There is no question that horse riding can be the most enjoyable and rewarding experience
, however there is a risk involved.It is impossible to eliminate all the risks involved with riding but a sensible and prepared approach means you can minimise the risks considerably.
A riding hat is the most important piece of equestrian clothing. A riding hats consist of a hard shell lined with shock absorbing material which can protect the rider's head in case of a fall or accident. A riding hat should always be worn when riding but it is also important to wear a riding hat whilst working around horses, grooming them, handling them or lunging as this will minimise damage if a horse kicks.
If this is your first hat you should visit a BETA registered saddler or a tack shop so you can get help deciding the best fit for you.The fit of a riding hat is very important and the hat should be comfortable and secure. You should be able to shake your head firmly without the hat moving and if you have long hair remember to make sure you can fit your hat on with your hair up - as you may want to wear it away from your face whilst riding.
Riding hats should be replaced every 3 - 4 years as even if you can't see any damage they will have suffered inevitable wear and tear which could limit it's effective and make it unsafe to use, so it's important to make sure they are always in good condition and up to date.If a riding hat is involved in a fall or suffers any big impact then it should be instantly replaced as there may be internal cracks in the shell which again would mean it would offer ineffective protection.
In the UK the two accepted standards of safety are: EN1384/BSEN1384 or PAS 015.Any riding hat you use should conform to one or both of these standards.Another safety indicator to look for is whether the riding hat is BSI Kitemarked.
Another great piece of safety equipment is the Body Protector.Body protectors are shaped like a vest with a hard outer shell and foam filling, they are to be worn over the top of clothes - although you can wear a jacket over them if you prefer.These offer great allover protection in case of a fall or accident. When first wearing a body protector they can seem quite restrictive but the foam moulds itself to the rider's body and so will become more and more comfortable. Second hand body protectors should be avoided as if these have been subject to a fall or kick the protection they offer can be diminished even if they look in tact. Any Body Protector that is dented after a fall, should be replaced immediately as the impact absorption properties are likely to be diminished.
Safety is always important and by using a riding hat and body protector you can minimise the risk involved in horse riding and just concentrate on the fun and enjoyment it offers!