The owners of a horse who suffered catastrophic injuries when his leg went through a horsebox floor are sharing his heartbreaking story in hopes of saving others from the same fate.

Thoroughbred Sunset Over Loule (Kevin) had to be put down on 18 July as his injuries were so severe he could not be saved. Owner Lilly Thompson posted about it on social media, explaining that if this prompts one owner to check their lorry floor, “his life will have saved another”.

Kevin lived at a yard owned by a friend of Lilly’s mother Emma, who told H&H the incident happened just at the bottom of the drive.

“He nearly made it home,” she said. “It was just a nightmare; it still is.”

Emma said Kevin had been given a lift to the show, as her own horsebox was out of action, and she had driven in her car.

“It was his first ever show, and he never even made his class,” she said, explaining that when they arrived, they found that the former racehorses and Irish Draughts had been swapped, so Kevin could not compete in hand as planned. He then bumped a leg slightly on the lorry steps, so Emma did not compete under saddle either.

“So he basically got walked round, we stood with him so he could take everything in, grazed in hand, or stood on the box and ate, I think he had a whale of a time that day!” she said.

“Then we loaded them up, and they said they’d take five minutes and then leave, so I set off to get Kevin’s stable ready for him. I was sitting in the car waiting for them to come back, and got a call, they were screaming down the phone that he was stuck.”

Kevin’s hind leg had gone through the floor, and he suffered further significant forelimb injuries freeing himself.

“It seemed like a lifetime,” Emma said. “While I was on the phone to the fire brigade, he’d got himself out and was just standing there. We were trying to keep him calm and he stood there like a champ. But I knew what had to happen, and when the vet came, she had a look at him and said: ‘I’m really sorry’.”

Emma said she and Lilly just want other people to be aware that such things can happen, and that although lorries can look safe, rot and corrosion can be hidden, on the underside of floors or under rubber matting.

“Damage isn’t always visible until it’s too late,” Lilly said. “Regular inspections and servicing by someone qualified could identify problems before they become catastrophic.

“If you own a horse box or trailer, have the floor inspected regularly, keep up with servicing and maintenance, replace worn or damaged flooring immediately and never ignore signs of damp, rust, soft spots or deterioration.

“We spend so much time making sure our horses are fit, healthy and cared for, but the vehicle that carries them deserves the same attention. They trust us every time they step on board.

“Kevin should still be here today. Please, in his memory, check your horsebox. Don’t put it off until tomorrow. It could save your horse’s life.

“Loved beyond words”

“My beautiful Kevin. You were loved beyond words, and you always will be.”

Emma said her farrier told her another of his clients had booked in her lorry for a full check.

“Lilly was over the moon to hear that as one person had listened,” she said. “I don’t want anyone else to have to go through that because it was horrific.”

Emma paid tribute to the “amazing” Caledonia Farm Vets for everything they did for Kevin, whom they bought as a three-year-old, four years ago.

“I couldn’t have asked for a kinder person to come to do what they had to do,” she said.

“Kevin loved people. You didn’t have a choice whether or not you were going to be his best friend. You were going to be his best friend. If you went close to his stable door, he’d scoop you in with his head for a hug, and if you were sad, he knew and was extra affectionate. He was an absolute angel and I think maybe he was just too good for this world.

“If this makes someone check their lorry, if it saves one horse, that’s his legacy.”

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There is real doubt about how safe “safety stirrups” are – but manufacturers have been urged to help work towards a safety standard.

British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) executive director Claire Williams gave an overview of the situation, at the BETA safety conference on 21 April.

“Please, whenever I say ‘safety stirrups’, think about inverted commas, because the one thing that’s come out of work we’ve most recently done is that there’s real doubt about how safe so-called safety stirrups are,” she said.

Ms Williams said BETA first looked into perception and use of safety stirrups in 2021, as there had been “huge growth in the use of safety to market products, but often no indication of whether the product reduced risk of accidents or injury, or whether there were any aspects whatsoever of safety around the product”.

“It’s a constant source of surprise, to people within the equestrian world and without, that so many products we use have no standards associated with them,” she said “I also find it slightly ironic that while we have standards for everything that goes on us, there’s virtually no safety standards for anything that goes on the horse.

“I thought we were nearing the start of the development of a European standard. I felt it was time, five years later, to check where we were at.”

The most recent study considered riders’ views of safety stirrups and the need for a standard, and compared them to the 2021 results.

She said BETA riders see safety stirrups as those that prevent a foot getting stuck in them, so the foot will be released “in all circumstances”, which is an issue.

Safety stirrups: absence of risk?

“To many riders, it’s a total absence of risk,” she said. “Use has escalated dramatically, covering occasional and constant use. So while adoption has increased, sadly confidence has not. They’re buying them despite having uncertainty, not because that uncertainty has been resolved.

“Riders are now calling into question the use of the word ‘safety’ in association with stirrups, and there is still confusion around what’s safe and which mechanism is best.”

Ms Williams said the survey found more demand for evidence and testing of safety stirrups, the use of which has almost doubled since 2021. Many riders expressed concern about failures of stirrups, or the use of the word “safety” for marketing rather than as a measure of performance.

“When we look at why riders aren’t using them, that tone is changing,” she said. “In 2021 they were uncertain about what was being offered. This year, we saw a real shift to riders questioning the claims of safety and the lack of evidence to justify that term.

“Now it’s more about risk resistance than price resistance; riders expressing concerns about false safety, inconsistent performance and mechanisms that might fail. We repeatedly saw a real gap in trust.

“There’s an issue of a credibility vacuum and riders making their own risk assessments because there’s no recognised standard. Brand claims are often conflicting and there are anecdotal failure stories, which tends to carry more weight than marketing.”

Attempts to establish a standard

Ms Williams said the range of products offered led to the attempts to create a safety standard, which “is going to be incredibly challenging”.

“Even among sceptics, the demand for a standard is strong,” she said. “We asked, ‘Would you be more likely to use a safety stirrup if there was a standard?’ And around 55% in 2021 said yes, this time it was 60%. So for better or for worse, there is real belief a standard will raise the bar in terms of safety.”

Ms Williams said minimum criteria for a safety standard would include reliability, independent testing and the fact the safety function should not alter the stirrup’s performance. She cited the recent case of Mark Smith, a 75-year-old rider whose unbranded stirrup broke while he was riding in a point-to-point, as reported by H&H.

“The fact a stirrup like this can be put on the market, and put riders at risk, it really does question whether we need a standard for all stirrups, never mind safety ones,” she said. “That’s what we’ve been working towards. It is a challenge.”

BETA asked manufacturers to come forward to contribute to a standard working group, four years ago, but only one came forward. The European technical committee responsible for standardising sports equipment agreed to set up a working group to start developing a standard but not enough of the countries nominated to take part put forward enough experts for it to go ahead, so the group no longer exists.

“We’re not giving up”

“We’re not going to give up as having a European standard is really important,” she said.

“I would like to, once again, extend an invitation to companies involved in the stirrup manufacturing world to come forward and start that work, to put together the key criteria that would need to go into, frankly, a stirrup standard with the element of safety included. We need to start work now. We can’t delay any longer, because it really is key for safety.”

Mark Smith, who fell when his plastic stirrup broke at the Old Berks Hunt meeting on 6 April, told H&H he wants such items banned unless manufacturers can prove they are safe, and thinks there should be a safety standard.

“The authorities make such a fuss about standards for hats or body protectors; I can’t believe there isn’t one for stirrups,” he said. “I can’t let this lie as if it happened to anyone else, I’d never forgive myself.”

Do you use safety stirrups? Would you feel more confidence if they complied with an official standard? Let us know your thoughts at hhletters@futurenet.com including your name, address (only nearest town will be published) and thoughts.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Equestrian fashion brand LeMieux has launched its first-ever riding helmet collection today (6 May) at Mars Badminton Horse Trials. Designed by riders and safety experts, these award-winning helmets combine advanced safety technology with refined, customisable style.

LeMieux’s CEO Dan Mahoney said LeMieux’s entry into rider safety products marks a significant milestone for the company, which joins fellow manufacturers of the best riding helmets.

“Rider safety is fundamental to the sport, and this launch reflects our commitment to raise standards through thoughtful innovation, rigorous testing and rider-led design,” he said.

“We’re proud to offer helmets that deliver trusted protection while staying true to the LeMieux values of performance, innovation, quality and style.”

Two new helmets have been revealed so far – the LeMieux Verv competition helmet and the LeMieux Vexa skull cap. Each adhere to multiple riding hat safety standards, including ASTM F1163-23 and EN:1384:2023, while also carrying the BSI kitemark and SEI certification.

Robin Spicer, LeMieux’s technical design and innovation lead, who has previously worked for Charles Owen, said the new helmets have been shaped by a significant amount of work behind the scenes.

“With extensive testing and use of the latest innovations and technology, we are bringing something to the equestrian market that hasn’t been seen before and the whole team are incredibly proud,” said Robert.

Each helmet in the collection has been designed with a 360-degree wrap fit system so it cradles your head with an all-round fit, adjusting evenly and fitting securely without creating pressure points in the front of the helmet. It can be adjusted via a control wheel at the back.

LeMieux helmets are available to purchase at Badminton Horse Trials and selected retailers soon. For more information, visit lemieux.com.

New LeMieux helmets

LeMieux Verv

The LeMieux Verv competition helmet offers customisation and convenience with its innovative features. It has interchangeable magnetic peaks and a central panel, allowing for a unique, customised look in seconds. For fit, it features a removable washable liner, removable padding in the crown and a low-profile harness.

Each helmet comes with three interchangeable magnetic peaks: wide, narrow and brim. An interchangeable magnetic central panel (additional panels are available separately) allows you to customise your hat without the need for any tools.

It is available in shell sizes small (52 – 55cm), medium (56 – 58cm) or large (59 – 61cm), in black or navy with a matt or gloss finish. The RRP starts at £159.95 for the helmet, and £29.95 for each magnetic panel.

The Verv competition helmet is the 2026 winner of the iF Design award for delivering dual-certified equestrian safety along with a level of personalisation never before seen in the category. It has also received the Red Dot Award in recognition of the outstanding quality of design.

LeMieux Vexa

The LeMieux Vexa skull cap transforms the traditional skull cap with cutting-edge design. It has a removable washable liner, removable padding in the crown and a low-profile harness.

It’s available in small (52 – 55cm), medium (56 – 58cm) or large (59 – 61cm), in silver, black or navy. RRP from £109.95.

The Vexa skull cap received the Red Dot Award in recognition of the outstanding quality of design.

For more information, visit the LeMieux stand at Badminton or visit a LeMieux retailer for a professional fitting.

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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“You’ve only got one life and one head – and you can’t really put a price on that.”

This was Laura Collett’s take on rider protection, shared in a discussion at the first British Equestrian Trade Association safety conference on 21 April.

The European champion, Olympic gold medallist and five-star winner, who is sponsored by Uvex helmets and Racesafe body protectors, gave “an eventer’s perspective on safety” during the conference, the aim of which was to reduce risks to help make riding safer.

Laura suffered serious injuries in a rotational fall in 2013; she was asked whether this had changed her perspective on safety equipment.

“I think I’ve always been very pro safety,” she said. “After I had the bad fall, I was just very grateful I was already slightly a step ahead. I was wearing the air jacket on top of a good body protector, and was told by doctors at the time that they thought the air jacket did save my life.

“The horse landed directly on top of me and I did have a few injuries but all things considered, when you hit the ground and have a horse land on top of you, the fact I was able to walk away from that without any hugely significant injuries meant I was very grateful for all the equipment I had on. I’ve not changed my thought process from that day, other than I continue to be grateful and continue to try to wear the very best there is around.”

Laura said that before that incident, she had been “very, very lucky” and had not even broken a bone in a fall.

“You do slightly think ‘It won’t happen to me’ but at the same time you know you’re riding an animal with its own brain and we gallop towards solid fences,” she said. “The reality is that accidents can happen, and freak accidents can happen; it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re riding a ‘bad’ horse.”

Laura said the fall made her slightly change her mindset in the horses she rides, but that this will not prevent all falls or accidents.

“The very best horse can make a mistake and you don’t know when it’s going to happen,” she said. “It’s not like you can just say ‘I’m going to wear a body protector at the big events’ or anything.

“Years ago, you saw a lot of people riding without hats; there seemed to be a perception that it was cool. I personally never thought it was cool to ride without a hat, because the horse can spook or trip or anything can happen, and you can fall off. Even if you’re the best rider in the world.

“It’s often a case of how you fall too; you see other people, and I’ve had falls myself, that look very dramatic but you get up and walk away, no bother. You see another one that you think looks insignificant but just the way the person falls, they can have a worse outcome.”

Laura said she wears the same protective equipment at home as for competitions; the same cross-country helmet and body protector with built-in air jacket.

Improved design

She said design has improved; a body protector with an air vet on top could feel too bulky but from her perspective, her gear has no impact on her riding.

“I have full faith in the products I use, and I have very much tested them over the years!” she said. “And I’m very grateful they’ve stood up to the test.”

Laura said the improvement in technology means protectors and helmets are more comfortable now. And although she said this does not bother her, there are some who may not have worn them before owing to their appearance.

“You can have whatever colour air jacket you want now,” she said. “All those things I think make it so people can’t come up with excuses for not wearing them. I’m sure some people still do! But I think if they were honest with themselves and tried them, they’d realise they don’t really have a leg to stand on, saying they’re uncomfortable or they impact them in a negative way.”

Laura considered changes in safety over the years; she was one of those who preferred a top hat for dressage but now would think that “looked wrong”.

“Times do change and people have to accept they’re actually changing for the better,” she said. “It just sometimes takes a little while for people to realise, but I think you look back at old photos, when people were barely wearing a helmet, not attached, and you just think ‘What were they thinking?’”

Laura said her first priority for safety equipment is the standard of protection, then comfort; she advised anyone who may not feel comfortable to try different brands and find what works best for them, stressing the need to have equipment fitted professionally.

Laura Collett on safety equipment

And asked about her view on anyone who might be reluctant to spend large sums of money on safety equipment, she said: “You’ve only got one life.

“At the time, it can seem like a lot of money having to replace the helmet or something that’s broken, but you’d rather spend that money than have another fall with the same helmet, and it be compromised in a way you can’t see. Something will have happened in that fall and you can’t take that chance.

“With head injuries we know it’s often the second that can be a lot worse, even if it’s less impact, so you want to have as much protection as you can and I don’t think that’s something you take lightly. You’ve got one life and one head and you can’t really put a price on that.”

Laura added that were she to speak to her younger self, or a younger rider, she would advise them not to take the risks.

“Don’t try to think you’re cool by not wearing safety equipment,” she said. “A big part would be to always replace the hat. That’s one thing that’s slightly changed for me; even the smallest of falls. If you hit your head, even though you’ve not been concussed, you walked away, still replace the hat.

“When I had my bad fall, my hat had a tiny little crack, and we thought nothing of it. But they took it apart and the difference in the cushioning, the impact it had on the inner shell of the hat that you couldn’t see from the outside, was pretty scary. That hit home for me; the hat can do its job without you realising but it means you need to replace it.

“Everyone who saw my fall was really shocked I didn’t have an injury; I hit the ground and the horse fell on top of me so to come away without a brain injury was pretty impressive, and that’s something you really appreciate. You realise that you can’t be taking chances when it comes to your head.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Equestrians have been reminded of the importance of understanding how much weight they can legally tow after a social media post highlighted the fact some are misinterpreting the requirements.

Last month a police force shared a post about trailer towing weights, including an example of how to calculate how much a vehicle can tow. The post generated much discussion, some agreeing with it and others arguing it was incorrect. The post was later removed and the force confirmed to H&H that officers had been given the incorrect information when it was published.

A Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency spokesperson told H&H every driver has responsibility for their own and other road users’ safety.

“This includes ensuring your vehicle, and what is being towed, is operated within its designed weight limit – and it is loaded safely,” she said.

Most vehicles display a manufacturer’s weight plate under the bonnet or on the door frame that typically shows the gross vehicle weight, gross train weight (GTW) and maximum front and rear axle weights. A trailer weight plate usually displays the maximum authorised mass (MAM), unladen weight and axle weight limits. For a towing set-up to be legal, neither the GTW nor the MAM may be exceeded.

The spokesperson said the GTW is the maximum weight of the towing vehicle, trailer and everything loaded into the vehicle and trailer – for example horse, passengers and equipment – and the GTW is “especially important when towing as it sets the maximum combined weight of the vehicle, trailer and load”.

“The weight of the load carried on the trailer, combined with the weight of the trailer itself, must not exceed the MAM of the trailer,” said the spokesperson, adding that drivers who are concerned are encouraged to use a local weighbridge to check their weights.

• Are you legal? Find out more about towing limits for horse trailers.

Claire Barker, PRP Rescue Services managing director, told H&H people often assume that because they have a large 4×4 for example, that it can tow more – which is not necessarily the case.

“Towing more than your vehicle’s capacity is a major safety concern as it will affect vehicle handling, particularly brakes, clutch and steering, putting you, your horses and other road users at risk,” said Ms Barker.

“There may also be insurance implications if the vehicle is being used in contravention of manufacturer’s recommendations or the law.”

National Trailer and Towing Association chief executive Sarah Smithurst told H&H that as well as the safety and legal implications, towing above the recommended capacity can also damage the towbar and trailer. She said it is “essential that correct weight limits are observed” – and also recommends that drivers have their vehicle towbar checked annually and trailer serviced regularly.

“Maintenance is key for horse owners; making sure that the trailer is checked regularly is imperative – not just for the chassis, brakes, towing gear and electrics but also for the floor and body of the trailer. Failure of any part can result in severe consequences,” she said.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A 75-year-old rider whose stirrup broke during a race at an Easter point-to-point said it was ironic that his first visit to an Injured Jockeys Fund centre was a result of his fundraising for the charity.

Mark Smith joked that “you couldn’t make it up” after his fall from Shot Tower (Bob) in the hunt race at the Old Berks Hunt meeting at Lockinge on Easter Monday (6 April). But he is concerned about the safety of his stirrups, which he bought two weeks before the race. One of them broke with four fences to go, as Mark and Bob came round the corner into the back straight.

“If you come off at a fence, it’s because you’ve come to it wrong or something and you’re prepared, but to hit the ground at 30mph going round the corner, it came out of the bloody blue,” he told H&H.

Mark and Bob had been leading the field, but Mark said his plan was to get a lead from one of the others for a couple of fences, and then pass them on the run-in.

“We came into the back straight – and then we didn’t,” he said. “I’d been unseated, is what the commentator said, but it wasn’t quite as simple as that.

“I suppose it’s far more dramatic if it’s one stirrup than both; you see riders sometimes kick both feet out as you’re better off with none than one. But at least at a fence you’re almost expecting something, not when you’re just coming round a corner.

“When you’ve been falling off horses for 70 years, instinctively you tend to do the right thing and once you feel you’re going, you don’t fight it. I daresay 40 years ago, my reactions might have been quicker but I might have tried to hang on round his neck, dropped off and he’d have gone over the top of me.”

Mark said he thought it must have been the leather that gave way, but then saw the stirrup had broken at the thinnest point, on the top. A picture of the other stirrup shows a crack in the same place.

“They’re brightly coloured, so they’re aimed at a child’s market – but they’re dangerous to children,” he said. “I want them off the market.”

The seller of the stirrups told H&H they are unbranded and were only for sale via his platform.

He added: “We were really shocked to see the stirrup had cracked.

“For Mark’s peace of mind, we won’t be selling that item any more until further testing has been done. We have also donated £500 to the charity Mark was racing for, plus gift aid – the amount Mark would have won if he won the race.

“We will ask that the manufacturer do more rigorous tests going forward when making products like this.”

Mark said the seller, as his only point of contact for the product, had done all he could. He would now like a blanket ban on this type of stirrup unless manufacturers can prove products are safe, as there is no safety standard to which stirrups must adhere – which he would like to see changed.

“I can’t let this lie as if it happened to anyone else, I’d never forgive myself,” he said.

Mark said the race, and the winter’s training beforehand, was worth it; it gave him something to aim for as well as raising an estimated total of over £5,000 for the IJF including donations at the meeting.

The fundraising page is still open

“It kept me out of mischief – and that old horse was magic,” he said. “Apparently when he stopped, he looked back and said ‘Oh s***, where’s the old man gone? He was there a minute ago’!”

“I’m a bit sore but I’ve ridden five this morning,” he added, the day after the race. “It’s ironic that the first time I’ve had to go to Oaksey House [to be checked over] was when I was fundraising for the IJF – you couldn’t make it up.

“They’d done a brilliant job of the ground [at Lockinge] – and I said that even before I hit it! – but the more I thought about it, I thought supposing I’d been a kid; there could have been a fatality.”

Mark’s fundraising page for the IJF is still open, and on Friday (10 April) Mark confirmed that he and Bob and going to try again, at the Wales Area Club point-to-point meeting, at Lower Machen, Newport on 19 April, as he said he would rather “finish on a satisfactory note”.

Asked if he was looking forward to it, he said: “Bob is! And in my experience, happy, confident horses make happy, confident riders.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Whether you’re schooling at home or galloping across country, one of the best air jackets can make all the difference when things don’t go to plan. Designed to inflate on impact, these high-tech vests offer an extra layer of protection without weighing you down or restricting movement.

