worn, must be declared to the Event Secretary  prior to the XC.
• British Eventing also strongly advise that the body protector should not impede flexibility or balance.

Body Protector Standards for Pony Club Cross Country

A Body Protector must be worn when taking part in Cross Country or Pony Racing activities, whether this is in training or competition.

Whenever a body protector is worn at any Pony Club activity, it must conform to the following standards:

• BETA Level 3
• Either a Purple 2009 label or Blue 2018 Label

Body Protector Standards for British Riding Clubs

In order to compete in any British Riding Club cross country competition you must wear a body protector, and they are also strongly recommended for the showjumping phase.

When wearing a body protector is obligatory, it must conform to the following standards:

• BETA Level 3
• Either a Purple 2009 label or Blue 2018 Label

When to buy a new body protector

As with all safety wear, it’s really important to make sure that you know your body protector won’t let you down when you need it most. For this reason there are certain occasions when you will need to replace your body protector:

• Your Body Protector should replaced after 3-5 years – after this time the impact absorption properties of the foam can start to decline
• If you have had a heavy fall – check your body protector for dents immediately. The foam will expand back to it’s original shape over 30 minutes. If there are any dents after this time your body protector will need to be replaced
• If your body protector no longer meets the current safety standards
• If you have gained weight, lost weight or for children if they have grown, the body protector may no longer fit correctly. You will need to get the fit checked at a BETA Approved Retailer, and replace your body protector if it is no longer able to offer you the right protection.

How to buy a new body protector

The fit of your body protector is very important. A poorly fitting body protector will not be able to offer you the same protective properties in the event of a fall.

It is recommended that you visit a BETA (British Equestrian Trade Association) Approved retailer with fully trained and qualified staff to get your body protector professionally fitted. Here at Eland Lodge we offer a free safety wear fitting service to make sure you get the perfect for you.

Having your body protected fitted at an approved retailer will ensure:

• You are able to try on a range of brands and styles to find a fit that suits
• You can be professionally measured and fitted into a body protector that is right for your body shape
• You can access advice about the best types of body protector for the riding activities you take part in