If you’re competing cross-country, you’ll need to wear one of the best approved body protectors as standard – an air vest can then be worn over the top for added safety. In dressage and showjumping, air vests can be worn without a body protector, and they’re also gaining popularity in the hunting field for their discreet protection and comfort.

So, whether you’re buying your first air jacket, upgrading to a newer model, or looking for one that fits better over your competition gear, we’ve picked out some of the best options available, plus the key things to know before you buy.

Best air jackets: H&H’s quick guide

Best all-rounder: Helite Zip’In 2 Airbag Vest

Best for custom fit and tech features: Seaver Safefit Airbag Vest

Best value pick: Felix Bühler by Spark Air Vest

Best premium option: EquiAirbag EAB V4 Pro

It attaches to the saddle via a lanyard on the stirrup bar, and if triggered, it’s quick to reset – just swap the CO₂ cartridge, secure the neck flap, and you’re good to go. The adjustable waist belt helps dial in the fit, and while it only comes in black and the cartridge is sold separately, it’s a smart, safety-focused choice for riders who want serious protection without fuss.

The vest inflates rapidly in less than 0.097sec upon activation, providing immediate protection. While it requires the Motion3 body protector for use, the two together provide a truly comprehensive safety solution for all riders. Also available in children’s sizes.

For riders who want smart design and strong safety in one sleek vest, the Vita is a reliable option.

Air jacket safety standards

The most recognised certification for equestrian air vests is NF S72-800:2022, the only official standard created specifically for horse riding airbags. It covers inflation time, impact protection, coverage (neck, spine, chest, pelvis), and reliability. If a vest meets this, it’s been through rigorous, equestrian-focused testing.

You may also see this standard referred to as CE NF S72-800:2022 — the “CE” marking indicates that the product complies with European Union safety directives, while NF S72-800:2022 is the specific airbag testing protocol within that framework. In short: if you see either, it means the vest has passed the most up-to-date and relevant air vest safety testing for equestrian use.

Some vests are also tested to EN 1621-4 (for motorcycle airbags) or EN 1621-2 (for back protectors). These aren’t riding-specific but still confirm a high level of impact absorption, particularly for the spine and torso.

You may also see references to EN 13158:2009, the standard for traditional equestrian body protectors, not air vests. While air jackets don’t typically meet this standard, some brands use it for comparison to show their vest offers similar or better protection.

Lastly, SATRA M38 is a respected test protocol used to assess air vest performance. It’s not an official standard, but it’s run by SATRA – a leading independent testing lab – and is often used to evaluate how well an air jacket reduces impact in simulated riding falls.

Do equestrian airbag vests work?

Yes, when used correctly, the best air jackets are highly effective at reducing the risk and severity of injury during a fall.

They’re designed to inflate in milliseconds when triggered, cushioning vital areas such as the neck, spine, chest, and pelvis. Independent testing has shown that air vests can significantly reduce impact forces, especially to the chest and back – areas commonly injured in riding accidents.

While no vest can prevent all injuries, air jackets are a proven way to add an extra layer of protection for riders across all disciplines.

Are air jackets worth it?

For many riders, yes, the best air jackets are well worth the investment. They offer rapid, targeted protection in the event of a fall, inflating in milliseconds to help reduce the impact on key areas like the spine, chest and pelvis.

While they can be pricey, especially compared to traditional body protectors, many riders value the added peace of mind and freedom of movement they provide. Whether you’re schooling, hacking or competing, an air jacket adds an extra layer of safety that could make a big difference in a serious fall.

Do I need to get an air jacket fitted?

Yes, a proper fit is important to ensure your air jacket works as intended. Ideally get one fitted at your local saddlery and ask them for a demo on how it works too. Most brands offer size guides based on height and chest measurements, but it’s worth trying on different models if possible, especially if you plan to wear it over a body protector or under a show jacket.

A well-fitted air vest should feel snug but not restrictive, and sit close enough to your body for the airbag to deploy effectively. Some models are adjustable or available in long/tall options to help get the right fit.

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A rider who found herself dangling head-down with her boot attached to her horse’s headcollar has spoken up in hopes of protecting others from the same fate.

Deborah Neve told H&H she can now see the humour in what happened after the clip of her cob’s lead rope attached itself to the strap on her wellington – but that she was immensely lucky not to have been trampled, kicked or otherwise badly injured.

“I can laugh about it now, but I actually thought I was going to die,” she said. “I thought he was going to drag me. If he’d panicked and galloped off, I would have been a goner, I think.”

Deborah explained that she was hand-grazing her 13.2hh cob Hondo with her foot close to his head, and when he raised his head, the clip of the rope snapped on.

“It felt like I was dangling for ever,” she said. “I managed to reach my foot but my welly had crumpled down and I couldn’t get my hand in easily. Then I managed to get my hand in. But the buckle has a little plastic lever, and on the end of the strap there’s a stopper, which won’t pass through the buckle so it won’t come undone.

“I managed to reach the clip but couldn’t unclip it because he was pulling back. I think I unclipped the throatlash of his headcollar and tried to pull it over his ears but it was too tight. He looked round – I was on my bum – and I thought ‘He’s going to take off’.”

But Hondo went back to the grass and when his head was down, Deborah managed to pull her foot free from the boot.

“He was really frightened,” Deborah said. “I’m just so lucky he was listening to my voice, because he was making his frightened noises, and he couldn’t understand – and there was no one at the yard.

“Time stands still when there’s something awful going on. It’s funny but I was just wedged. My foot was at a really weird angle under his chin and the welly was almost like a 1980s leg warmer; I couldn’t pull my foot out. Thank goodness for my beloved saint of a calm coblet who thinks with his stomach.”

Deborah has cut the stoppers off her boot straps, and contacted the manufacturers to make them aware of the potential risk.

“I’d never given any thought to buckles getting caught on anything,” she said. “But you could get caught on a stile, bit hooks or your trailer and get dragged. Farmers wear these, and cows wear milking collars. Hondo’s only a small cob but he still managed to lift me off the ground.

“Most people I’ve told have laughed but I’ve said ‘Look at the video’. I’m really lucky – and what if that had happened to a child? Or if it had been a young horse who’d taken off. It’s something I’d never thought about but it’s really dangerous.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking equestrian news throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Keeping your child safe in the saddle is every parent’s top priority, which is why choosing one of the best children’s body protectors for horse riding is so important. Whether they’re learning to ride or competing regularly, a properly fitted body protector offers vital impact protection in the event of a fall. It’s also really important that they are comfortable and easy to adjust so that you don’t end up having a battle every time they need to put it on.

Body protectors are also increasingly commonplace in riding schools and at Pony Club, where they are recommended for all riding. Wherever you choose to buy, we strongly recommend that you have your body protector for horse riding fitted by a professional at a BETA-trained retailer as body protectors can’t be appropriately fitted by simply selecting your age or clothing size.

Best children’s body protectors for horse riding

Does my child need a body protector for horse riding?

A body protector should provide your child with an extra layer of protection and will absorb the shock impact caused by a fall, kick or being stepped on. Body protectors can be used by all riders, from the complete beginner who is just starting lessons to the elite riders you’ll see at the Olympics. They are compulsory if you’re eventing at any level, are recommended for all riding Pony Club (and required for cross-country and pony racing), and must be worn if competing in working hunter pony classes under BSPS rules.

More riders than ever before are opting to wear body protectors and the latest designs are far more lightweight and flexible than they have ever been in the past. When choosing body protectors for children, it’s worth considering designs that have adjustable features so that the fit lasts that little bit longer. Children can find some body protectors uncomfortable, so finding one that’s flexible, quick to put on and easy to adjust is beneficial.

Wherever you choose to buy, we strongly recommend that you have your body protector fitted by a professional at a BETA-trained retailer as body protectors can’t be fitted as easily as selecting a child’s age or clothing size.

What standard do children’s body protectors need to be?

There are three levels of protection that one of the best children’s body protectors for horse riding can offer, but if you’re shopping for a child you should look for BETA level 3 (2018) as this is the highest body protector standard for horse riding. Moreover, if your governing body or organisation (for example, The Pony Club) requires that you wear a body protector, this the standard they’re looking for.

Governing bodies and rider organisations that require a body protector no longer recognise the 2009 purple label, so if there’s any chance your child is going to compete or attend a Pony Club event, make sure your body protector is up to standard with a blue 2018 label.

All the children’s body protectors in this guide conform to the latest BETA level 3 standard (2018).

How long do body protectors last?

Under normal circumstances, a body protector should be replaced at least every three to five years because after this time the impact absorption properties of the foam may have started to decline, which means it will no longer provide your child with the same level of protection that it did the first day they wore it. Coupled with that, although even the best children’s body protectors for horse riding usually offer a good level of adjustment, it’s likely that your child will outgrow theirs and need a new one before it has reached the end of its life.

If your child has a heavy fall, check the body protector for dents immediately. The foam will return to its original shape within 30 minutes, but a dent would suggest that this part of the body protector will have lost some absorption properties and you should, therefore, replace it.

Taking good care of a body protector means that it will probably last closer to five years than three, which is handy if you have multiple children who are into riding. Avoid leaving it lying around at the yard, in the lorry where it might get damaged, and don’t store it in your hot car or damp tack room – all of these locations are likely to cause it to deteriorate faster. When not in use, it’s best to hang it up in a wardrobe at home with the zips and Velcro fastened.

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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The best body protectors for horse riding are designed to absorb the shock impact caused by a fall, kick or being caught under your horse’s hooves. They can be used by all riders from the complete beginner to the elite.

More riders than ever before are opting to wear body protectors for horse riding and the latest designs are more lightweight and flexible than they have been in the past. Body protectors for children are also increasingly common in riding schools and at Pony Club, where they are recommended for all riding, although they are only compulsory at Pony Club for both training and competing in cross-country riding and pony racing.

Wherever you choose to buy, we strongly recommend that you have your body protector for horse riding fitted by a professional at a BETA-trained retailer as body protectors can’t be appropriately fitted by simply selecting your age or clothing size.

Best body protectors for horse riding

If you’re looking for something that stands out on the cross-country course, Racesafe sell custom covers that go over your body protector in a wide range of colours and patterns – and you can add logos and text, too.

When do you need to wear a body protector for horse riding?

Body protectors are optional if you’re learning to ride, but many beginner riders feel more confident with one. If you are a competitive rider, however, some governing bodies will require that you wear an up-to-standard body protector. They are compulsory to wear if you’re eventing at any level, competing in working hunter or working hunter pony classes under BSPS rules, and for some Pony Club disciplines.

What standard do body protectors need to be?

There are three levels of protection and, of these, the BETA Level 3 (2018) body protector standard offers the highest level. All of the body protectors we’ve featured in this guide meet this standard and are accepted by all major organisations.

There were two versions of this BETA standard – 2009 (purple label) and 2018 (blue label). They have the same level of protection, but the 2009 version ceased manufacturing in 2018. Although unlikely, you may still find these purple-labelled body protectors in stores and online, governing bodies and rider organisations, including The Pony Club and British Eventing, stopped accepting the purple label at the end of 2023, so make sure to check if your existing body protector needs an upgrade.

If you are looking to buy a new body protector, we recommend you check that it meets the 2018 version of the standard to ensure you’re able to wear it in the future, so look out for the blue label. Some products will look exactly the same and have the same name – it’s only the label that’s different.

If your sport’s governing body – such as The Pony Club, British Eventing, British Riding Clubs, or BSPS – requires a body protector, this is the version you’ll need.

How long do body protectors last?

You should replace your body protector at least every three to five years – after this time the impact absorption properties of the foam may have started to decline. If you have a heavy fall, check your body protector for dents immediately. The foam will return to its original shape within half an hour but a dent would suggest that this part of the body protector will have lot some absorption properties and you should, therefore, replace it.

Taking good care of your body protector means that it may last longer within the three to five year recommended lifespan, if it is not damaged in a fall.

How to care for a body protector

You can extend the lifespan of your body protector by:

• Cleaning it with a sponge and warm, soapy water
• Storing it in a dry, warm space, avoiding excessive heat
• Avoiding keeping it in the car as direct sunlight, excessive heat and damp will cause the fabric and foam to deteriorate more quickly
• Hanging it up to maintain shape
• Closing fastenings when not in use to prevent hair and dirt clogging them up

Body protectors vs back protectors for horse riding 

Body protectors and back protectors are easily confused. Although they appear alike, their functions differ significantly.

A body protector is the stronger option, offering comprehensive protection for your torso. It is designed to shield your back, chest, ribs, and internal organs from injury in case of a fall or kick. Some riders also choose to pair a body protector with one of the best air jackets for added protection.

In contrast, a back protector focuses solely on safeguarding your spine and lower back, offering no protection to other parts of the torso. To make the right purchase for your riding needs, learn more about the difference between body protectors vs back protectors.

Do I need to get a body protector fitted by a professional?

Wearing the correct safety gear every time you ride is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of injury, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution. A poorly fitted body protector cannot do its job properly, so we highly recommend taking advantage of professional fitting services, often offered at tack shops.

We recommend having your body protector or back protector fitted by a BETA-trained retailer.

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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British safety brand Racesafe has launched its first lightweight, slimline inflating gilet – the VeloAir air jacket.

“Protection shouldn’t be something you constantly notice – it should simply be there when it’s needed,” said Racesafe managing director James How. “We’ve gone to great lengths to develop an air jacket that meets the Racesafe standard that delivers confidence without compromising comfort, movement or style.”

The VeloAir meets the safety standard for equestrian airbags (NF S72-800:2022) and promises rapid inflation (in 0.095 seconds).

The bespoke airbag pattern has been designed to help maintain a slim, unobtrusive silhouette and a lighter more streamlined fit, while maintaining maximal impact absorption.

Racesafe VeloAir

The VeloAir air jacket comes in black or midnight blue, in young rider or adult sizes, and has an RRP of £355 (young rider) and £425 (adult). It is designed with a water-repellent, wipe-clean fabric that can be worn in all weathers.

Event rider Piggy March said: “I’ve really enjoyed riding in the VeloAir, it’s so subtle and the colour choices match my show jacket really closely.”

Showjumper Chloe Winchester has found it comfortable, breathable and flattering. She said: “I find it fits really well, and I don’t find myself adjusting it throughout the day.”

For more information, visit racesafe.co or visit a Racesafe retailer for a professional fitting.

Are air jackets worth it?

Though more expensive than standard body protectors, many riders consider air jackets to be a worthwhile investment.

They offer rapid, targeted protection in a fall, whether you are schooling, hacking, or competing, inflating in milliseconds to help reduce the impact on key areas, such as the spine, chest and pelvis.

Air jackets can be worn on their own, or over body or back protectors. If you are competing in cross-country under British Eventing rules, it is compulsory to wear a body protector of the appropriate standard, but an air jacket can also be worn over the top.

Do I need to get an air jacket fitted?

Yes, a proper fit is important to ensure your air jacket works as intended. Ideally you should get one fitted at your local equestrian store where they can also demonstrate how it works.

Most brands offer size guides based on height and chest measurements, but it’s worth trying on different models if possible.

If you intend to wear your air jacket over a body or back protector then ensure you take that to your fitting appointment.

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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A young rider whose head was trodden on by her horse in a fall walked away unscathed thanks to her riding hat – as the caved-in helmet serves as a reminder of the importance of wearing the correct safety equipment.

Minna D’Ath, 14, was taking part in the Berks & Bucks Draghounds fun day on 9 November with her mare Kiki when she became unseated after jumping a hedge.

“Minna was riding with a couple of others and didn’t realise they had gone to the side to miss out the jump. Her horse clocked this and wanted to follow, but couldn’t because there was a bigger hedge at the side, and as she never stops at a fence, she jumped it,” said Katie, Minna’s mum.

“I could see from a distance Minna was clinging on, but she slipped round the front, came off and went underneath Kiki and then was just lying on the ground.”

Minna, who was wearing a Charles Owen hat, was attended to by medics and taken to hospital.

“She had been knocked out but had come round. The side of her hat was totally crushed in and had a split, either from being trodden on or kicked, so the worry was that she had a serious head injury,” said Katie.

“She had a CT scan and it turned out she was completely fine, but what’s extraordinary is that she doesn’t even have a bruise. The hat saved her life without a doubt. She is incredibly lucky. Obviously she wouldn’t have been not wearing a hat on a hunt, but had it not been a good hat or it had somehow come off, she’d have been toast.”

Amy Lambert, an off-duty doctor who was riding on the day, was called to help.

“I was told someone had fallen off and wasn’t moving. When I got there I was hugely relieved that Minna was awake and talking, and when I saw the helmet there was no doubt that she had been trodden on,” said Dr Lambert.

“I do work for some eventing fixtures and racecourses and I haven’t seen a hat quite that dramatic before. She was incredibly lucky, and thank God it was the hat and not her head. It just emphasises the importance of wearing appropriate safety equipment of the correct standard, no matter what the discipline.”

A Charles Owen spokesperson told H&H the company is “incredibly grateful to hear that the rider is safe and recovering well”.

“Stories like this are a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Every Charles Owen and EQx helmet is engineered to far surpass the requirements of the safety standards they are tested to, and we invest a tremendous amount of work and funding into ensuring they protect riders in exactly these unpredictable, high-impact situations,” she said.

“We never want accidents like this to happen, but the messages we receive from riders every day – telling us their helmet made a difference – continue to drive us forward in our commitment to improving and advancing safety for all disciplines and all levels of equestrian sport.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Charles Owen has made the “heart-breaking decision” to stop the production of a number of its hat models, following news it will cease manufacturing in the UK.

On Wednesday (12 November) Charles Owen announced to retailers that UK production was to cease – a result of the lease expiring on its Wrexham premises. Yesterday (13 November) a company spokesperson confirmed to H&H that although UK production will cease, the business still has “every intention to continue to sell our products to the UK and beyond”

In an update today (14 November) the company has shared further news on its products.

“While we have a number of alternative properties we are looking to move to, unfortunately none of them are suitable to maintain the production of our UK made helmets. We have therefore made the heart-breaking decision to stop making those models,” it read.

“However, we will continue with the products we have been making outside of the UK for some time now, such as the Kylo, Phoenix, Kontor, Eclipse, Shadow and our range of accessories. We are also pushing forward with at least two exciting new products in 2026”.

The statement to retailers on Wednesday said that “despite strong commitments” earlier this year that the company would be able to remain at its premises, “those assurances have sadly not materialised”.

“Although we have secured a short extension, it only allows us to continue operations until 19 December, less than six weeks from now,” the statement read.

“Those who have visited our facility will understand the complexity involved in producing our helmets – the volume of equipment and machinery is significant. Decommissioning, dismantling, relocating and recommissioning this operation is a major logistical challenge. While we do have several potential new locations under consideration it will not be possible to maintain production.”

Yesterday a Charles Owen spokesperson told H&H the decision to stop production at its Wrexham location “has been incredibly difficult, and comes only after exhausting every possible option to secure a long-term lease for our current facility”.

“While this change affects our UK manufacturing, our commitment to rider safety remains paramount. We are fully dedicated to our future plans, including the continued development of our upcoming products mentioned in the announcement, along with all current outsourced product lines, which are completely unaffected,” she said.

The spokesperson confirmed equestrians will still be able to buy Charles Owen products.

“Although UK production will cease, we still have every intention to continue to sell our products to the UK and beyond,” she said.

“There are a lot of the UK-produced Charles Owen products already with our retailers, so I’m sure our consumers will have no problems sourcing our UK made products for some time yet and we remain dedicated to safety for all riders with our unaffected products.”

The cut-off for retailers to place new orders from the UK facility was today.

“We will continue to draw from our existing stock of raw materials and sub-assemblies to fulfil as many orders as possible before 19 December. While we will make every effort to meet all commitments, some shortfalls may occur, but we will work hard to minimise any shortages,” retailers have been told.

Mr Derby “sincerely apologised” for the short notice and said securing a new long-term lease had been Charles Owens’ “top priority for some time”.

“However, we have exhausted every option to avoid this outcome, unfortunately we have reached a point where this decision has had to be made,” he said, adding that the company has stock of key lines ready for dispatch, allocated to retailers on a first come, first served basis.

The news does not affect “outsourced product lines”.

“Kylo, Phoenix, Kontor, Shadow, Eclipse, as well as all accessories are not affected. We also remain on track with our exciting new products – the Hyda helmet and Hexa body protection, both due to launch in 2026 – supported by a strong forward order book,” said Mr Derby, who asked for “patience and understanding”, and thanked retailers for their support during this “challenging transition”.

* The original version of this news story, published on Thursday 13 November, has been updated to include new information released by Charles Owen on Friday 14 November.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025 and beyond, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

US Equestrian (USEF) has announced a ban on certain styles of safety stirrups – a change the federation has described as “controversial”, but aimed at reducing “preventable” injuries.

The change is the result of a review of the USEF’s safety data, which noted incidents in which “riders were injured because their clothing or body got caught on a stirrup with an upward-pointing projection in the course of dismounting from their horse”.

The rule, which comes into force on 1 December, states: “No piece of equipment shall be attached to a saddle that has a rigid upward pointing projection, hook, or similar object capable of catching a rider’s clothing or person when dismounting, including stirrups”.

“We understand this change is controversial,” said USEF chief of sport David O’Connor.

“Although injuries from safety stirrups are statistically uncommon according to our data, they can be significant and are preventable with the selection of certain styles. We believe this change to the rule allows members to use a breakaway style stirrup if they prefer while reducing the risk of unintended harm.”

USEF has issued guidelines with images to help riders determine whether their stirrups comply. These show two examples of stirrups no longer allowed, open-side stirrups with elastic band – known as peacock stirrups – and those that are fully open on one side.

• View the guidelines

“Stirrups should be examined for compliance in their non-activated state (meaning any latch or releasing portion of the stirrup has not been triggered),” said a USEF spokesperson.

“In this state, the stirrup should either have closed branches (meaning there are no gaps in the outside frame of the stirrup). Or, if the branches are not closed and there is a gap in the outline of the stirrup, the gapping branch must sit inside the plane of the stirrup so there is no upward-facing, rigid projection.”

The spokesperson added that the federation is aware that tack and equipment are constantly evolving and new designs may come on to the market in the future.

“The illustrations shown in these guidelines are not intended to be a representation of all possible safety stirrup designs. A USEF task force will meet twice a year, in January and June, to review any new designs,” he said.

Manufacturers can submit products to USEF “for review to determine compliance” by completing a design review form.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Horse riders need hi-vis and not just for gloomy autumn and winter days – it’s one of the simplest, most effective ways to become more visible, which should help you to stay safe on the road. It helps you stand out to other road users, giving them time to see you, slow down and pass wide. It also helps when you’re hacking off road as others – dog walkers or low-flying aircraft, for example – will notice you sooner.

You really shouldn’t be on the road with a horse without hi-vis – whether you’re riding or leading. But what exactly are the best hi-vis options for horse riders – and are there any rules you have to follow? Here’s what you need to know.

Highway Code: do horse riders need high-vis?

The Highway Code (rules 49-55) advises riders to make themselves as visible as possible – and it gets specific:

• In daylight, wear fluorescent or light-coloured clothing
• In poor visibility or at night, switch to reflective gear and add lights

Hi-vis, or fluorescent, material works best in daylight. Reflective strips bounce light back to the source like headlights. To cover all bases, your hacking gear should combine both bright hi-vis material and silver reflective elements.

If you ride in low light (which the Code discourages), extra precautions include:

• Reflective bands above the fetlocks on your horse
• A white light at the front and red at the rear, attached to your right arm, leg or boot
• A fluorescent or reflective tail guard on your horse

These aren’t legal requirements, but they are considered best practice – and could affect liability in the event of an incident.

Some insurers expect riders to take “reasonable precautions”. If you’re involved in an accident and weren’t wearing any hi-vis, it could weaken your claim. In court, it might even be treated as contributory negligence.

Why both horse and rider need hi-vis

Don’t assume hi-vis on the rider is enough. Horses may be large, but they can easily blend into hedgerows, tree lines or shaded lanes – especially darker-coloured horses.

Adding reflectivity to your horse’s legs, tail, and sides with some of the best hi-vis for horses helps drivers recognise shape and movement from a distance. Motion draws attention, so reflective gear on moving parts – like legs or your arms – makes you even more noticeable in low light or headlights.

What to look for when buying hi-vis

At a minimum, the British Horse Society (BHS) recommends a hi-vis jacket or tabard for the rider, and reflective leg bands for the horse. But there are smart upgrades worth considering.

Lights make a proven difference

The BHS commissioned the Transport Research Laboratory to study rider visibility on roads. One key takeaway? Riders should wear lights wherever possible.

LEDs are an effective way to boost visibility, especially in dull or fading light. Aim to position them to show your width:

• On each shoulder
• Along your horse’s flanks
• On legs or boots to enhance motion visibility
• Whether flashing or static, the more angles you’re visible from, the better. Lights combined with reflective gear give you the best chance of being seen early and clearly.

Safety standards

Look for hi-vis gear that meets recognised standards – it’s a sign the product has been properly tested.

• EN 17353:2020 – for leisure riders
• EN ISO 20471:2013 – for professional kit (often issued by employers)

Even accessories like hat bands, armbands or harnesses should meet these standards if possible.

Colour options

Consider where you’ll be riding and what colours might show up best. For example, if you regularly ride past crop fields in summer, you’re much more likely to stand out in pink than yellow. Likewise, orange may not be the best in autumn thanks to leaves changing colour. The best way to get around this is to choose hi-vis clothing that’s made up of a combination of colours.

Hi-vis kit options

There are so many hi-vis options to choose from for both you and your horse, and really there’s never too much. While you might feel seen in a tabard and exercise sheet, if you’re on a bend, drivers are unlikely to see you until the last minute, but they might have been able to see a hi-vis hat band over the hedge on their approach. Dress to be seen from all angles and perspectives – a breastplate is helpful for those approaching from the front, but not so much from behind.

Quickfire: Hi-vis dos and don’ts

✔ Wear hi-vis in all conditions – not just bad weather

✔ Kit out both horse and rider

✔ Check gear is certified and properly fitted

✖ Don’t rely on one item (e.g. a tabard on its own)

✖ Don’t assume daylight equals visibility

✖ Don’t forget to replace faded or worn-out gear

Bottom line: be seen, stay safe

Hi-vis for horse riders might not technically be a legal requirement, but it should be a non-negotiable if you’re heading out on the road. Visibility gives other road users more time to react – and that time could save you and your horse from a close call. It will also help low flying aircraft see you earlier, which may enable them to avoid flying directly over you.

You wouldn’t hack without a hat. Don’t hack without hi-vis.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Be seen with these hi viz jackets and rider accessories

Help your horse stand out with these hi viz essentials

How riders can do all possible to improve their safety on the road

HGV driver’s high-vis plea after lorry and horses meet on blind bend

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

An air jacket or body protector can make all the difference in a fall, but knowing how they work and when to wear them is key. They’re often grouped together as rider safety gear, but the protection they offer is very different.

So, which one do you actually need, and when should you wear both? Here’s everything you need to know about choosing between the best air jackets and the best body protectors – or using them together – depending on how and what you ride.

Air jacket vs body protector: What’s the difference?

A body protector is a foam-filled vest designed to absorb impact and reduce blunt trauma in the event of a fall, kick, or collision. It offers constant, passive protection to your back, chest, ribs and internal organs. Once it’s on, it’s ready – no activation needed.

By contrast, an air jacket is an inflatable vest that only deploys when triggered. It’s worn over your clothing (and usually over a body protector) and attaches to the saddle via a lanyard. If the rider is thrown from the saddle, the lanyard pulls a cord which activates a CO₂ canister, inflating the jacket in a fraction of a second. This creates an air cushion around key areas including the spine, neck, pelvis and sometimes the chest.

So while a body protector reduces impact force using dense materials, an air jacket reduces it by creating a pressurised air buffer – but only after a fall is in progress.

Which should you wear – and when?

Body protectors are essential for high-risk riding and mandatory in certain competitions, such as:

• Cross-country (and are mandatory in British Eventing for the cross-country phase, and over solid fences in arena eventing)
• Riding young, green or unpredictable horses
• Schooling in potentially hazardous situations

To meet current competition rules, your body protector must be BETA Level 3 (2018) standard – look for the blue label. Most governing bodies won’t accept older body protector standards (e.g. purple 2009) or lower protection levels. It’s also worth noting that body protectors should be replaced every three to five years, even if they haven’t been involved in a fall.

Air jackets, while offering excellent protection for certain injuries (such as spinal compression or internal bruising), are not a substitute for a BETA-approved body protector in any discipline where one is required, like eventing. They’re an optional, additional layer.

Air jackets are commonly worn by:

• Eventers, over the top of a body protector for cross-country
• Riders schooling or hacking who want extra peace of mind
• Experienced riders working with sensitive or high-level horses
• Riders with previous injury history seeking more upper-body protection

Some air jackets offer additional neck and pelvis protection that body protectors don’t. But remember: they only work if they inflate – and that requires separation from the saddle. In situations where you fall with your horse, or aren’t fully separated, some may not trigger in time.

Pros and cons

Body protectors:

✔ Constant protection – no need to “arm” or trigger

✔ Approved for use in affiliated competitions

✔ Protects torso, ribs and organs from impact and kicks

✔ Offers coverage even in close falls or entanglements

✖ Can feel bulky or warm, especially in hot weather

✖ Some riders find them restrictive, especially to start with

Air jackets:

✔ Lightweight and unobtrusive when not deployed

✔ Inflates to offer neck, spine, chest and pelvis protection

✔ Often more comfortable for long hours in the saddle

✔ Can reduce whiplash-type injuries

✖ Must be worn with a body protector in most competitions

✖ Requires rearming after deployment (usually by replacing the gas canister)

✖ Won’t inflate if the rider isn’t fully separated from the horse

Air jacket vs body protector: How to choose

Choosing the right safety gear depends on the type of riding you’re doing – and whether you’re competing or not.

If your discipline requires a BETA Level 3 body protector, that’s non-negotiable. Air jackets can be worn over the top for additional protection, but they don’t meet the criteria on their own and won’t be accepted in competition without a body protector underneath.

For everyday riding where safety gear is optional, the choice depends on what you’re doing and the level of protection you want. Some riders stick with a body protector for its consistent coverage, others go for the lighter feel of an air jacket, knowing it only activates during a fall, and many choose to wear both. There’s also the option of a back protector for riders who want minimal coverage without the bulk.

Fit is critical, especially if you’re combining an air jacket with a body protector. They need to work together without restricting movement or interfering with inflation. Most brands provide compatibility guidelines, and a professional fitting can make a big difference. If you can, try the gear on while mounted to check that everything moves with you in the saddle, and check that lanyards are properly adjusted.

Body protectors and air jackets offer different types of protection – one constant, one reactive – and together, they cover more scenarios than either can alone. If you’re unsure what’s right for you, a BETA-trained retailer can help you make a smart, safe choice.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

11 of the best body protectors that meet the current standards

Best air jackets for the ultimate protection, comfort and performance – options to suit every rider

Body protectors vs back protectors: what’s the difference – and which one do you need?

13 body protectors for children that are up to Pony Club and riding school standards

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

If you’re shopping for rider safety gear, you might have come across two similar-sounding options: body protector and back protector. While they might seem quite similar at first glance, they’re designed for different purposes. So, what’s the difference, and which one do you actually need?

Here’s everything you need to know to make the right choice for your riding when it comes to choosing between the best body protectors and best back protectors.

Body protector vs back protector: What’s the difference?

A body protector is the more robust of the two. Designed to safeguard your entire torso, it covers your back, chest, ribs and internal organs in the event of a fall or kick. These padded vests are usually made from layers of shock-absorbing foam, and their design varies from flexible and lightweight to more rigid depending on the level of protection.

A back protector, by contrast, does exactly what it says – it protects your spine and lower back, and nothing more. These are generally thinner, lighter and more comfortable, but don’t offer the same level of overall coverage. They’re ideal for riders who want a bit of extra peace of mind during flatter work or hacking, but they’re not designed for high-risk disciplines.

Which should you wear – and when?

The simple answer is: it depends on what you’re doing.

Body protectors are best suited to riskier activities such as:

• Cross-country (and are mandatory in British Eventing for the cross-country phase, and over solid fences in arena eventing)
• Jumping young or unpredictable horses
• Backing horses
• Schooling in more unpredictable environments

From 1 January 2024, most major governing bodies will only accept body protectors that meet the latest BETA Level 3 (2018) standard.

You can spot BETA Level 3 (2018) approved body protectors by their blue label. If your sport’s governing body – such as The Pony Club, British Eventing, British Riding Clubs, or BSPS – requires a body protector, this is the version you’ll need.

Body protectors with green, orange, or the older purple (2009) labels aren’t accepted by most governing bodies. While you can still wear them for unaffiliated riding or in disciplines like British Dressage or British Showjumping – where body protectors are optional – it’s recommended to replace them every three to five years.

For full peace of mind, the BETA Level 3 (2018) body protector standard offers the highest level of protection currently available. All of the body protectors we’ve featured in our guides to the best body protectors and best body protectors for children meet this standard and are accepted by all major organisations.

Back protectors are a good choice for:

• Hacking
• Schooling on the flat
• Riders who don’t like the feel of a full-body protector but still want a bit of spinal protection

Pros and cons

Here’s a quick overview:

Body protectors:

✔ Greater protection for ribs, back and internal organs

✔ Required for some disciplines (e.g. British Eventing cross-country)

✔ Can be worn with an air jacket for maximum protection

✖ Can feel bulky or hot, especially in summer

✖ Some riders find them restrictive at first

Back protectors:

✔ Lightweight and comfortable, easier for everyday wear

✔ Tend to be cheaper because they involve less material

✔ Provide essential protection whilst keeping freedom of movement

✖ Limited protection – less suitable for jumping or higher-risk riding

✖ Doesn’t meet competition requirements for some disciplines

Body protector vs back protector: How to choose

Start by considering what kind of riding you usually do. If you’re mostly hacking or doing flatwork, a back protector may be sufficient. But if you’re jumping, eventing or working with unpredictable horses, a body protector is likely to be the safer choice.

Next, think about fit. A well-fitted protector – whether full body or back-only – should feel snug but not restrictive. It shouldn’t shift or ride up when you’re in the saddle. Many tack shops offer professional fitting services, and it’s worth taking advantage of this: a poorly fitted protector can’t do its job properly.

We recommend having your body protector or back protector fitted by a BETA-trained retailer.

Comfort matters, too. Try mounting and moving around while trying it on – can you lift your arms, sit comfortably, and would you be able to dismount easily? If not, try a different size or model. Some riders also choose to pair a body protector with one of the best air jackets for added protection.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but wearing the right safety gear – every time you ride – is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of injury.

If you’re unsure, speak to your local BETA-trained retailer or a competition organiser. They can help you ensure your kit is safe, compliant, and suitable for your discipline.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

11 of the best body protectors that meet the current standards

6 back protectors that offer extra protection for everyday riding

Best air jackets for the ultimate protection, comfort and performance – options to suit every rider

13 body protectors for children that are up to Pony Club and riding school standards

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Access to good quality turnout is a must where equines are concerned. However, if you keep your horses in a field with a public footpath or bridleway, you may have a few apprehensions.

“These range from inappropriate feeding and even harm from the public, to concern regarding the risk to walkers should the horse be aggressive,” remarks Naomi Newell, Senior Associate in the Property Disputes Team at Birketts LLP.

So, what risks are horses in a field with a public footpath exposed to? H&H spoke to Naomi and to Mark Weston, Director of Access at the British Horse Society (BHS). We asked what owners need to consider and got practical advice for safeguarding yourself, your horse and the wider public.

Horses in a field with a public footpath: what to bear in mind

Security

Owners with horses in a field with a public footpath must ensure that gates are secure enough to contain their livestock while giving easy access to the public. Naomi says to install any gates with the local highway authority’s consent, and to ensure nothing obstructs the route.

If you wish to fence either side of the route, Naomi has more pointers.

“Electric fencing next to a public right of way is only acceptable if insulated, and there are regular warning signs for the public,” she says. “The width of a public path may or may not be recorded on the Council’s legal records. Therefore, you should discuss the width of a fenced route with the local rights of way officer.”

“The BHS recommends putting up polite notices to remind people to leave gates as they find them or follow instructions on signs,” adds Mark. “This aligns with the Countryside Code.”

Appropriate fieldmates

Horse owners must consider their own duty to the public.

“Owners have the important responsibility not to keep a horse known to be potentially dangerous in a field crossed by a right of way,” warns Naomi. “This could result in a prosecution and is a serious responsibility.”

Mark of the BHS adds: “We strongly recommend against keeping stallions in a field through which rights of way pass, especially if unfamiliar horses access your land.”

Public feeding

Horse & Hound has reported widely on public feeding, which remains an issue even for horses who don’t share turnout with a public right of way.

“While many people act with no malicious intent, they’re often unaware of the risks,” explains Mark. “As we know, certain foods, such as grass cuttings, can cause illness for horses and feeding can lead to fighting within a herd.”

Owners and carers can erect polite signs requesting people not to feed the horses, with an explanation as to why.

“If you’re concerned the public is feeding your horses, you can contact the BHS Horse Care and Welfare Helpline on 02476 840517,” adds Mark. The charity can offer guidance and advice, as well as a range of English and Welsh signs at bhs.org.uk/behorseaware.

Dogs

Naturally, walkers who neglect to control their dogs can pose a threat to all livestock.

“Unfortunately, negative incidents involving horses and dogs can happen far too often,” says Mark. “The BHS continues to advise and educate dog walkers. We urge them to keep their dog under control, ideally on a lead, around horses.

“If your horse has been involved in an incident with a dog, report it to the police and record it through the BHS Horse i app. This helps give us a greater understanding of the scale of this issue, and lobby for greater change.”

Trespassing

Even if you keep horses in a field with a public footpath, individuals can still trespass.

“A user who is not on the line of the public right of way is trespassing over private land,” says Naomi. “Similarly, if the person is entering onto your private land or leaning over a boundary feature (like a fence, hedge or gate) into your private land, that person is likely to be trespassing.”

Some instances of trespass can be a criminal offence, and you should contact the police. However, it may also carry civil liability that you should take legal advice on.

“Bringing trespass proceedings in the civil courts is often an expensive exercise,” remarks Naomi. “So, it will be very important to keep that in mind depending upon the persistence and severity of the trespass,” advises Naomi. “Ultimately, you would end up with an order that you could look to enforce against the third party if necessary.

What if you’re not the landowner and someone trespasses on your horse’s field?

“You may have a contractual claim against your landlord if they are subject to obligations within your agreement to protect the land or horses from interference,” says Naomi. “You should ask a solicitor to check the terms of your agreement to see whether this avenue could be pursued.

Above all, it is best for all concerned if the landowner clearly signposts rights of way. The signs must adhere to the path’s true alignment and observe the legal width of the route.

“Define the route on the land if necessary to avoid confusion over where the public can pass,” advises Naomi. “Seek help from the local rights of way officer with this.”

What happens if my horse injures someone?

According to Naomi, if your horse causes a person harm or damage, you may be found liable in negligence.

“This means you owed a duty of care and failed in that duty.”

Naomi adds that you may also be held liable under the Animals Act 1971. This states that animal owners carry strict liability if a third party is injured by the animal.

“The Act is widely considered to be poorly drafted and there are some defences available under the Act. It’s very important to take prompt legal advice if a claim is brought against you,” she adds.

Additionally, if you feel your horse has caused damage to a third party as a result of their disturbance of him, it would be difficult to prove that they should, in fact, have primary liability.

“These sorts of proceedings are often complicated, and you should take legal advice.”

The BHS urges anyone who owns or looks after a horse to carry public liability insurance cover.

“BHS Gold members receive public liability insurance cover, up to £30 million,” explains Mark. “This helps to give financial peace of mind should your horse injure a member of the public on a public right of way.”

What happens if someone’s actions cause injury to my horse?

Firstly, you should enquire with your insurer.

“Can the policy pay out for vet bills? Do you have legal expenses cover? Additionally, what’s the impact on your insurance premium going forward? The latter point may well be the extent of the responsible person’s liability to repay you,” says Naomi.

Secondly, while the law may offer some recourse, there may be other difficulties. These include:

• Identifying the person responsible for causing the injury to your horse.
• Finding an address for that person to serve legal proceedings.
• Proving causation.

“Assuming for a moment that you identify and track the person responsible, they will put you firmly to proof on why it was their actions that caused the horse’s injury,” adds Naomi.

“Undoubtedly, you will need expert evidence to help you prove at court that your horse was injured directly as a result of the person’s actions.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like:

Can horses go on footpaths, plus other facts riders need to know about public rights of way

Equine insurance: choosing the right policy

Insuring your horse can be a confusing and time consuming process, so follow our top tips to choose the best

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The best safety stirrups are designed to release your foot quickly and easily in the event of an accident. There are a variety of designs and release mechanisms available. The most common are shaped irons and breakaway stirrups with mechanical or flexible arms.

• Shaped irons – stirrups with a distinctive bend have been designed to help prevent the foot from becoming caught in the event of a fall. If you aren’t keen on the full breakaway effect, this style of stirrup can offer some reassurance and is usually much cheaper than the breakaway style.
• Breakaway stirrups – some designs have a flexible or mechanical outside arm that releases the foot when put under a specified amount of uneven pressure in the event of a fall, while others are designed to release from the stirrup leather completely. Many designs also have features associated with the best technical stirrups, which has resulted in a wide range of price points.

Best safety stirrups: H&H’s quick guide

Best for customisation: Flex-On Safe-On Stirrups

Most comfortable safety stirrups: Rid’Up Plus Stirrups

Best value safety stirrups: Fouganza Stirrup Irons 500

Flex-On Safe-On Stirrups

Colours: 11 frame, 3 footbed and 17 elastomer options

Sizes: Adult or junior (for riders under 40kg)

Weight: 500g each (adult), 275g (junior)

RRP: £244.95 (adult), £145.95 (junior)

H&H review: 9/10, H&H Approved

Reasons to buy

• Loads of customisation options
• Well-suited to jumping
• Available in junior sizes

Reasons to avoid

• Need to keep the key with you to re-secure the arm after falling

Based on the design for Flex-On’s Green Composite Stirrup (featured in our guide to the best technical stirrups), the Safe-On has shock-absorbing and ergonomic features and can be customised in the same way. The outer branch is designed to open in the event of a fall when at least 40kg weight is exerted on it – and can quickly and easily be re-attached using a tool supplied. They are also available in a junior size (for riders under 40kg).

The elastomers provide shock absorption to protect joints, while the off-set leather slot ensures the stirrup sits at the optimum angle. The angle of the tread helps you to maintain the correct leg position. The junior stirrups are available with flat or inclined treads, and an optional stirrup cage for the junior stirrup and endurance riders is also available.

Professional event rider Sam Jennings put these stirrups to the test and loved them so much that she rated them H&H Approved. She said: “I’d definitely recommend these stirrups… the safety mechanism is very safe – one side is rubberised and your foot can ping out.”

The angle of the footplate encourages good position, and Sam thought they were particularly well suited to jumping. The only niggle she had was that if you want to re-secure the arm after falling, you need to have the key with you – however, you can continue riding without securing it as it doesn’t completely detach.

Read H&H’s full and independent Flex-On Safe-On stirrups review.

Rid’Up Plus Stirrups

Colours: Plum, black, red, chocolate, grey or royal blue

Weight: 440g each

RRP: £230

Reasons to buy

• Safety-focused design for those not so keen on breakaway arms
• Very comfortable and ideal for longer rides
• The same pair can be used by adults and children

Reasons to avoid

• No real negatives, but some riders might prefer stirrups with a mechanical arm

These stirrups are a great choice for riders looking to combine safety, comfort, and performance. They have a unique release system that allows the stirrup to disengage from the leather. The mechanism remains firmly shut under severe but normal pressure but releases immediately in the event of abnormal twisting forces.

There is no minimum weight, so these stirrups can be used by adults and children. The wide footbed, which is positioned 90 degrees from the leather, relieves pressure on the knees. This, and the other comfort features, makes a big difference on longer rides. They’re solid, comfortable, and a great pick if you’re ready to invest in quality.

Fouganza Stirrup Irons 500

Colours: Black, black/red or black/blue

Weight: 600g each

RRP: £69.99

Reasons to buy

• Great budget option
• Wide footplate offers excellent grip and stability, enhancing rider confidence
• Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance for both kids and adults

Reasons to avoid

• Heavier than some alternatives, which may not suit all riders

If you’re looking for a budget safety stirrup with an arm release mechanism, these stirrups are likely to be the cheapest you’ll find. The opening system features a flexible arm that releases under pressure, helping to free the foot in the event of a fall. The wide footplate provides excellent grip and stability, making these stirrups suitable for both kids and adults. While they are slightly heavier than some alternatives, their durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.

Veredus Vita Steel1 Stirrups

Colours: Black/Black, Black/Silver, Pink/Silver, Light Pink/Silver, Brown/Silver, Blue Navy/Silver or Bordeaux/Silver

Sizes: Adult

Weight: 750g each

RRP: £249

Reasons to buy

• Lots of colour options
• Flexible outer branch to help release your foot quickly
• Unique footbed to encourage a secure position

Reasons to avoid

• Heavier than some alternatives

The durable Veredus Vita Steel1 Stirrups feature a forged steel frame and a 360-degree flexing techno-polymer arch for quick foot release in case of a fall. Sloped eyelets help to hang them in the correct place when secured to your saddle, and the inclined footbed with grip rings promotes stability and drainage.

JS Italia Jin Air Stirrups

Colours: 17 options

Sizes: Standard or junior

Weight: 480g each (adult)

RRP: £229 (adult), £169 (junior)

H&H review: 9/10, H&H Approved

Reasons to buy

• Anatomical wide footbed encourages heel placement and improves leg position
• Available in junior sizes
• Lightweight aluminium design with several vibrant colour options adds style and practicality

Reasons to avoid

• May take time to adjust to the unique footbed shape for some riders

These stirrups are a fantastic mix of clever design and rider-focused functionality. The wide footbed isn’t just comfortable — it really helps you get your heels down, which is such a bonus for training or long rides. Shaped with the rider in mind, they’re designed to ease joint stress, support your leg position, and give you a secure grip. The smart-release mechanism with its flexible arch is a great safety feature, snapping back into place effortlessly. Plus, the junior size option means younger riders (UK2½ and below) aren’t left out.

Sam Jennings said: “I really liked these stirrups – they’re well suited to jumping and I felt very springy. They helped get my heels down and I was surprised at how far they went down without me even thinking about it!”

Read H&H’s full and independent Flex-On Safe-On stirrups review.Jin Air stirrups review.

Shires Karben Ultra Grip Stirrups

Colours: Black

Weight: 450g each

RRP: £139.99

Reasons to buy

• Lower-end of the price scale for stirrups with breakaway arms
• The dual grip system ensures secure footing in all weather conditions
• Lightweight aluminum design helps reduce strain during longer rides

Reasons to avoid

• Limited colour options may not suit all tastes

These stirrups are a great option for riders who want a mix of safety and performance. The spring-loaded arm is a clever safety feature that adds peace of mind, while the grippy footplate ensures your feet stay secure, even in wet or muddy conditions. With their lightweight feel and ergonomic design, they’re ideal for riders who value comfort and practicality.

FreeJump Soft’Up Pro+

Colours: Silver, blue, choco, pink, red, Bordeaux, navy, black, green or cream

Weight: 502g each

RRP: £259

Reasons to buy

• Single-branch design reduces pressure on joints
• They offer a high level of shock absorption
• A wider footbed with a non-slip grip provides effective stability and support

Reasons to avoid

• May require an adjustment period for riders new to single-branch stirrups

These stirrups are a great choice for riders seeking a blend of safety and comfort. The inner branch is fixed, while the outer open branch can bend open to easily release your foot in the event of a fall. They also offer a high degree of shock absorption – the stirrups flex at the lower inside bend of the stirrups, which absorbs shock travelling into riders ankles, knees and hips in addition to the shock travelling across the horse’s back.

The main difference from the Soft’Up Classics is the position of the stirrup eye, which is on a 45° angle to provide extra comfort and allow riders to easily find a lost stirrup. The Pro+ tread is also 27% larger – this extra size combined with the raised metal studs across each footplate provides extra grip and stability.

Sprenger Aero Stirrups

Colours: Aluminium/black or aluminium/silver

Sizes: One size (4.75in)

Weight: 450g each without spikes

RRP: £283.90 (without spikes) or £302.90 (with spikes)

Reasons to buy

• Shock absorbing and joint friendly properties
• Extra wide, inclined footbed
• Grip system in the tread can be extended with spikes

Reasons to avoid

• Not as many colour options as some others

These high-strength anodised aluminium stirrups feature flexible arms that release the rider’s foot in any direction when dismounted. The 180-degree outer arm movement and wide, 5°-inclined fibreglass-reinforced tread with dual-grip elements offer maximum support and security. Shaped for correct leg positioning, the stirrups also have shock-absorbing, replaceable pads for joint protection and comfortable riding.

LeMieux Vector Balance Stirrups

Colours: Black, silver or black/silver

Weight: 419g each

RRP: £159.95

Reasons to buy

• Lightweight aluminium design
• Unique ergonomic footplate with a slight angle helps keep your leg position secure
• Great if you prefer an understated look

Reasons to avoid

• Some riders may find the safety arm mechanism requires maintenance over time

These stirrups are all about combining comfort, safety, and practicality. The footplate is angled at 5°, which not only feels natural but also helps keep your foot secure, while the grippy surface and cushioned layer absorb impact to reduce strain during your ride. The clever twin balance arch system spreads your weight evenly, and the 45° outward angle makes it so much easier to find or recover a lost stirrup mid-ride.

The integrated safety arm has a two-stage release system, preventing unintentional opening. When pressure is put onto the arm of the stirrup, rather than evenly across the stirrup, such as if the rider falls, the arm releases allowing the foot to come out of the stirrup.

Shires Karben Ultra Grip FX Stirrups

Colours: Aluminium/black

Sizes: Adult

Weight: 365g each

RRP: £139.99

Reasons to buy

• Lightweight
• Shock absorbing
• Deep grip tread offers great traction in all weathers

Reasons to avoid

• Only available in one colour

The Karben Ultra Grip FX Stirrup blends style with safety. Its flexible outer arm releases the foot during a fall, then returns to its original shape. Made from lightweight, strong cast aluminium with a durable powder coating, it features a deep, secure foot plate with excellent traction for all conditions. A weighted, shock-absorbing base stabilizes and energizes legs, while the angled eyelet improves rider alignment and retrieval.

Acavallo Arena AluPro Safety Stirrups

Colours: Black, silver, charcoal, red, blue, brown, titanium or rose gold

Weight: 460g each

RRP: £130

Reasons to buy

• Simple design with lots of colour options
• Combination of lightweight aluminum and polyamide offers strength without extra bulk
• Shock-absorbing footbed reduces strain on joints for added comfort

Reasons to avoid

• The safety release system may need occasional fine-tuning for optimal performance

These stirrups feature a side-opening arm made from durable polyamide, designed to release at the base under stress in the event of a fall. This helps prevent your foot from becoming trapped, offering an important safety advantage for riders. The lock and release system is stress-activated and can be easily reengaged after being triggered, making it both functional and user-friendly.

The main body of the stirrup is crafted from a single piece of integrated metal, providing strength and durability without excess weight. The footpad is made from impact-resistant polyamide, while the non-slip tread is stainless steel for reliable grip in all conditions. Unlike more rigid designs, the stirrup’s slightly flexible structure absorbs impact, providing relief to your ankles, knees, hips, and foot arches during extended rides.

Shires Bent Leg Stirrup Irons

Colours: Silver

Sizes: 3¾–5in

RRP: £39.99

Reasons to buy

• Simple bent leg design reduces the risk of foot entrapment during a fall
• Durable stainless steel construction resists rust and wear over time
• Available in multiple sizes for a personalized fit

Reasons to avoid

• Fixed design lacks the advanced safety features of mechanical arm opening stirrups

These stirrups offer a straightforward approach to rider safety, with a bent leg design that minimizes the chance of your foot getting caught in an accident. While they don’t have the release mechanisms found in some mechanical arm stirrups, their simplicity and durability make them a reliable choice for riders who prefer a classic style. Their rust-resistant construction and variety of sizes ensure they are practical and long-lasting for everyday use.

Equipe Staf15 Safety Stirrups

Colours: Black, light titanium, dark titanium or bronze, with a choice of 11 rubber arm colours

Weight: 455g each

RRP: £324.50

H&H review: 8/10

Reasons to buy

• Straightforward release system
• Lightweight design, reducing strain during rides
• Customisable with various frame and silicone arm scratch-proof colour combinations

Reasons to avoid

• Premium price point may not suit all budgets

These stirrups combine practicality with a sleek, customisable design. The release mechanism operates without springs or magnets, making it easy to reset and dependable in an emergency. They’re made from lightweight yet durable aluminium, so they feel effortless to use while still offering top-notch stability. The black treads have a special scratch-proof treatment and feature unique slots for removing sand from your boots, with a texture that increases grip, helping to ensure optimum security and stability throughout use.

Our reviewer Sam Jennings said: “Overall they’re nice stirrups and are useful is you don’t want your heels to be forced down because they’re flat.”

Read H&H’s independent Equipe safety stirrups review.

What are peacock stirrups?

Peacock stirrups are an open-sided safety stirrup closed by an elastic band attachment. The band is suspended between two hooks with a leather tab at the bottom. In the event of a fall, the band is designed to release, which prevents the rider’s foot from becoming wedged in the iron.

Peacock stirrups have been a popular choice for equestrians for decades. They have a traditional look compared to more modern styles of safety stirrups and are a cost-effective option. They are a style often favoured by younger riders and have been a staple for Pony Club children.

In recent times, there have been concerns regarding the upward-pointing hooks that hold the band in place. It has been reported that the hooks can rip clothing and even skin, which leads to a risk of groin injuries when dismounting. One American lawyer and former showjumper, Armand Leone, has gone as far as to suggest banning the peacock stirrup in the US.

One thing to be aware of with peacock stirrups is wear and tear on the elastic band. You can buy inexpensive replacements as and when you need them.

Are magnetic stirrups safe?

Magnetic stirrups are a relatively modern addition to the world of equestrian equipment, designed to enhance stability and security while riding. They feature a magnet in the footbed that helps keep the rider’s boot in place, which can improve balance and control, particularly in disciplines like dressage or show jumping. Importantly, the magnet is not the primary safety mechanism. Most magnetic stirrups also incorporate a traditional safety release system, such as a side-opening arm, to ensure the rider’s foot can disengage in the event of a fall.

While magnetic stirrups can provide added confidence and functionality, there are factors to consider before using them. The strength of the magnetic connection varies between models and may not suit every rider’s preference. Compatibility with specific riding boots is another consideration, as the magnets are designed to work with particular soles. Regular maintenance is also necessary to prevent dirt or debris from affecting the magnetic connection.

Do safety stirrups work?

Safety stirrups are designed to reduce the risk of injury by allowing a rider’s foot to release during a fall, minimizing the chance of being dragged. Using mechanisms like flexible arms, side-opening designs, or magnetic connections, they respond to uneven pressure or twisting forces to release the foot effectively. While no stirrup can eliminate all risks, safety stirrups are particularly effective for disciplines like eventing or showjumping and are a popular choice for riders of all levels.

Their effectiveness depends on the quality of the design, proper fit, and regular maintenance. A well-functioning safety mechanism can perform reliably, but dirt, debris, or an improper stirrup-to-boot fit can compromise its functionality. While not foolproof, safety stirrups offer valuable protection and are a significant upgrade over traditional designs.

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£224.95

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ALL CVS Equine vets and vet nurses are now wearing safety helmets when dealing with horses to reduce injury risk – and bring the profession into line with others.

The company, which owns 22 practices across the country, introduced the rule as a result of a three-year research project undertaken with the University of Liverpool, which found that 90% of vets have been injured while working.

“It is hoped that the move will reduce injuries to the head – one of the most common injuries sustained by equine vets identified by the research, usually when examining horses’ lower legs,” a CVS spokesperson said.

John Tulloch of the University of Liverpool, who led the research, pointed out that many horses are on heightened alert during a vet visit, so their behaviour may be less predictable than usual.

“Vets are often in a vulnerable situation when examining a horse, and it’s difficult to pick up on a horse’s signals, especially when examining areas such as lower limbs,” he said.

“Our research found that many injuries happen when a horse kicks or pushes a person over and the person’s head makes impact with the ground. So wearing a hard hat will be a big step towards preventing traumatic head injuries if this happens.”

H&H reported on the research after its publication; it found that many equine vets regard getting kicked as an “everyday norm”, and suggested the number of injuries in veterinary practice could be higher than reported.

CVS Equine director Sophie Ignarski said: “In asking our vets and nurses to wear hard hats, we are just joining other professions – such as airline and construction – who have introduced similar changes to improve safety, now established in their culture.

“Our clinicians are at risk in their day-to-day work, even when working with the best behaved, mildest-mannered horses. So we ask that clients are not concerned when our colleagues wear their hats.

“We are grateful for the support we have already received from clients in relation to this change, and hope they will continue to work with our vets and nurses to help keep our staff safe. And if clients would like to show further support, we’d encourage them to think about wearing their hats too.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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The best back protectors for horse riding are becoming increasingly popular with equestrians seeking a lighter alternative to one of the best body protectors. Although wearing some form of back protection is not required in most disciplines, having added protection can reduce the risk of injury while offering a feeling of security and boosting confidence in the saddle.

It’s important to note that these back protectors only cover the back and should not be confused with body protectors. They are not a direct alternative as they do not offer full rib protection or prevent injuries involving severe torsion, flexion, extension or crushing. Neither are they are not suitable for cross-country riding, but instead offer a lightweight option for everyday activities in the saddle – here’s the full comparison of back protectors vs body protectors.

If you are looking for a lighter option to a full body protector, here is a selection of back protectors to help you find something within your budget.

Best back protectors for horse riding

Charles Owen Shadow

Standard: Certified to EN1621-2-2014 motorcycle standard

Colours: Black

Sizes: Child (M–L) or adult (XS–XL), in short, regular or tall back lengths

RRP: From £80 (child) or from £106 (adult)

Reasons to buy

• Fully flexible
• Easy to use zip fastening
• Machine washable cove

With an updated fit for 2024, this back protector has an ergonomic design. It offers superior back protection while offering complete freedom of movement as well as keeping you comfortable and cool. It features a central zip fastening and can be hidden under a show jacket. Child sizes available here

Champion Sculpt Back Protector

Standard: Certified to EN1621-2-2014 motorcycle standard

Colours: Black

Sizes: Adult (S–L), in standard or slim fit and short or regular back lengths

RRP: £136.49

Reasons to buy

• 12 sizes available
• Airflow heat release system
• Unisex fit
• Machine washable cover

The Sculpt back protector offers lightweight and flexible protection. It features a military grade inner mesh fabric and ultra-lightweight foam with an airflow heat release system to keep you cool and comfortable in the saddle. It has a front zip for ease of fastening and offers a tailored fit with 12 size options.

Racesafe MotionLite

Standard: Certified to EN1621-2-2014 motorcycle standard

Colours: Black

Sizes: Child (6–14+yrs) or adult (UK6–18), in short, regular or long back lengths

RRP: From £115 (child) or £155 (adult)

Reasons to buy

• Designed to be hidden under a show jacket
• Technical material and design for added comfort

The MotionLite offers lightweight back protection while offering unlimited movement. The contoured fit uses staggered back protection panels and a premium fabric that offers maximum movement and an unbeatable fit. It is designed for a discreet fit under a show jacket, and features slimline protection in a technical gilet design.

This back protector comes with a two-year warranty. Child sizes available here.

Fouganza Flexible D30 Back Protector

Standard: Certified to EN1621-2-2014 motorcycle standard

Colours: Black

Sizes: Adult (S–L)

RRP: £59.99

Reasons to buy

• Great value
• Machine washable cover

This discreet back protector is light and adapts to the shape of your body for maximum comfort and freedom of movement. It features a mesh back for added ventilation and is secured with a front zip fastening.

Waldhausen Swing P24 Flex

Standard: Certified to EN1621-2-2014 motorcycle standard

Colours: Black

Sizes: Child (XS–L) or adult (S–XL)

RRP: From £79.95 (child) or £89.95 (adult)

Reasons to buy

• 5-layer protector panel in back area
• Ergonomic cut

This back protector features a five-layer protector panel in the back area, which allows maximum freedom of movement without compromising on safety. The improved ergonomic cut and width adjustment provides a fit that adapts to your body.

The elasticated, lightweight and breathable fabric offers maximum comfort, while the front zip makes it easy to put on and take off. The silicone band on the hem prevents it from riding up and the inner foam can be removed to clean the outer fabric with a damp cloth. Child sizes available here.

Zandona Competition Vest

Standard: Certified to EN1621-2-2014 level 2 motorcycle standard

Colours: Black or white

Sizes: Child (XS–XL) or adult (S–L)

RRP: £149.90 (child) or £179.90 (adult)

Reasons to buy

• Available in black and white
• Large v-shaped neckline

This back protector features a shock-absorbing panel down the back, and it has elasticated side and front panels. The large V-shaped neckline allows it to be hidden underneath a show jacket, and helps to keep you cool and comfortable. It fastens with a a small zip at the front.

What is a back protector for?

Back protectors are designed to offer horse riders protection when they may not want to wear a full body protector during everyday riding activities. They are great for use when hacking, schooling, showjumping and dressage.

They have a slim, flexible design for ultimate comfort, which will allow you to carry out everyday riding with the added confidence you have some additional protection in the event of a fall.

What standard do back protectors need to be?

Unlike body protectors there is currently no recognised back protector standards for horse riding, so companies are using a motorcycle standard (EN1621-2-2014) as a baseline.

This standard is a European safety standard specifically designed for motorcycle back protectors that focuses on impact absorption and reducing force transferred to the spine in the event of a fall. It has two performance levels – all the back protectors listed in this guide conform to the higher EN1621 Level 2 protection.

What protection does a back protector give?

Back protectors are designed to offer some protection to your back in the event of a fall. They do not, however, offer full rib protection or prevent injuries involving severe torsion, flexion, and extension or crushing of the body.

They are usually made of an impact-absorbing foam insert at the back that is certified to motorcycle back protector standard EN1621-2-2014, and a fabric mid-layer garment, which must be used together.

Do I need to get a back protector fitted?

Wherever you choose to buy, we strongly recommend that you have your back protector fitted by a professional at a BETA-trained retailer.

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Ten state-of-the-art horse mannequins will be delivered to British racecourses to help train medical and veterinary teams, thanks to a five-figure investment.

The “horses” will be based regionally, to serve all 59 racecourses in Britain, and have been paid for by a £50,000 donation from the Racing Foundation and £15,500 from the Association of Racecourse Veterinary Surgeons (ARVS).

The initiative is a collaboration between British racing’s Horse Welfare Board, the ARVS and the Racecourse Association (RCA), and will enable enhanced practical training for emergency teams to take place at racecourses.

Cheltenham racecourse received the first mannequin on 20 January, to allow for on-course training ahead of the Festival (11 to 14 March).

“We’ve always done training of this sort, but maybe not as co-ordinated with the vets,” said Cheltenham’s chief medical officer Andy Simpson, in the video below.

“Having a mannequin like this makes the scenarios so much more realistic.”

Watch the video to find out more about the initiative

The Resquip models are designed to match the weight distribution and joint articulation of a horse. They will be dotted around the country at 10 racecourses, to ensure all courses have access to them, and are set to be in place by 31 March.

An enhanced training plan will be rolled out by the RCA. This will involve 500 vets and medical personnel, including doctors and nurses, receiving specialised training using the mannequins within 12 months.

The mannequins will also be used to support the training of point-to-point teams as early as this spring.

Simon Knapp, senior veterinary surgeon at Ascot, Kempton Park, Sandown Park and Epsom Downs, veterinary advisor to the RCA and member of the Horse Welfare Board, said: “Following on from the one-off training events that took place last year, we felt that continuous access to this equipment would improve the training that racecourse teams receive, in both the frequency and realism of that training.

“In addition, equine vets support the wider horse population in clinical practice, so the enhanced knowledge that this training provides will, in the longer term, benefit the entire horse population.”

The training will include “moulage”, a technique used to simulate physical characteristics specific to a scenario, often used in human health and emergency worker training.

Barry Johnson, independent chair of the Horse Welfare Board, said incidences that require the safe and timely movement of racehorses on course “are rare”.

“Nevertheless, the opportunity to be able to practise realistic full-scale scenarios in a controlled environment is a fantastic step forward,” he said.

“Managing a fallen horse can be complex and challenging, as well as emotive for the team, so the better prepared we are, the better the outcome.”

Once the racecourse roll-out is complete, the sport will look to incorporate the mannequins in additional ways, including further “off-course” training such as on gallops.

“The Racing Foundation is pleased to support this important project, which forms part of our multi-year funding commitment to the Horse Welfare Board of £3m over a three-year period,” said Racing Foundation chief executive Tansy Challis.

“With a number of stakeholders working together in its delivery, this project exemplifies the power of collaboration across the racing industry to ensure the highest standards of horse welfare.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Choosing one of the best riding hats to suit your needs will not only help you avoid head injuries, but it will allow you to perform at your best in comfort and with confidence. A helmet is an essential piece of kit when you’re riding – whatever your level or discipline.

It can be tricky to know which is the best riding hat for you as there are so many stylish options, from the best adjustable riding helmets to the best riding hats for children, that include a vast amount of technology across a wide range of price points.

Best riding hats

The Elara helmet from evoke combines a stylish aesthetic with superior safety features, including a durable ABS shell for impact resistance and quadruple ventilation for consistent airflow.

It features a soft-touch, four-point adjustable leatherette harness designed for comfort and stability. It is suitable for all disciplines where a peak is permitted.

This helmet is from Lemieux's first-ever riding helmet collection offering customisation and convenience with its innovative features.

It gives your lots of options – not only can you choose between a matte and gloss finish, but it's supplied with interchangeable magnetic peaks (wide, narrow and brim) so you can quickly turn your peaked helmet into a skull hat. Plus, the interchangeable, magnetic central panel, allowing for a unique, customised look in seconds.

For fit, the 360° wrap system can be adjusted with a rear dial without creating any pressure points. It features a removable washable liner, removable padding in the crown and a low-profile harness.

This skull cap is engineered with a patented nose bridge protection system, a durable outer shell, and a high-density EPS core, providing superior impact absorption, enhanced facial protection, and lasting performance.

The rear dial adjustment system allows for a precise, customised fit, while the ventilation system offers airflow and breathability. The moisture-wicking and quick-dry liner is UV-disinfected for enhanced hygiene.

Designed with a lightweight, low profile, this hat is slimline and elegant with a flesh coloured harness. It comes with a quick-drying, padded liner that can be removed for washing, and it comes in a padded storage bag.

This lightweight skull cap from Charles Owen features a precision dial-adjustable fit, enhanced ventilation, and a fully adjustable quick-release harness.

It includes a removable, machine-washable wicking headband to keep you cool and dry. It’s certified to three international safety standards and comes with a ventilated silk.

The Champion Insight riding helmet combines advanced ventilation, customisable fit, and a striking design.

The ventilation system helps ensure maximum airflow to keep you cool under pressure. Removable crown pad liners allow you to adjust between oval and round fits, while the ergonomic faux leather four-point harness with lace adjustment provides a secure, tailored feel.

This slim profile, lightweight riding hat is made with a lightweight injection-moulded ABS shell. It features a nickel chrome front vent and textured PU leather inlay.

It includes a quick-dry, removable and washable, padded liner.

This helmet combines sportiness, climate control and safety, and has an extended rear section at the back to provide increased coverage in the event of a fall.

It also features a ‘pony-tail’ cut out and air vents for comfort. The easy to use dial fit allows for easy adjustment.

This traditionally styled ventilated hat features a removable, washable liner with a soft Coolmax-lined harness. The Dayglo reflective piping offers a small amount of increased visibility.

It is one of the cheapest riding hats in this guide, yet meets the standard for use in riding schools and competition, making it great value for money.

The NRG hat has a smooth, matte effect outer with two large front vents, ensuring a steady ventilation across the head. The lining of the NRG has been treated with Coolmax, which wicks moisture away from the head, and can easily be removed and machine washed.

It has an adjustable fit system and comes with sparkly stickers to customise your helmet.

How to choose the best riding hat for you

The first thing to consider when choosing the best helmet for you is the type – if you compete, each discipline has its own rules for what helmets can be worn, which includes minimum hat standards for competition requirements, and sometimes style (for example, for cross-country you’ll need a hat without a fixed peak) and colour.

Then you need to think about how much protection each helmet gives you – different safety standards test for different types of accidents – it’s best to choose a helmet with as many safety standards as possible.

It’s also wise to consider what features each helmet has that enhance the comfort or look – these could include removable headbands, ventilation systems, wide peaks, MIPS technology or being vegan friendly. The style and finish of a helmet can allow you to show your personality. These days you can find everything from the most traditional velvet to fully customised sparkle.

When considering budget, always buy the best you can afford, and bear in mind that the most expensive might not be the best. In the UK, helmets made to fit 55cm and below (usually child sizes) are VAT free. If you’re on a tight budget, we’ve rounded up the best riding hats under £100.

Finally, it’s really important to be sure that your helmet is a good fit. Horse & Hound strongly advises that you get your hat fitted by a BETA-trained professional before making a purchase – the same advice goes for the best body protectors, too. Find out if your local tack shop can provide this service here.

When should I replace my riding hat?

Your hat should always be replaced if it has suffered any sort of impact. Although it may appear fine from the outside, it’s the inside that’s important. For this reason, buying hats second hand is not recommended. Your hat also needs replacing if it’s more than two to three years old because the protective liner and inner padding will have begun to deteriorate with exposure to heat and repeated use.

To help your hat last as long as possible, store it in a cool environment – avoid leaving it in the car. Keeping it in a protective hat bag is an ideal way to keep it cushioned and away from strong sunlight.

If you compete, you’ll also need to keep an eye on the hat standards that are accepted by your governing body – if these change, then you may need to invest in a new, rule-compliant hat.

Current riding hat safety standards

There are five main safety standards that are recognised across the world. All riding hats and jockey skulls should conform to one of these standards and bear the CE mark.

When determining helmet safety, each of the individual standards have their own criteria and tests that place different emphasis on various types of injury. For example, they will examine how much of the head a helmet covers, how a rider falls and onto what type of surface, how a helmet moves, and how severe an injury riders can expect to receive from that fall, but all in a slightly different way and to different extents.

• ASTM F1163 (2015 or 2023) – This American standard includes two impact tests, but only the 2023 update includes a crushing test. Neither includes a penetration test.
• VG1 01.040 (2014-12) – This was introduced as an interim specification when the EN 1384 was withdrawn. It demands the helmet passes three impact tests.
• EN1384 (2023) – This European standard has been introduced to replace VG1 is similar to PAS 015. It includes four impact tests.
• PAS 015 (2011) – PAS stands for product approval specifications, which are developed by the BSI. It includes four different impact tests.
• SNELL (E2016 or E2021) – This standard was developed in the US and is the most rigorous with five different tests. It includes all aspects of ASTM and PAS 015 but is tested with a sharper horseshoe anvil (to replicate a kick or impact with a sharp surface), higher impacts and an additional hemispherical anvil (to represent an uneven but not sharp surface, such as a tree, fence or cobbled surface).

The graphic below shows the differences between the standards in a simple visual format.

Hat standards vs quality marks

Quality marks, such as the British Kitemark, show that the requirements of certification have been met and the manufacturer has complied with regulations. If your hat also bears one of these marks it tells that the manufacturer is continuously and independently monitored to ensure that they continue to make hats to a high standard. Quality symbols include…

• Kitemark – This is the registered trademark of the British Standards Institute. It indicates that a company complies with a rigorous system of regulation and testing, including regular testing of random samples. For example, one of every 200 helmets from a batch is checked before they will issue an approval label. If the helmets do not pass the standard, then the entire batch must be destroyed. It can be applied to PAS 015 and VG1-compliant helmets.
• IC mark – This quality mark is operated by Inspec and applied to PAS 015 and VG1-compliant helmets.
• SEI mark – The Safety Equipment Institute is the American equivalent of the Kitemark for ASTM standard hats.
• SAI Global – This Australian quality assurance scheme is also similar to the British Kitemark.

The CE mark is neither a quality mark or a standard, but a mandatory declaration under EU law that shows a manufacturer complies with essential requirements.

What does MIPS stand for?

MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System. It’s a revolutionary technology designed to reduce the amount of rotational force upon impact to the head, providing greater protection in the event of a fall. If a helmet has MIPS technology they will have the yellow MIPS logo somewhere on the helmet.

If you’re looking for a riding hat with MIPS check out our guide to the best MIPS riding helmets.

How should a riding hat fit?

At Horse & Hound we strongly advise that you get your hat fitted by a BETA-trained professional before making a purchase. Find out if your local tack shop can provide this service here.

A well-fitting hat should sit firmly on your head – just above your eyebrows and ears. It should fit snuggly all the way around your head, with no pressure points at the temples. If you feel pressure in your temples when you flex your jaw, this indicates that the helmet is too tight.

When fastening your helmet, it’s important not to forget the part of the harness that fits around the back of your neck. This strap helps to prevent your hat tipping forwards on to your nose. Some harnesses, particularly those with lots of leather and lacing, are harder to fasten, but a trained fitter at your local tack shop will be able to help you if you take your hat in.

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The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) is warning against buying unfitted safety equipment as Christmas presents.

BETA said that although riding hats and body protectors make “truly excellent” gifts, “it’s important that they’re fitted to the individual to ensure they do the best job they can”.

“Helping keep a loved one safe while they ride is the best gift, but we want to ensure that for everyone gifting a hat or body protector this year, it’s fitted properly to ensure comfort and performance day in, day out,” said BETA executive director Claire Williams.

“This might mean a little creativity when it comes to what’s wrapped under the tree, and then a great excuse to hit your local tack shop after the big day and find the perfect product.”

BETA suggests giving vouchers instead of the items, and putting it in a wrapped hat box under the tree, or giving a silk or old hat with the voucher attached.

“We know people want something under the tree to give, but ill-fitting hats are uncomfortable and potentially dangerous, and ill-fitting body protectors can even hinder riding,” said Ms Williams.

BETA is also urging people not to buy second-hand safety equipment as presents.

“All safety kit has a life span and needs to be replaced at least every five years depending on wear and care, and whenever a hat sustains an impact, it needs to be replaced too as it can no longer do its job,” Ms Williams said.

“When you buy second-hand, you don’t know how it has been cared for, how often it’s been used, or if it’s been fallen on. This can give people a false sense of security, and no one wants to receive that under the tree this Christmas!”

BETA has a list of trained fitters online.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A rider whose eyeball was sliced open and rotated by something kicked up by a horse cantering in front of her said she will always now wear goggles for such rides.

Doctors thought Helen Gordon must have been kicked in the face by a horse owing to the severity of the damage. But she and her horse were at a safe distance well behind the one in front when what she believes must have been a flint hit her.

“I just felt excruciating pain; I’ve never felt anything like it,” Helen told H&H. “I didn’t see it flying towards me but it went straight into my eye socket.”

Helen and her partner were on the gallops, for fittening work, last Thursday (19 September), and had just come off a flinty track when she felt the impact.

“It was a complete freak accident,” she said. “I knew something was majorly wrong but we had to hack back to the trailer park and get the horses sorted. What was really scary was when we got back, I had a look and my eyeball had rotated downwards and wouldn’t move. I thought that was it; I’d lost my eye or my sight.”

Helen, who had no vision on her left side, went straight to the Sussex Eye Hospital in Brighton.

“The eye doctor said I’m extremely lucky but insisted the horse must have kicked my eye because of the trauma to it,” she said. “This was not the case; the horse was at least five lengths in front.

“The force sliced my eye open. The good news is the retina is still attached but it’s likely to be a slow recovery. They put anaesthetic straight into my eye to open it and look at it and I thought ‘Maybe I’m all right’. Then it started wearing off and definitely wasn’t all right! But the hospital was absolutely fantastic.”

Helen said the first thing she did when she got home was to order goggles for herself and her young son.

“I’ll never ride behind a cantering horse without eye protection again,” she said. “If this makes one person aware – if it had been my son Charlie, who’s 12, he could have lost his sight.

“He’s quite a thruster; gung-ho and doesn’t see danger but he got that this was bad. Yes it is, and it’s not going to happen to him! You expect to fall off or break bones, that comes with the territory, but this was such an obscure type of accident that I’d never have dreamed of.

“After this which I wouldn’t wish on anyone, I’ll eliminate the risk by wearing shatterproof goggles for canter work, as will my family.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout Horse of the Year Show, London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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The owner of a pony who was lucky to survive after his hoof went through the lorry floor has highlighted the very real need for meticulous checking of vehicles.

Vets believe Abi and Emma Hardern’s two-year-old Buttons will make a full recovery from the incident on 5 September, when Abi was transporting him and another youngster on the Huntingdon Bypass in their 7.5t lorry. Emma hopes sharing his story will help prevent another such incident.

“The fire brigade chief told Abi they see this across the country and most of the time, the horse breaks its leg on impact and has to be put down,” Emma said.

“Our saving grace was that he’s a small pony and our lorry is high off the ground. If it had been inches lower, his foot would just have been a stump.”

Emma said she and Abi had sold Buttons and the other young horse to some friends, and they were en route to their new home when a lorry driver behind started flashing his lights and hooting, so Abi pulled over.

“The lorry driver came running up, saying ‘Your horse has gone through the bottom of the lorry’,” Emma said. “Then all hell broke loose.”

Vets, police and firefighters arrived and Buttons was taken to hospital. He had worn away half the outside of his hoof, and his sole down to the laminae, Emma said, but is home and comfortable, with a positive prognosis.

She added that the day after the accident, her horsebox was dismantled; it had had a full check when it had its MoT in July but that the rubber mats were sealed to the floor, so it could only be checked from underneath.

“We found there had been a leak at the window so water had run down and rotted the wall, and the floor, right at the edge,” she said. “An inch either side, it was completely solid. It was invisible, until the worst happened.”

Emma advised all other owners to “check, check and check again”, lifting mats frequently, and inspecting floors and ramps. She also pointed out that if people are looking for transport quotes, professionals’ boxes must be consistently checked, so legitimate operators will charge more.

“Remember, you’re paying for safety,” she said. “Don’t second-guess it because it can happen.”

Emma added that having aluminium floors is not a guarantee of safety, with which Byron John of Safety Check Horseboxes agrees.

“Often, I’ll be inspecting a box and someone says ‘It’s ok, it’s got an aluminium floor’, but it’s not,” he said. “Aluminium floors, and the framework they’re on, can corrode as quickly as wood rots.”

Mr John added, as Emma also pointed out, that MoTs do not look at floor or ramp safety.

“An MoT isn’t a service, and other than something that’s an imminent danger; sharp or falling off, this sort of thing isn’t part of it,” he said. “That’s a major misconception, I can’t emphasise it enough.

“It’s very important to address leaks as they occur, close the windows when you’re not using the vehicle, and really check the floor, even if you pay a professional to do it.”

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, which came to Buttons’ aid, told H&H: “Make sure you carry out a thorough check of any vehicle used to transport animals and download the app what3words so that you are able to provide us with an accurate location in an emergency.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout Blenheim Horse Trials, Horse of the Year Show, London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Horsewalkers are a standard piece of kit at many professional and livery yards. Most horse owners are likely to have seen one in operation, or indeed had use of one themselves. But how many of us can say we’ve had training in how to use a horsewalker safely?

Walkers are generally installed to help meet the specific exercise needs of a yard’s population, whether that’s to help combat weight loss, increase exercise levels, or aid in warming up and cooling down for ridden work. One 2019 study found that 20 minutes on a walker was equivalent exercise to an hour’s turnout. This came with the caveat that while a walker could not replace the psychological and health benefits of turnout, a walker might assist in releasing energy and providing exercise in periods when turnout has to be restricted.

The composition, size and operation of horsewalkers varies across the industry and their build can be adapted to meet a variety of different uses. A private livery yard is likely to install a smaller walker than a large racing yard, whereas a rehabilitation yard might opt for an oval-shaped walker to avoid vulnerable horses walking on a constant small circle.

Once the idiosyncrasies of structure, use and the individual horse have been taken into account, what other factors need to be considered when implementing best, and safest, horsewalker practice? H&H spoke to experts in horsewalker manufacture and use for their advice on getting the most out of a walker while minimising the risk of accidents.

1. Wear the right gear

On the topic of handler safety, gloves were a unifying factor among our experts. The British Horse Society also advised a hard hat and appropriate footwear.

Lizzie Ragg, yard manager at the Berkshire College of Agriculture, told us staff and students are required to make a habit of assessing their own personal protective equipment (PPE) before every activity.

“Any time you’re leading, you should be in gloves,” she comments. “We have a rule here that means as soon as you’re leading outside the confines of the yard, where our walker is, you also need to be wearing a riding hat. Our horses leave the yard for two reasons – to be exercised or turned out. You don’t want a horse anticipating he’s going out and becoming strong or silly while you’re not protected.”

For dressage rider and rehabilitation yard owner Laura Whyte, a horse’s kit should be kept to a minimum.

“A pet hate of mine is seeing side reins and rollers on walkers,” she tells H&H. “Walkers are not an alternative to training.”

In Lizzie’s case, nylon headcollars are always removed on the walker and additional equipment is used on a case-by-case basis.

“We have some horses with bar shoes on, so I’d always put overreach boots on them on the walker. I think walker rugs are a good idea if you’re using the walker in cold weather and when warming up and cooling down. I know people do put horses on walkers in full tack, but it poses a higher risk. I wouldn’t allow my staff or students to put a horse on a walker in tack.”

2. Pay attention to the surface

“It’s important to ensure horses have grip, and aren’t hitting concrete or stone,” says Laura. “I don’t use a rubber tiling as it can be slippy. You get the same with concrete, plus it’s too hard. We use Equigrids for grip topped with a waxed surface.”

Sweeping out the walker removes droppings and standing water.

“I used to manage the yard at West Anglia College, where everything went on the walker each day,” Lizzie tells us. “That walker was swept out thoroughly every day.”

The BHS advises looking closely for any hazards.

“It is essential to keep the entrance area of the walker clear and obstruction-free. The surface of the walker should also be thoroughly checked before and after use. This applies to rubber matting as well as bricks, which could potentially overlap and cause a tripping hazard.”

The BHS went on to recommend consideration of weather conditions, and advised owners are mindful of using uncovered walkers on wet or icy days.

Lots of walkers employ an anti-lock braking system (ABS), which means the pushers aren’t blown around the walker when it’s not in use. According to a video on its website, Monarch Equestrian suggest levering the ABS off for cleaning the walker for ease of moving around the track.

3. Warm up your walker

Lizzie Ragg comments that users should consider that some walkers need to be warmed up – run for a few minutes – before loading horses on.

Guto Davis, saftey specialist at horse walker manufacturer Molenkoning, explains why: “Some walkers run on oil and when the oil is in use, it warms up and gets thinner. This causes the walker to move faster, which can speed up the horses. With Molenkoning, we use an electric motor that requires no warming up or servicing.”

4. Timing is everything

Laura says it’s important to be considerate of other horses if you’re adding yours to the walker.

“When you stop a walker, it’s disruptive. Horses sometimes turn around in their partitions if they get agitated,” she warns. “The best thing is to time it well, so the empty partition lines up with the gate and you can load the horse straight on. Then, the walker is stationary for as short a time as possible. If you’re unsure about it, let someone more experienced help you.”

She adds that you can use the placement of the partitions to show your horse where you want him to go.

“If you make sure the pusher at the back of the partition is close to the door, your horse has a big open space to walk into. He’ll be encouraged to start moving in the direction the walker is set to.”

Laura prefers to put first-timers on the walker alone so other horses aren’t at risk.

“I start off slow and keep my fingers on the control panel while he walks. If he stops, I stop the machine and it gradually revs down to nothing. You’re trying to make sure they don’t get a wallop from the pusher. It’s fine if it hits their bum gently, but no big crash up behind.”

Meanwhile, the BHS told us: “To make sure your horse is confident and comfortable when introducing them to a walker, it is best practice to use the ‘follow the leader’ principle. By having a more experienced horse in the lead position, you can reduce the risk of your horse turning in the opposite direction.

“The use of an assistant to operate the gate and speed/directional controls is recommended too.”

While loading horses, Molekoning advises the walker “should be stationary and electric gates off when entering”.

Horsewalker manufacturer Monarch Equestrian’s website advises the handler should always stay between the walker’s outer fence and the horse.

5. Work on both reins

Our experts universally advised equal work on both reins as a key part of how to use a horsewalker safely. In addition, Molenkoning stipulated 20 minutes as a maximum session time.

Guto tells us: “Our walker timer is set to ten minutes in each direction as it is imperative that horses are exercised equally on both reins. We install, and advise DIY users to allow, a 2.5m width track to enable all sized horses the space in which to turn around easily when the horsewalker changes direction.”

Instead of using both reins in a session, Laura opts for alternating the walker direction day-by-day.

“I personally don’t think turning on the walker is a comfortable manoeuvre. We’d always turn them manually by taking them off and reloading them.”

6. Match your horse to his companions

To ensure comfort on the walker, Laura considers who goes on with whom.

“Older horses don’t go on with fit competition horses, and certainly for less time,” she says. “People with nervous horses who jog tend to put a quieter one in front. This doesn’t really work – if there’s a horse in front they’ll want to catch up. Instead, we put a slower horse behind a nervous one to get them thinking about the horse behind and matching them.”

If a horse seems too unsettled and jogs continually, Laura brings him off.

“People often interpret jogging as a horse blowing off steam, but in my experience it’s usually just anxiety.”

7. Consider additional safety measures

Many companies offer bespoke features, such as wider walkways. Molenkoning walkers come with electrified gates and pushers as standard, but these can be turned on or off while the walker is in use. Monarch stipulates on its website that electric gates should be turned off when horse are loaded on and off.

The panels on Laura’s walker are mobile.

“If they really panic, our pushers swivel upwards up to 90 degrees, like a cat flap. Even though they’re heavy metal panels, you know there’s a safe get-out if needed.”

8. Get your walker serviced

Monarch advises walkers are serviced every 12 months, depending on usage. In a video on its website, the company explains: “For highly used walkers, such as racing yards… we recommend every 12 months. For quieter yards, possible every 18 months.”

For Monarch walkers, services should be conducted around your own basic checks, made periodically – namely hydraulic oil checks at the control box and heavy duty gearbox oil supplied to the bearing plates and ball bearings, part of the mechanism in the centre. If you haven’t topped it up in a while, you can “start to hear a grinding noise, as the ball bearings will have basically dried out.”

9. Placement is key

The general consensus states that horses should not be left on a walker unattended. A spokesman from the BHS told us: “One of the most important things to remember when using a horse walker is to ensure you can always see the walker and horse. The equipment must be easily accessible too, such as the emergency cut-off controls, in case of an accident.”

“From the yard to the walker is only about 12 strides, so I’m never out of range”, says Laura.

The BCA’s walker is outside the confines of the yard, so Lizzie has to consider staff and students getting the horses to the walker safely. “We teach the students about risk-assessing, reading the situation,” she explains.

“As well as correct PPE we ask them to consider the correct method of restraint on the horse, thinking about who they are and their behaviour on the day. For example, stronger horses are lead in a slip bridle to the walker.”

The BHS also stressed the importance of risk-assessment, adding: “This includes making sure everyone involved in the use of a walker has had an induction in safe use and procedures. We would recommend this for all staff at a centre and also for situations where livery clients may place their horses on and off the walker.”

10. Is it in your horse’s best interests?

Lizzie encourages staff and students to look at the whole horse before deciding if the walker would be a productive part of his routine.

“The main thing we focus on is benefit to the horse. We wouldn’t use the walker indiscriminately. If you’ve got a native type that could do with shifting some weight, the walker could be a useful addition. A horse whose legs have filled overnight would be helped by a session on the walker. However, if you’ve got one with arthritis, being stuck on a circle isn’t going to be beneficial.”

Analyse the situation

According to our experts, how to use a horsewalker safely comes down to assessing your horse, yard and the walker you have access to. As well as this, regular checks and professional services keep a walker running as it should, and ensure you are wearing a hat and gloves whenever you load the walker. Ultimately, consider compatibility of a range of factors in relation to your horse – walker size, speed and surface, your horse’s routine, temperament and condition, his companions and how he feels on the day.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout the Paralympics, Burghley, HOYS and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Elastic-sided safety stirrups can cause horrific genital injuries to children and should be banned.

This is the opinion of an American physician, lawyer and former international showjumper, who knows a child who was badly injured, and who told H&H he has heard of other similar incidents.

Armand Leone wants US Equestrian (USEF) to ban the stirrups, which are also popular in the UK for children, which feature a hook to which an elastic loop is attached. The idea is that the elastic will detach if the rider has a fall, to prevent a foot becoming stuck. 

But Mr Leone said there is a greater risk to safety when the child is dismounting.

“In 2014, a child dismounted at a horse show, and the hook ripped through his breeches and degloved his penis,” he said. “He was 11 or 12.

“I started looking into it and it appears there’s an average of about one incident every six months.”

Mr Leone said the young rider he referred to had to have skin grafts. He recovered but Mr Leone said it could have been worse. He has also been contacted about young female riders whose genitals have been ripped by the hooks.

“Most of the time they just catch clothes or a belt but injuries happen, and there’s no reason for it,” he said. “There’s a hook sticking straight up; put it somewhere else or get rid of it. Even though it’s not sharp, it’s sharp enough, and if you’re coming down off the horse; it was horrific when it happened.”

Mr Leone added: “These stirrups are ubiquitous; there’s no one manufacturer but they could say that type of stirrup is not allowed.”

A spokesman for USEF told H&H: “We have not received direct outreach from Armand Leone regarding the peacock safety stirrup safety concerns or a rule change proposal.

“We have also not received any reports of accidents involving peacock safety stirrups. We will reach out to him directly and request he provide a report and any evidence of the peacock safety concerns to the USEF human and equine safety and welfare committee and encourage him to submit a rule change proposal.

“Safety and welfare of our human and horse athletes is our priority, and we take this issue and all safety concerns very seriously.”

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Safety is always a top priority and rarely more so than when you’re heading out on the cross-country course, which is why getting your hands on one of the best jockey skulls is an essential.

Jockey skulls are popular with all levels of rider from children starting at a riding school to the professional event rider. They’re also a great option for those who love the matchy-matchy trend because you can pop on a hat silk to match your favourite base layer for riding or cross-country colours. Or if you’re a rider who likes to do a bit of everything then a jockey skull is the all-rounder you need to be able to compete in every discipline as you can’t wear a peaked helmet for cross-country.

When you’re choosing a new hat, you’ll need to consider the safety standards it meets as well as what features it has to increase your comfort. No one likes sweaty hat hair, so ventilation is a definite advantage. Some styles come with removable headbands, too, which not only aid fit but can be washed to give your hat a bit of a freshen up.

Riding hats with MIPS technology offer an additional level of protection that allows your head to move inside the helmet in a fall, which reduces harmful rotational motion that would otherwise be transferred to your brain. Some helmets have a standard version and a MIPS version – you can find MIPS helmets with the help of the yellow logo that usually appears somewhere on the helmet.

Finally, it’s really important to be sure that your helmet is a good fit. Horse & Hound strongly advises that you get your hat fitted by a BETA-trained professional before making a purchase.

Best jockey skull caps

Charles Owen 4Star

Colours: Black, navy or silver

Sizes: 51–63cm

Standards: ASTM F1163, PAS 015 (with Kitemark), SNELL E2016, VG1 (with Kitemark)

RRP: £230

This skull meets four of the top international safety standards, which is a hard claim to beat. Its fibre-reinforced shell and patented harness system ensure improved crush resistance and stability.

It has 10 ventilation slots that maximise airflow and sweat evaporation for a cool ride, plus you can opt for a heat-reflective silver finish. It also has a new magnetic harness clasp that can be closed with one hand. Comes with a free ventilated silk.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, naylors.com or oakfield-direct.co.uk 

Gatehouse HS1-V Jockey Skull

Colours: Matt black or anthracite grey

Sizes: 52–62cm

Standards: ASTM F1163, SNELL E2016

RRP: £187.99

This helmet is an evolution of the popular HS1 model with added vents (hence the name change to HS1-V). Designed with comfort in mind, this helmet includes strategically placed vents to enhance airflow and keep the head cool during intense rides.

The soft, padded harness with a four-point attachment system ensures a secure and comfortable fit, while the quick-release buckle allows for easy adjustment. It also has an anti-bacterial lining that adds an extra layer of comfort and improves hygiene.

In the UK? View now at equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk

Champion Revolve Vent-Air MIPS Jockey Helmet

Colours: Black, navy or silver

Sizes: 54–62cm

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), ASTM F1163, VG1

RRP: £239.99

This is an upgrade of the Champion Revolve Vent-Air skull with additional MIPS protection. It includes a central ventilation strip and removable crown padding to keep you cool and comfortable.

It has a four-point soft leather harness with rear lacing adjustment for a secure fit. And the durable painted acrylic and sand finish prevents your silk slipping.

In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk

Uvex Perfexxion II XC Helmet

Colours: Black

Sizes: XXS–XL

Standards: VG1 (with Kitemark)

RRP: £260

This helmet has a slim and ergonomic design and an innovative outer shell that comes down lower back of the head for additional protection. The ponytail cut-out caters to riders with longer hair, while the ventilation system ensures airflow through large channels and a honeycomb structure.

This helmet is the only jockey skull in the guide that has an adjustable sizing mechanism. This combined with removable, washable soft-touch memory foam pads aids a good fit.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

Shires Karben Junior Skull Cap

Colours: Black or grey

Sizes: 53–62cm

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark)

RRP: £61.99

One of the best riding hats for children, this skull combines safety and affordability. It features a deep fit and boasts 16 ventilation holes along with mesh sections in the padded lining for improved climate control. Its adjustable four-point harness, made from durable soft webbing with a soft cover on the chin strap, ensures a secure fit.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

Gatehouse Jockey Skull 4 Kids

Colours: Black, pink or baby blue

Sizes: 53–62cm

Standards: PAS 015 (with Kitemark), VG1 (with Kitemark)

RRP: £69.99

This fun jockey skull has three-point harness and a vibrant coloured lining – but it’s available in black, too, if your child isn’t keen on the bright colours. The lining is treated to offer protection against odours, stains and degradation caused by bacteria.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk 

Champion Revolve Junior Plus MIPS Jockey Helmet

Colours: Black

Sizes: 51–63cm

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), VG1 01.040 2014-12

RRP: £124.99

This helmet offers all the benefits of the Junior Plus model, enhanced by the inclusion of the MIPS. Constructed with a lightweight injection-molded ABS shell, it ensures optimal stability with its three-point webbing harness.

In the UK? View now at oakfield-direct.co.uk and ebay.co.uk

Are skull caps safer?

While skull caps offer excellent protection against impacts and falls, their safety ultimately depends on various factors including their design, construction, and adherence to safety standards. They don’t have a peak, which does eliminate the risk of injury caused falling onto a fixed peak.

In general, skull caps are designed to cover the top and sides of the head, offering protection against blunt force trauma and impacts. They typically feature padding and a hard outer shell to absorb and distribute impact energy, reducing the risk of head injury.

To cover all bases, it’s essential to choose a skull cap that meets one of the current recognised safety standards. Hats that meet these standards are tested for impact resistance, penetration resistance and stability, among other factors. Alongside the adherence to safety standards, the effectiveness of a skull cap depends on factors such as proper fit and maintenance.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Popular with riders who show or hunt, the best velvet riding hats combine the traditional style of a beagler with the modern technology and safety standards that you’ll find in the best riding hats. In order to achieve the traditional look, velvet riding hats typically have a light-coloured slim harness that is less noticeable. Many styles are available in multiple colours, which allows you to match your velvet hat to the collar of your best show jacket.

All of the velvet riding hats we’ve included in this list can be worn for multiple affiliated disciplines because they comply with the current hat standard rules.

Horse & Hound strongly advises that you get your hat fitted by a BETA-trained professional before making a purchase.

Best velvet riding hats

Charles Owen Fian

Colours: Black, navy, brown, bottle green or grey

Sizes: 49–65cm

Standards: ASTM F1163, VG1 (with Kitemark)

The Fian blends the elegance of its predecessor (the Fiona) with safety technology to create the ultimate hunting and showing hat. It’s covered in luxurious velvet and has a slim tan harness that creates an elegant appearance. The traditional satin headband with incorporated drawlace adjusts the height of the helmet so it cradles the head.

Champion CPX3000 Deluxe

Colours: Black, navy, brown, green or ruby

Sizes: 6¼–7¾

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), VG1

This lightweight helmet is covered in quality velvet and has a satin crown comfort padding with sweat-wicking lining. It has four-point flesh-coloured harness made with padded soft leather and can be adjusted by the lacing at the rear. It has a shock-absorbing peak and fastens with a quick-release buckle.

Gatehouse Jeunesse Riding Hat

Colours: Black or navy

Sizes: 52–61cm

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), VG1 (with Kitemark)

Designed with a lightweight, low profile, this hat is slimline and elegant with a flesh coloured harness. It comes with a quick-drying, padded liner that can be removed for washing, and it comes in a padded storage bag.

Charles Owen Hampton

Colours: Black, navy, brown, bottle green or grey

Sizes: 52–65cm

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), ASTM F1163, VG1 (with Kitemark)

This elegant and traditional velvet-covered hat has a soft yet durable tan harness, and features a satin lining and lush headband. It has a low-profile style and is available in a choice of five colours.

Champion CPX Supreme

Colours: Black, navy, brown, green or ruby

Sizes: 6¼–7¾

Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), VG1

This lightweight, slim profile helmet is covered in quality velvet and has a shock-absorbing peak. Inside there is satin crown comfort padding with a moisture-wicking lining to help keep your head comfortable. The flesh-coloured four-point harness is made from a padded, soft leather, and can be adjusted with the laces at the back. It fastens with a smart metal hook.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A rider whose hat fell off before his head hit the road has urged others to wear safety helmets with appropriate fastenings – after he fractured his skull and spent 10 days in hospital.

Neville Woodes Rogers was taken to A&E after his fall on Boxing Day, where he was scanned and sent home. But days later, he went back to hospital as he had a leak of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which protects the brain and spinal cord.

He is now recovered and back at work, but he told H&H he will never again ride without a chinstrap.

“When I go hacking out, I wear a proper hat, but I wanted to look good,” he said. “End of story.”

Neville said he and his 17hh Irish draught Roscoe hacked to the meet on a “perfect day”.

“My horse was clipped and plaited, my boots shining,” he said. “The meet was well attended and I felt proud entering the square, it was a beautiful English scene.”

Neville said he was not entirely hunting fit, so when the hunt headed up to the moor, he left to hack home. It was during a canter on a wide verge that Roscoe tripped.

“We were cantering along, so together, and it was just one of those things,” he said. “He stumbled, tried to correct himself and his foot went down a dip and I came out of the side.

“I was heading for the ground and my hat came off. I hit the road and split my head open.”

Warning: graphic image

Neville was knocked out but passing drivers came to his aid, and called an ambulance.

After an MRI, which confirmed the skull fracture, he was sent home.

“After a couple of days at home, I was doing things as normal, then my nose started dripping,” he said. “I thought ‘I’m turning into an old man’! But I looked at the list the hospital had given me and saw fluid from the nose was on it. I rang the GP, who said ‘Get to a neurological ward, now’.”

Neville had to spend 10 days in hospital while the CSF fluid was drained off and his skull healed.

“It was pretty serious; I’m extremely lucky,” he said. “But I wouldn’t have had the head injury if my hat had stayed on, and the only reason I wore that hat is because I wanted to look good. I think that’s the case for a lot of us, except the sensible ones who wear proper hats.

“I’ll definitely wear a hat with a chinstrap from now on. When you’re out trail-hunting, you’re vulnerable to having an accident, and we were just having a beautiful canter but he stumbled; it can happen to anyone.”

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Here is a reminder of everything you need to know about the current riding hat rules across the various equestrian governing bodies.

Current riding hat rules for competition

British Eventing (BE), British Riding Clubs and the Pony Club unified helmet standards in 2018 so that a single “hat tag” is accepted across all three organisations’ events. The ‘pink’ coloured tag for 2024 means riders now require just one tag to show their helmet is approved to the required standard for use in competition.

The standards accepted by each governing body are as follows:

British Eventing, Pony Club, British Riding Clubs and British Team Chasing

British and European: PAS 015 (2011), VG01.040 2014-12 or BS EN1384:2023, all with BSI Kitemark or Inspec IC Mark

American: ASTM F1163 15 or 23 with SEI Mark or SNELL 2016 or 2021

Australia and New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards with SAI Global mark

British Dressage

British: All PAS 015 (2011 and subsequent updates)

European: VG1 or EN1384:2023

American: SNELL E2016, E2021, ASTM F1163 2015 and subsequent updates

Australian and New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards

British Showjumping

British and European: PAS 015 (2011), VG1 provided they are BSI Kitemarked

American: All SEI ASTM F1163 04a onwards and SNELL E2016.

Australian and New Zealand: AS/NZS 3838 2006 onwards.

Useful additional information

British Eventing

• Cross-country protective headwear is a jockey skull of an even round or elliptical shape with a smooth or slightly abrasive surface, having no peak or peak type extensions. Noticeable protuberances above the eyes or to the front not greater than 5mm, smooth and rounded in nature are permitted. It must also comply with the ‘Protective Headwear’ criteria and be tagged as set out above. A removable hat cover with a light flexible peak may be used.

Pony Club

• For cross-country riding at all levels including eventing, tetrathlon, horse trials, pony racing (whether it be tests, rallies, competition or training) and mounted games competitions, a jockey skull cap must be worn with no fixed peak, peak type extensions or noticeable protuberances above the eyes or to the front, and should have an even round or elliptical shape with a smooth or slightly abrasive surface, having no peak or peak type extensions. Noticeable protuberances above the eyes or to the front not greater than 5mm, smooth and rounded in nature are permitted. A removable hat cover with a light flexible peak may be used if required.
• No recording device is permitted (e.g. hat cameras) as they may have a negative effect on the performance of the hat in the event of a fall.
• The fit of the hat and the adjustment of the harness are as crucial as the quality. Members are advised to try several makes to find the best fit. The hat should not move on the head when the head is tipped forward. Most helmet manufacturers recommend you visit a qualified BETA (British Equestrian Trade Association) fitter.
• Hats must be replaced after a severe impact as subsequent protection will be significantly reduced. Hats deteriorate with age and should be replaced after three to five years depending upon the amount of use.
• Hats, must be worn at all times (including at prize-giving) when mounted with a chinstrap fastened and adjusted so as to prevent movement of the hat in the event of a fall.
• For showjumping hat covers, if applicable, shall be dark blue, black or brown only. Branch/Centre team colours are permitted for team competitions.
• For dressage hats and hat covers must be predominately black, navy blue or a conservative dark colour that matches the rider’s jacket for area competitions or above. The Pony Club hat silk is also acceptable.
• For mounted games hat covers, if applicable, shall be dark blue, black or brown only
• The official steward/organiser may, at his discretion, eliminate a competitor riding in the area of the competition without a hat or with the chinstrap unfastened or with a hat that does not comply with these standards.

Riding Club

• Only a jockey skull of an even round or elliptical shape with a smooth or slightly abrasive surface, having no peak or peak type extensions may be worn for any cross-country phase. Noticeable protuberances above the eyes or to the front, not greater than 5mm, smooth and rounded in nature are permitted. It must also comply with the ‘protective headwear’ criteria and be tagged as set out above. A removable hat cover with a light flexible peak may be used.
• Skullcap hats must be worn with an appropriate colour silk for that discipline. For Quadrille competitions, hats of the above standard are mandatory.
• Competitors are strongly advised to check their hats regularly and to replace them if damaged or following a fall. It is recommended that hats are replaced every three to five years depending on usage.
• Please note: for the Quadrille competition, no alterations, protrusions or additions are to be made to a hat under any circumstances.

British Dressage

• Hats that are completely mirrored are not permitted.
• Top hats are no longer permitted at national and international competitions. This includes service hats that do not comply with regulation.
• If a hat comes off during a dressage test, it must be replaced immediately; the rider may dismount or the hat may be handed to them. The test will be restarted at the beginning of the movement during which it came off. There will be no penalty for error of course, but if the hat is not replaced the judge is to eliminate the competitor.
• Harnesses must be correctly fastened at all times whilst mounted.
• Competitors are strongly recommended to check their hats regularly and to replace them if damaged, or following a fall.
• If a rider starts their test without wearing the correct headgear, the judge is to ring the bell and instruct the rider to dismount and leave the arena. At the discretion of the organiser and the judge, the rider may restart the test once properly attired. If a rider fails to comply with the instruction, the organiser is to eliminate the competitor from all classes on that day. This will also apply if, as a result of a spot-check, a rider’s hat is found not to comply with the required standard.

You might also be interested in:

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2018 hat rules revealed: single hat tag plus change to standard

British Eventing (BE), British Riding Clubs and the Pony Club have unified helmet standards

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The owners of a promising young horse who almost severed a leg when he kicked out at an arena mirror have called for better safety standards to prevent a similar accident.

Becky Bowman’s five-year-old gelding Tomato had to be put down early this year. His hindleg had gone through the mirror, and was attached only by “a few strands of connective tissue”.

“I’d had him since he was eight months old,” Becky told H&H. “I’d backed him, done it all; the week before he’d been to his first training show and was an absolute angel. I was just about to take him to his first proper show, then this happened. And my whole life has fallen apart.”

Becky was walking Tomato across her arena to turn him out when he went down to roll. As he got up, a pigeon spooked him and he got free, and kicked out at the mirror as Becky ran to close the gate.

“I heard it, it was like a gun going off,” she said. “As I turned round, he was trotting across the school with his foot hanging off.”

Becky and her husband John Stark have since found out that the applicable safety standard to which the glass in most arena mirrors complies, EN12600, covers a 45kg weight hitting the glass. They would like this changed, as horses, and riders, weigh far more.

Reputable arena mirror manufacturers and suppliers have echoed the calls for tighter regulation. Anyone is free to sell glass as “equestrian mirrors”, which without the right installation, can be very dangerous.

Andrea Bowen of Mirrors for Training told H&H she has been trying for 17 years to get across the message that glass on its own is “very dangerous for equestrian use”.

“There are people who sell ‘arena mirrors’ that are just sheets of glass,” she said. “Yes, they’re reflective, they’re mirrors, but they’re not safe, or fit for purpose.”

Ms Bowen explained that her company’s products are far more than just the glass. Each comes with an “impact core” of condensed foam-like material between the glass and the steel backing, giving an overall thickness of 23mm.

“Horses do kick mirrors, it happens,” she said. “If a horse kicks one of our mirrors, it will just break; it won’t let the leg go through. That’s the difference.

“Years ago, I was contacted by a girl whose hand was severed on a mirror and that’s what can happen if cheap sheets of glass are supplied as ‘equestrian mirrors’. I don’t know how people who do that can sleep at night.”

Claire Williams, executive director of the British Equestrian Trade Association, told H&H: “If you’re buying something that could pose a risk to you or your horses, it’s important you investigate the standards it’s made to, and whether they’re appropriate for the use you’re putting the item to.”

A spokesman for the Government department of business and trade told H&H: “This is clearly a distressing incident, and we thank H&H for bringing this to our attention. If anyone has concerns about one of these products, they should provide the relevant information and we will consider it.

“Manufacturers are obliged to provide clear instructions on how to use their product safely and we urge the public to always follow these instructions.”

Becky’s husband John told H&H his and his wife’s “heartfelt wish” is that Tomato need not have died in vain, and that no other owner has to experience what they did.

“We are asking the equestrian community to come together as one to lobby to change legislation to provide Trading Standards the authority to prevent the mis-selling of these mirrors and to initiate the requirement for an impact test specific to the use of mirrors in the equine industry,” he said. “Too many horses’ lives have already been lost because of these mirrors, how long before a human life is lost?”

Becky added: “Emotionally, I was so invested in that horse; he was beautiful inside and out. But this could happen to any horse – or any person. My husband said, as we waited for the vet and my horse was bleeding to death, ‘That could have been you’.”

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Helite Zip’In 2 Airbag

The discreet and close-fitting Helite Zip’In 2 Airbag is designed so it can be worn alone, or under an approved outer layer. It has a lanyard trigger system that you attach to your saddle via a supplied strap, which slips over the stirrup bars. This provides a D ring in front of the pommel that I could quickly and easily attach the lanyard clip to using one hand, while holding my reins in the other.

The air jacket is activated when you are separated from the saddle by sufficient distance and velocity to extend the elasticated lanyard to its full length, pulling the keyball out of the trigger, which leads the vest to inflate in less 0.1 second.

*Update: 30 April 2023* I have now tested the air vest when parting company with my horse during a jump training session. The vest inflated as expected, and I was able to remount and continue with my jumping lesson after my fall. I felt the air vest protected my torso from bruising when I fell directly on to the jump. I did not feel winded by the air vest activating.

*Update: 31 October 2023* Having fallen off a number of times while wearing this vest, I now don’t ride my horse without it – whether that’s out hacking, schooling at home, jumping or competing – and in all weathers. It gives me extra confidence while in the saddle to know that I have this added protection should the unexpected happen. The cost of having to replace the air cannister (around £20 each time) is enough to encourage me to try my utmost to stay in the saddle, but on the occasions when I’ve passed the point of no return, I do feel less concerned about hitting the deck and have suffered no serious injuries (only wounded pride and the odd bruise!) as a result of my falls.

Starting with the vest on its own, I was impressed with how lightweight and comfortable it was to wear. My previous experience with an airvest has been wearing a body protector and airvest together, so this feels much less restrictive and far lighter by comparison. However, if you are intending to compete in cross-country competitions, you would need to wear an approved body protector, then you can add an airvest over the top for added protection if you wish. For dressage and showjumping competitions, the airvest can be worn without a body protector. Airvests are also becoming a popular option for the hunting field.

The air canister that inflates the airvest when triggered is concealed into the vest on the right-hand side under a zip (shown below) and, although there is a little weight to it (about 150g for the 50cc cannister), once I was wearing the vest, I didn’t notice it.

The vest is fastened with a front zip and has elasticated mesh sides for a neat fit. It is made from a lightweight technical fabric with a breathable mesh lining, containing the inflatable airbags.

I am a UK size 8 and I am testing the XS size, which carries the 50cc canister. Other size vests require different sized canisters. The canisters are the screw-in type. I found it straight forward to replace the canister following the instructions in the user guide. I recommend keeping both the Allen key and a spare canister to hand so you can replace it as needed following an activation.

For the purpose of this review, I have also been supplied with a selection of outer layers to try. Some of these are designed so the airvest and the outer can be quickly and easily integrated into one garment, via the Zip’In system, which makes them both comfortable and very easy to wear.

Helite Airshell Prestige Vest Outer

This gilet is made from a softshell material, which is water repellent and windproof. I am testing the navy gilet with red/white trim, but it is also available with a black/white trim, and in sizes child L to adult XXL. The RRP starts at £117 for child L.

It has an attractive, sporty appearance that makes it ideal for daily wear outside the competition environment, whether riding at home or out training. I have received positive comments from fellow riders in both situations. It has a soft collar with matching material around the hips and smart piping over the shoulders. There is a discrete opening that the lanyard can be passed through to secure it easily to the saddle.

As one of Helite’s own brand outers, the airvest zips quickly and easily into the gilet, making it a breeze to use as a single piece of clothing. The gilet provides external protection to the airvest and is washable at 30°, which the airvest is not. The gilet has washed well in my washing machine, coming up looking as good as new.

I have worn this outer with the airvest combined for showjumping training, flatwork schooling and hacking. It was very comfortable in all cases. At no time did I feel impeded by the lanyard, or restricted by the vest/gilet. I liked the smart appearance and felt confident knowing that were I to part company with my horse, I would have the protection of the airvest to help me avoid injury. This helped me to remain relaxed in the saddle on occasions when my horse felt a little more spicy than usual!

It was far less restrictive than wearing a combined body protector with airvest and after riding I was cooler than I typically was having had a similar ride while wearing the combined option. I have also worn this outer with the airvest over my body protector while cross-country schooling successfully.

Helite Airjump Jacket Outer

This smart Helite-branded black show jacket is also designed so the airvest can be quickly and easily zipped inside to make it into a single item of clothing. It’s available in black, in child L to adult XXL, with an RRP of £320.

The jacket is fastened with a hidden zip, plus three H-branded brushed silver buttons/press studs in front, with a small disk on the back of the collar.

The jacket has pipped edges, two outside pockets with discrete zip fastenings, and there are two riding vents at the rear. There is a perforated section of material under the arms to improve breathability. It also has the small opening on the front to allow the airvest lanyard to pass through.

My initial impression is that it looks smart and is comfortable to wear. It is machine washable at 30degrees. I have not yet tried it in the saddle.

LotusRomeo for H show jacket

This stylish ladies show jacket is made from an extremely stretchy and lightweight soft mesh material. It is designed to be worn over the top of the Helite Zip’In 2 Airvest, but is not attached to it, leaving two separate garments.

The jacket is fastened by a concealed zip behind four plastic buttons. It has open-topped pockets on the front on both sides, double vent to the rear and the all-important opening to the front to allow the lanyard to pass through.

The fashionable cut is very close fitting, which is further accentuated by the material, meaning it is an attractive choice for a slim figure, but it is less flattering for anyone with natural lumps or bumps that they prefer not to show to the world. It also shows the slight extra bulk of the air jacket more than the black jacket with the thicker material.

I expect this jacket will be a great option for the summer months, thanks to its excellent breathability. It can also be worn on its own without the air jacket if you wish. Although Helite recommend that you wear the same size outer to the air vest, as this jacket is worn as a separate outer, I would recommend sizing up if you prefer a less closely fitted jacket.

Verdict

H&H Approved – Even without the outers, the Helite Zip’In 2 Airbag is a stylish option for anyone wanting extra protection while riding with the minimum of bulk and no restriction. The range of outers, which is far more extensive than those outlined above, makes it a great option for both leisure and competition riders. The only downside I can see is the price, but I believe it is an investment that will pay back in spades when it comes to rider confidence and safety.

Who tested the Helite Zip’In 2 Airbag with outers?

Carol Phillips is Horse & Hound’s website editor, who has ridden since childhood. She has an Irish Sport Horse kept at livery, who she is training with grassroots eventing in mind and rides most days.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

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Uvex Tocsen Crash Sensor *H&H Approved*

£79.99

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

A new standard for equestrian air jackets is in the pipeline, with hopes it will give additional confidence to manufacturers and riders.

Air vests from reputable brands already undergo significant safety testing and product development. All safety products marketed in the EU must be CE certified to show they comply with personal protection standards. The same applied for Britain, where at present, they must be CE or UKCA certified.

But there is not as yet a British or European-wide CE standard specific to equestrian airbags, in the same way as there is for body protectors and riding hats. The CRITT (Regional Centre for Innovation and Technology Transfer) in France published an equestrian-specific standard in 2022 (NF S72-800-2022), which is part of its CE certification testing process for riding air vests.

The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA), as part of a European standards committee, has now drafted a standard specific to equestrian air vests, which drew from a number of sources, including the motorcycle and CRITT standards and British test house Satra Technology’s own air vest testing standard, with new input. It will harmonise protocols for testing equestrian air vests and will be an add-on to existing body protector standards, as part two of the European standard EN 13158.

European and BETA body protector standards are closely linked, and air vest standards will work in the same way.

“A standard gives manufacturers a benchmark and gives users an assurance that the garment has been tested like for like with other garments and meets the standard,” BETA chief executive Claire Williams told H&H.

The incoming standard features a combination of requirements, including inflation speed, maximum pressure, deflation rate, parts of the body it covers and lanyard length. This involves a complex table to take into consideration the differences between a child falling off a pony and an adult coming off an 18hh horse.

Option to test to new standard

Manufacturers will have the option to test to the standard. To do so, they will be required to supply their range of sizes, and testing will involve a variety of methods. The vests will also be measured for ergonomics as well as “innocuousness”, which means ensuring elements designed for protection will not accidentally hurt someone.

“When we are writing a standard, we have to be very careful to not be design-restrictive – that means putting something in the standard that would prevent innovation,” added Ms Williams.

The final draft has been submitted and is expected to take two to three years to go through the consultation, approval, publishing and harmonisation process.

Peter Riley, UK managing director of air jacket company Helite, told H&H the company is “fully behind the standard”.

He added that education – from fitting to care and more – is the brand’s big focus, adding that the company is keen to work with BETA on education programmes, with the standard a part of that process.

Rachel Ricci, managing director of Hit Air UK, told H&H the company welcomes any harmonisation of standards for equestrian use, although it hopes this will mean that BETA uses its influence to harmonise CE and UK equestrian certification rather than adding another layer of testing for a separate BETA label.

“The CE certification we currently undergo is already painstaking and requires rigorous testing of inflation time, pressures, deflation time, lanyard length, sizing and canister size, indeed a complex matrix of criteria,” she said, adding that process takes innocuousness into account.

She added that Hit Air UK chose to certify two of its latest models last year using the “very strict” French equestrian CRITT standard, and two more go through this month.

“We have been lobbying BETA for many years for certification to be made specific to equestrian use in the UK, so that it can be regulated by bodies such as British Eventing and British Showjumping,” she said. “We were, however, hoping that this wouldn’t take an additional two to three years.”

US research under way

In the United States, a separate two-year, multi-part project by the US Hunter Jumper Association and Virginia Tech Laboratories to look at equestrian safety vests is under way.

The campaign will review current equestrian vest protection standards, investigate the most common types of torso impacts and injuries, and evaluate current testing methodologies.

It will also develop a biologically modelled impact protocol for evaluating air and standard protective vests, and test and rate the performance of current chest protection systems.

Dr Stefan Duma, one of the lead researchers, told H&H the ultimate goal is to establish a ratings or evaluation system for consumers.

You may also be interested in…

‘You’re never too good to take safety seriously’: doctor speaks out on body protection

‘If it saves one life, it’s worth it’: top showjumpers lead the way with body protection

‘I’ve been very lucky’: rider speaks out on air jackets after freak cross-country fall

‘I nose-dived to the ground and Holly followed, landed behind me then rolled on my legs and pelvis’

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Adjustable riding hats with a dial-fit system have increased in popularity and availability in recent years, so much so that now almost all riding hat manufacturers produce one or more. The adjustability of these riding hats makes them very convenient, and in general they are very lightweight and are lower profile with a sportier, more modern look than typical riding hats. Removable liners and ventilation are also common features, making them very comfortable to wear, whether you’re wearing them for a quick schooling session or an all-day endurance ride.

Adjustable riding hats are particularly beneficial for growing young riders and make great riding hats for children, as an adjustable helmet will likely remain a better fit and more comfortable for longer.

Best adjustable riding hats

Gatehouse Air Rider MKII

Colours: Black or navy | Sizes: S–L | Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), VG1 | RRP: From £124.99 | H&H review: 10/10 |

This lightweight and well-ventilated riding hat features a four-point harness with dial adjustment for ease of fit. The padded, wicking liner can be removed for washing, and the hat comes in a padded storage bag.

Read H&H’s independent Gatehouse Air Rider MKII review.

In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

Uvex Perfexxion II

Colours: Black matt or anthracite matt | Sizes: XXS/S, S/M, M/L or L/XL | Standards: VG1 | RRP: From £216 |

This modern design helps keep your head cool. It’s available in three shell sizes, which you can adjust.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Shires Karben Valentina Riding Hat

Colours: Black, black/rose gold, navy or grey/silver | Sizes: S–L | Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark) | RRP: From £95.99 |

This eye-catching low-profile hat benefits from thermoregulating linings and air vents. It also has a fully adjustable four-point harness with leather-look side panels and a removable anti-rub chin guard.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

Uvex Exxential II MIPS

Colours: Black | Sizes: XS–XL | Standards: VG1 | RRP: £170 |

This helmet combines sportiness, climate control and safety. It brings an update to the Uvex Exxential II with the introduction of MIPS technology, which is designed to further protect the brain against rotational movements in the event of an accident.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Champion Air-Tech Deluxe

Colours: Metallic black, metallic navy, metallic oyster, metallic ruby or black silk | Sizes: S, M or L (52–61cm) | Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), ASTM F1163, VG1 | RRP: From £170 |

This low-profile adjustable helmet is made with a lightweight injection-moulded ABS shell, which makes it comfortable without compromising on safety. It features triple-mesh venting for superior airflow, a removable crown-comfort padded, wicking lining.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Whitaker NRG (New Rider Generation) Riding Helmet

Colours: Black or navy | Sizes: XS–L | Standards: ASTM F1163, VG1 | RRP: From £95 |

This adjustable helmet has a smooth, matte effect outer and two front vents. It also has a breathable Coolmax lining, which is removable and machine washable.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, naylors.com or ebay.co.uk

Premier Equine Odyssey Helmet

Colours: Black or navy | Sizes: S–L | Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), VG1 | RRP: £100 |

This lightweight helmet has a technical padded liner, which is removable and washable, with antibacterial and moisture-wicking properties. It has a four-point eco-leather and webbing harness with padded chin guard, as well as ventilation points between the chrome and glitter panels.

In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk

You might also like:

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13 riding hats that are worth your attention

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

When you’re riding or leading out on the road, hi viz for horses is just as important as hi viz for riders. It’s so important for equestrians to wear hi-vis to make sure you and your horse are visible to other road users, as without specialist hi viz clothing you can be left invisible in a variety of conditions. Every extra second that you can give another road user to realise your presence and slow down, makes you that bit safer – it’s all about reducing the risk and hi viz for horses will help do just that.

There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing what hi viz to put on your horse. Hi viz exercise sheets are popular, but you can also use breastplates, boots, leg wraps, saddle pads, fly veils and bridle attachments.

Best hi viz for horses

• Hi viz exercise sheets
• Hi viz boots and leg wraps
• Hi viz breastplates and bridle attachments
• Hi viz saddle pads
• Other hi viz accessories

Best hi viz exercise sheets for horses

WeatherBeeta Reflective Wrap Around Exercise Sheet

Colours: Silver/black | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £94.99 |

This reflective exercise sheet from Weatherbeeta is a showerproof, breathable and sits around the saddle. It has touch-tape closures at the wither and around the chest allow for easy put on and take off, and is complete with tail flap and tail cord.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

Shires Equi-Flector Waterproof Exercise Sheet

Colours: Yellow, pink or orange | Sizes: 48–60in | RRP: £55.99 |

Ideal for cold weather exercising, this waterproof exercise sheet is lined with warm fleece. It fits around the saddle or over the riders legs, and features reflective strips, tail flap, girth guides, touch close fastening and fillet string.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk 

Equisafety Polite Mesh Quarter Rug

Colours: Yellow | Sizes: Extra-small pony – extra-full | RRP: £45.99 |

A great option for the summer – or anytime of year if you have a particularly hair horse – this lightweight mesh rug from Equisafety is designed to keep your horse cool, while the bright colours also help to reflect the sun’s rays. It has two adjustable attachment clips as well as Velcro girth attachments and a fillet string.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk 

Harrison Howard Focal Max Super Hi Vis Exercise Sheet

Colours: Silver | Sizes: M or L | RRP: £29.99 |

This waterproof and breathable exercise sheet has a silky lining to prevent rubbing and attaches to the girth straps. The silver material offers great visibility when lit.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Shires Equi-Flector Mesh Exercise Sheet

Colours: Yellow or orange | Sizes: 48–60in | RRP: £23.99 |

This lightweight, breathable exercise sheet from Shires is another good option for the warmer weather. It features reflective strips either side at the rear and on the tail flap, and it fits around the saddle, secured with a touch-close fastening at the wither and via girth guides, retaining straps and fillet string.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

Hy Silva Flash Exercise Sheet

Colours: Silver/black | Sizes: 4ft6in – 5ft | RRP: £49.99 |

This waterproof exercise sheet creates a dazzling white glow when subjected to light, creating optimum visibility. With front touch tape fastenings to secure around your saddle, it is cut away to allow your leg to sit close to the horse and has a fillet string to secure the back.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk 

Equisafety Mercury Wraparound Rug

Colours: Yellow, pink or orange | Sizes: XS show pony – extra-full | RRP: £84.99 |

Using technically advanced reflective, soft-touch fabric, this Equisafety rug is lightweight, breathable and 100% waterproof with taped seams. The fabric is not rip-stop so is susceptible to brambles, barbed wire or tree branches, but it is highly reflective. It has an adjustable, removable neck band, tail guard, leg straps and girth vent.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

Hy Reflector Exercise Sheet

Colours: Yellow, pink or orange | Sizes: 4ft6in – 5ft | RRP: £41.99 |

This fleece-lined exercise sheet is complete with a tail flap to ensure excellent visibility from behind. It has reflective piping around the edges and a double reflective strip on both sides and across the tail flap. It is cut away to fit snugly around the saddle, shaped around the front to enable the rider’s leg to sit close to the horse’s side and fastened with touch tape around the front of the saddle. Also available as a mesh exercise sheet.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk 

Harrison Howard Focal Max Exercise Sheet

Colours: Fluorescent green, navy, black, blue, red, pink or purple | Sizes: Cob, full or extra-full | RRP: £14.99 |

Available in a wide range of colours – some offering more visibility than others – with highly reflective strips on each side, this exercise sheet has a fleece stay-put lining. It attached to the girth straps with touch-tape fastenings and has a fillet string at the back.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Whitaker Sydney Reflective Exercise Sheet

Colours: Black | Sizes: S–L | RRP: £45 |

Described as ideal for cold and dark conditions, this waterproof and fleece-lined exercise sheet from Whitaker has a reflective panel along back, full reflective tail cover and removable chest strap in full reflective print. It features Velcro fastenings across the withers and girth straps to keep the rug in place.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk 

Best hi viz boots and leg wraps for horses

Shires Equi-Flector Wraps

Colours: Pink, orange or yellow | Sizes: One size | RRP: £11.99 for a pair |

These leg wraps with reflective strips are fleece lined and held in place with adjustable touch tape fastenings. They can also be worn on a rider’s arm.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, naylors.com or gooutdoors.co.uk

Hy Silva Flash Reflective Leg Band

Colours: Reflective silver | Sizes: Pony or cob/horse | RRP: £10.50 for a pair |

Fully adjustable with twin touch-tape closures, these leg bands from Hy fit neatly over your horse’s boots or directly onto the leg. The mesh lining increases airflow, while the silver reflective material provides a white glow when subjected to lights for maximum visibility.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk 

Shires Equi-Flector Overreach Boots

Colours: Pink, orange or yellow | Sizes: One size | RRP: £15.99 for a pair |

Made of shock-absorbing neoprene, these boots are both reflective and protective. They have reflective prints and are secured with double-sided touch close fastenings.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

Equisafety Charlotte Dujardin Multi-coloured Leg Wraps

Colours: Pink/orange, pink/yellow, yellow/green or yellow/orange | Sizes: Pony or horse | RRP: £18.99 for a pair |

These multi-coloured waterproof leg boots are lightly quilted and can be worn over brushing boots or on the leg. They feature two extra-wide adjustable Velcro straps.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk 

Mark Todd Pro Technik Reflective Overreach Boots

Colours: Yellow | Sizes: S–XL | RRP: £29.99 |

These sturdy boots from Mark Todd are soft inside, designed to be non-turn and feature easy touch-tape fastenings. Matching brushing boots and fetlock boots available.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk 

Hi viz breastplates and bridle attachments

Shires Equi-Flector Bridle Bands

Colours: Pink, yellow or orange | Sizes: One size | RRP: £10.99 for a pair |

These bright bands with reflective strips can be used on straps, reins and browbands.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

Masta Hi Viz Bridle Covers

Colours: Orange or yellow | Sizes: One size | RRP: £16.49 for a set |

This set includes two large and two small covers that are quick and easy to fit with touch-tape fastenings. They can be used on the reins, noseband, browband or cheekpieces and have reflective strips for added visibility.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk 

Equisafety Reflective Neck Band

Colours: Pink, orange, yellow or blue/white | Sizes: One size | RRP: £21.99 |

Neck bands give offer extra visibility to horses with a high head carriage that could obscure their rider’s hi-viz jacket. It fits horses from 14hh – 17.2hh, is wipe clean and fully adjustable with touch tape fastenings under the chest.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

Ruggles Hi-viz Adjustable Breastplate

Colours: Yellow | Sizes: Pony, cob or full | RRP: £12.50 |

Made from a bright yellow waterproof fabric with reflective panels, this breastplate has an adjustable neck strap and a girth loop.

In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk

Salute Equestrian Click & Connect Hi-viz Neck Strap Ultimate Set

Colours: Orange or reflective silver | Sizes: S–L | RRP: £99.95 |

While not the largest area of hi-vis, if you ride with a neck strap, why not make it a hi-vis one? This neck strap connects to the saddle or breastplate to avoid risk of your horse catching his leg in a loose strap.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Best hi viz saddle pads

Weatherbeeta Reflective Prime All Purpose Saddle Pad

Colours: Silver/pink or silver/yellow | Sizes: Pony or full | RRP: £59.99 |

This Weatherbeeta saddle pad is made of a durable cotton fabric with a wicking lining that helps to keep your horse cool, dry and comfortable. It is is highly reflective and features a breathable mesh spine for extra airflow and high-wither design to allow for extra clearance.

A non-reflective version of this Weatherbeeta saddle pad scored 10/10 and awarded H&H Approved status when reviewed as part of our independent testing scheme – read the full WeatherBeeta Prime saddle pad review.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or naylors.com

Shires Equi-Flector Saddle Pad

Colours: Orange/silver, pink/silver or yellow/silver | Sizes: 15–16.5in or 17–18in | RRP: £46.99 |

Made from reflective fabric with high visibility trims, this saddle pad has a wicking lining that reduces the risk of rubbing and increase comfort. It is machine washable, has a contoured shape for good clearance, girth guides and guards, and touch close retaining straps.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or naylors.com

Other hi viz accessories for horses

Shires Equi-Flector Fly Veil

Colours: Orange, pink or yellow | Sizes: Pony, cob or full | RRP: £10.50 |

Designed to fit neatly under a bridle, the stretch ears of this fly veil have fleece padding around the ear hole seams for comfort.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or naylors.com

Shires Equi-Flector Tail Strap

Colours: Orange, pink or yellow | Sizes: One size | RRP: £5.50 |

For added rear visibility on the road, this reflective tail strap is held in place with a rubberised elastic strap and touch close fastenings.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

Hy Reflector Tail Guard

Colours: Pink, orange or yellow | Sizes: One size | RRP: £7.50 |

With a fleece underside to keep the dock protected, this tail guard features silver reflective tape and reflective Hy detailing. It is secured with two touch-tape fastenings.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

Hy Tail Band

Colours: Pink, orange, yellow or silver | Sizes: One size | RRP: £7.99 |

This simple, easy-to-fit tail band provides visibility from behind.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk 

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

If you’re looking for the latest safety technology, look no further than the best MIPS horse riding helmets. You can find MIPS helmets with the help of the yellow logo that usually appears somewhere on the helmet.

It’s not unusual for hats to be made in a standard version and then in an upgraded version with MIPS technology – for example, you can get the Uvex Exxential II and the Uvex Exxential II MIPS – and these will look the same from the outside, bar the yellow logo. So if you’re set on buying a helmet with MIPS, double check the description before you hit the checkout.

What are MIPS helmets?

MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System and it is a technology used in some newer helmets that offers added protection against angular impact and damaging rotational forces.

When you fall and hit your head, it’s most common to fall at an angle, which creates rotational motion – science has shown that our brains are very sensitive to rotational forces. MIPS can reduce the risk of brain damage by allowing your head to move inside the helmet. This reduces the harmful rotational motion that would otherwise be transferred to your brain.

This technology is not only used in horse riding helmets, but helmets worn in snowsports, motorsports, cycling and climbing, too.

Best MIPS horse riding helmets

Charles Owen MS1 Pro

Colours: Black or limited editions | Sizes: 52–62cm standard fit, 56–58cm round fit | Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), ASTM F1163, VG1 (with Kitemark) | RRP: £160 |

This helmet offers a deep fit that is made secure with the padded harness. It has 10 ventilation slots and a removable cup headband that you can wash and replace as necessary. It is also available in limited edition styles in collaboration with Boyd Martin, This Esme and Harlow Luna White.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com

Champion Revolve Radiance Vent-Air MIPS Peaked Helmet

Colours: Black, black/multi or navy | Sizes: 6¼–7¾ | Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), ASTM F1163, VG1 | RRP: From £295 |

This low profile, lightweight hat is built with a lightweight glass fibre shell that incorporates a ventilated airflow system and a new contoured shaped peak with a sparkle centre panel. The harness is made from soft padded synthetic leather with a rear lacing adjustment and fastens with a quick-release buckle.

In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk

Uvex Exxential II MIPS

Colours: Black | Sizes: XS–XL | Standards: VG1 | RRP: £149.95 |

This helmet combines sportiness, climate control and safety. It brings an update to the Uvex Exxential II with the introduction of MIPS technology, which is designed to further protect the brain against rotational movements in the event of an accident.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Champion Revolve Vent-Air MIPS Jockey Skull

Colours: Black | Sizes: 6¼–7¾ | Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), ASTM F1163, VG1 | RRP: From £208 |

An upgrade to the Champion Revolve Vent-Air skull, this modern, lightweight helmet offers good ventilation and comfort thanks to the central ventilation strip and removable crown comfort padding in breathable microfiber. It has a durable painted acrylic and sand finish that helps to prevent you silk slipping. It also features a four-point soft leather harness with rear lacing adjustment.

In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk

Charles Owen My PS With MIPS

Colours: Black or navy | Sizes: 52–62cm standard fit, 56–58cm round fit | Standards: PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), ASTM F1163, VG1 (with Kitemark) | RRP: £265 |

The My PS gives riders the elegant look with modern style wide peak and a deep fit. It has 10 ventilation slots, a removable headband and a six-point leather-look harness.

In the US? View now at statelinetack.com

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A safety feature, already widely used in cycling and skiing helmets and designed to reduce brain injuries, could revolutionise riding

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

High visibility or “hi viz” for horse riders is absolutely essential for any equestrian that leaves the confines of the arena. When you’re riding on the road, it’s so important to make sure you’re visible to other road users as without specialist hi viz clothing you can be left invisible in a variety of conditions.

Every extra second that you can give another road user to spot you and slow down, makes you that bit safer – it’s all about reducing the risk. Even when you’re not on the road, hi viz can still help others – such as dog walkers and cyclists – realise your presence sooner. You can choose between hi viz jackets, waistcoats, headbands, hat silks or gloves – in reality, the brighter you can make yourself, the better.

There are a lot of basic hi viz options, such as hi viz waistcoats, but even many of the hi viz waistcoats with horse-related prints on aren’t necessarily designed to be the most functional in the saddle. Many equestrian brands, however, have taken on the challenge of designing functional, technical and stylish hi viz for horse riders, and such jackets have useful additions, such as pockets – so are usually worth the extra money.

When choosing between all the different hi viz options, think about whether you want a warm jacket to wear as an additional layer, or if you would prefer a lighter tabard that you can wear over the top come rain or shine. You might even want both – one for summer and one for winter. For your hi viz jacket to be as effective as possible, you need to keep it clean – so a machine washable jacket is a real bonus.

As well as donning some hi viz items yourself, there are also many options of hi viz for horses – for example, a hi viz exercise sheet, breastplate, boots or leg wraps – and a combination of the two is recommended.

• Related: Check out this selection of the best hi viz for horses and the best hi viz dog coats

Do horse riders have to wear hi viz?

There is no law in the UK that requires horse riders to wear hi viz clothing – or put it on their horse – but yes, horse riders still need to wear hi-viz. It’s in the best interests of all riders that they do – both on and off road – as it gives others advanced warning of their presence. The same applies if you’re leading a horse.

Best hi viz jackets and waistcoats for horse riders

• Jump down for the best hi viz rider accessories

Equisafety Charlotte Dujardin Multicoloured Mesh Hi-vis Waistcoat

Colours: Pink/orange, pink/yellow or yellow/orange | Sizes: S–XXL | RRP: £39.99 |

Designed in two colours to stand out against many changing colours of seasons and day light, this mesh waistcoat is fully adjustable at the back so that it can be worn with summer or winter clothing and has two large zipped pockets.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or naylors.com 

Shires Equi-Flector Safety Vest

Colours: Yellow | Sizes: 3XS–XL | RRP: £11.99 |

Easy to wear, this vest gives you visibility when riding on the road or in low light. It features an inside pocket, reflective strips, zip fastening and a printed back.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

WeatherBeeta Reflective Waistcoat

Colours: Pink or yellow | Sizes: Child S – adult XL | RRP: £32.99 |

This zipped waistcoat has two zipped hand pockets and elasticated sides to fit any body shape. The touch-tape tab closures provide easy adjustability, while the stylish reflective tape design offers added visibility.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or naylors.com 

Equisafety Multicoloured Fitted Gilet

Colours: Pink/yellow, orange/pink or yellow/orange | Sizes: XS–XXL | RRP: £69.99 |

This tailored hi-vis gilet is ideal for those who ride out. It has a durable water repellent finish and is filled with a synthetic down made from recycled plastic bottles, which maintains its insulating power even when damp. It has two large zipped pockets and a two-way zip.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk

Equisafety Charlotte Dujardin Mercury Lightweight Jacket

Colours: Pink, orange or yellow | Sizes: XS–XXL | RRP: £119.99 |

This lightweight jacket retro-reflects light directly to the original light source to enhance the visibility of the wearer, while also including hi vis coloured elements. It also has back vents and underarm zips for enhanced breathability.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk

WeatherBeeta Reflective Harness

Colours: Pink or yellow | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: From £20.50 |

This lightweight harness is easily folded for hand carry or storing away. It features a zipped pocket at front to fit your phone and other valuables, as well as a reflective tape design on front and back, plus side waist Velcro tabs for easy adjustability. Also available in children’s sizes.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

Hy Silva Flash Two-tone Reflective Gilet

Colours: Reflective silver/pink | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £50.99 |

The incredibly reflective outer shell creates a dazzling white glow when a light is shone at it, while the splash of pink adds a bit of fun and extra visibility. Made using an ultra-light, wind resistant material, this gilet from Hy is breathable and protects you from elements, plus the stretch panels down both sides allows movement and encourages moisture and excess heat to disperse.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk 

WeatherBeeta Reflective Heavy Padded Waterproof Jacket

Colours: Pink or yellow | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £81.99 |

This 100% waterproof and breathable reflective hi-vis jacket from Weatherbeeta has a fully lined, quilted inner with polyester padding for extra warmth. It also features a two-way zip and storm flap, with hand zip pockets and fleece-lined inner collar. The back hem has snaps vents that make this jacket ideal for riding, along with Velcro tab closures on cuffs a for snug fit and inner knit cuffs with thumbholes for extra coverage. Also available in child sizes.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

Brook Hi Viz Waistcoat

Colours: Pink or yellow | Sizes: S–5XL | RRP: £6.99 |

This simple hi viz jacket is available in two colours and a wide range of colours. It also has a “horses slow down” slogan to advise drivers printed on the back.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Hi viz accessories for horse riders

• Looking for accessories to put on your horse? Check out this selection of the best hi viz for horses

Equisafety Reflective LED Hat Band

Colours: Orange, pink or yellow | Sizes: One size | RRP: £29.99 |

This hat band has the advantage of flashing LED lights. They can easily be switched on and off, and the battery is rechargeable via USB.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk

Shires Equi-Flector Hat Cover

Colours: Orange, pink or yellow | Sizes: One size | RRP: £14.99 |

This brightly coloured hat cover also has reflective stars to increase visibility.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

Shires Equi-Flector Hat Band

Colours: Pink, orange or yellow | Sizes: One size | RRP: £7.50 |

This hat band has a rubberised strap and elastic insert to help keep it in place.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, amazon.co.uk or naylors.com

Shires Equi-Flector Riding Gloves

Colours: Orange or yellow | Sizes: XS–XL | RRP: £19.99 |

These gloves have a fleecy inner lining, silicone-printed grippy palms, reflective strips and elasticated adjustable wrists.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gooutdoors.co.uk or naylors.com

Harry Hall Lockton Riding Gloves

Colours: Pink or yellow | Sizes: S–XXL | RRP: £18.59 |

Providing both visibility and grip, these gloves are made with a material that reflects only direct light, which is furthered by reflective strips. The gloves feature a soft, PU rubberised palm fabric and added ring finger and thumb reinforcement.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Hy Silva Flash Reflective Hat Band

Colours: Reflective silver | Sizes: One size | RRP: £7.99 |

This elasticated hat band fits neatly around any riding hat to easily increase your visibility. The silver reflective material provides a bright white glow when subjected to lights.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or viovet.co.uk 

You might also be interested in:

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Hi-viz is an essential part of equestrian clothing, for both horses and their riders while hacking out. Here's a selection

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Charles Owen has added a selection of new colours to two of its popular traditional-style velvet riding hats. Riders who love the classic look will be pleased to hear the Fian and Hampton hats are once again available in brown, grey and bottle green, as well as black and navy options.

These colours were originally released when Charles Owen launched the Hampton in 2001 and the Fian in 2012, but in recent years these velvet hats have only been available in black or navy. The three additional colours have been brought back in response to customer feedback.

“We know how much our consumers loved their traditional velvets, so after many requests we’ve decided to bring the other colours back,” said Charles Owen’s Becci Flanagan.

The Fian combines the elegance of its predecessor – the Fiona – with sophisticated safety technology to create a safe and stylish hat for showing and hunting. Covered in velvet, it has a slim tan harness that creates an elegant appearance, while the traditional satin headband with incorporated drawlace adjusts the height of the helmet so that it cradles the head. 

It is available in sizes 49–62cm, and meets the ASTM F1163-15 and VG1 standards. The Fian retails from £279.

The Hampton is also covered in traditional velvet, with a soft tan harness, satin lining and low-profile design. It is available in sizes 52–65cm, and meets the PAS015:2011 (with Kitemark), ASTM F1163-15 and VG1 standards. The Hampton retails from £197.

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THE “stigma” around wearing body protection in showjumping shows signs of decreasing – but more people need to follow suit, an A&E doctor believes.

A number of top riders have been seen wearing air jackets this summer, including at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) and the World Showjumping Championships.

But doctor Kate Ward, who has jumped up to 1.40m level, told H&H that in her day job, in the trauma unit of a Kent hospital, she sees people hurt in horse-related incidents every day. And although, she said, all those injured in falls had been wearing safety helmets, “the thing that astounds me is that only one patient I’ve seen in the last two years was wearing any kind of body protector”.

“I am not sure if this is coincidence or maybe the people wearing body protectors don’t come to A&E as much,” she said, adding that the one rider who was wearing one was unharmed, although she was in her seventies.

Kate herself started wearing a body protector first, after “a couple of near misses; falls where I couldn’t believe I wasn’t hurt”, then started looking into air jackets.

“I thought if they’re good enough for people coming off motorbikes, they’re probably quite a good idea if you fall off a horse,” she said, adding that the vests are far less bulky than early versions, to the point people now say they cannot see she is wearing hers.

Kate added that the turning point was when a horse’s bit snapped at home and he “bolted towards the concrete” from her unfenced arena. The horse turned left instead of right and she baled out onto the soft surface, but “after that thought ‘I’m going shopping.’”

She now does not like riding without it, but feels the stigma about body protection is still there in jumping.

“Why is there still this stigma regarding safety in this country?” she said. “Do people deem it demeaning to wear more protection? Are we stuck in the dark ages regarding tradition? There may be no clinical trial data that I know of regarding air jackets, but the logic speaks for itself. People need to take safety seriously. My conclusions are all observational, I just feel passionately about safety in equine sports, and if you saw the injuries I am faced with on a weekly basis, you would understand why. It can do no harm, only good, and anything that reduces the risk of serious injury should be considered essential.

“You are never too good to take safety seriously.”

Kate hopes to conduct an audit at work, to try to find some statistics and trends in riding falls.

One of the riders wearing an air vest at the RIHS was US-based Irishman Andrew Bourns, who told H&H that there is less stigma around wearing them in the US.

“A good friend of mine, [fellow Irish showjumper] Kevin Babington, broke his neck and was paralysed in a fall,” Andrew said. “After that happened, my mum insisted I started wearing one and Freejump [which makes his air vest] gave me full sponsorship. It gives you an enormous amount of protection.”

Andrew said he “very strongly” promotes the wearing of the vests. He uses his whenever he is jumping, including at home.

“All my clients wear them and anyone I’m close to,” he said. “My mum broke her neck in a horse accident and was in a wheelchair for eight years before she died, so it’s a very close-to- home subject for me. I’m very thankful for Freejump’s support and it’s important to draw attention to it. If it saves one life, or someone being badly injured, it’s totally worth it.”

Jodie Hall McAteer, who is also supported by Freejump and was wearing one of the company’s vets at Hickstead, told H&H: “It’s a dangerous sport and it’s easy to forget the risk involved every time you canter into the ring, so to have that extra level of protection and security is definitely worthwhile. I wasn’t sure at first, I was a bit sceptical, but you can’t really feel it when you’re wearing it. It’s so comfortable and light.

“You don’t see it so often, especially competing at the higher levels, but in January, I had a bad fall and wasn’t wearing one. I really hurt my neck and I thought, if I’d had something, had this [perhaps I wouldn’t have been injured]; I’d be silly not to.”

Zara Dickson, equine safety specialist for manufacturer Helite, told H&H there has been an increase in sales of vets to showjumpers this year.

She agrees there has been a stigma, also in the dressage and showjumping phases of eventing.

“It seems to be, ‘You need protection across country and nothing else,’ but there have been studies showing you’re more likely to have an accident schooling or hacking, and a lot of showjumpers have been buying them for schooling young horses at home,” she said. “We’ve seen a sharp increase.”

Ms Dickson added that as a company, Helite does not want people to feel they have been “sold a product”, but instead explains why they need the protection and how they will benefit.

“We’ve got testimonials from people saying the [jackets] have saved their lives,” she said. “I had one mother who’d bought one for her child and the first time out, she fell off showjumping. She messaged to say, ‘Thank you so much.’ It’s difficult trying to get the safety message across without sounding like you’re trying to sell to them, but people are choosing them now in showjumping, from Pony Club to top riders, which is nice to see.”

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The role What3words can play has been emphasised after two injured riders were located thanks to the app.

Dot Cuy and Rachel Moyes were both riding alone when they fell, on 30 April and 27 June respectively.

Dot’s part-Shire Cookie was spooked at a road crossing in Ruislip Woods, near London, and reared, coming down on the road. Runner Nigel Ealand saw what happened, and called an ambulance.

“I ended up speaking with a woman in Aberdeen, who had no knowledge of the area,” Nigel said. “Describing my location on Ducks Hill road near the car park entrance was far too vague, which is when a lightbulb went off; I had downloaded What3words for emergencies.

“I gave her my What3words address and the ambulance arrived within minutes.”

Dot was taken to hospital, where it was found she had torn ligaments, dislocated a toe, and fractured her foot.

“All in all, I came out of it well, as I could have died,” she said, adding that Cookie was unhurt.

Dot is now recommending the app to as many people as possible.

“I downloaded it in hospital,” she said. “I’d heard about it and thought it was a good idea, but since the accident I completely understand the importance of having it. I’ve also shared it on Facebook so I like to think I’ve done my bit in raising awareness of how important it is.”

In the What3words app, the world is divided into 3x3m squares, each of which has a unique three-word combination. Emergency services are among those that recommend its use.

Rachel fell from a friend’s horse, Ben, whom she was riding in an arena with no one else there.

“I landed on my back, and hit a rock,” she said. “I couldn’t move, I was stuck and in excruciating pain.

“I rang the ambulance, but the phone handler wasn’t from the area. I found the name of the road on Google Maps, but even that didn’t narrow down her search enough. Just as I was giving up, she asked me if I had the What3words app.

“I gave the call handler the What3words address and she said, ‘I know exactly where you are, the ambulance will be with you soon.’ Help arrived 20 minutes later, and I was taken to hospital. I was so relieved that they found me quickly, I don’t want to think how much worse the pain would have been if I had to wait any longer.”

Rachel is recovering from her spinal fractures, and has been encouraging others to download the app.

“I was so relieved I had it; you never think that stuff like this can happen but it’s really important to have the app just in case, especially if you like to go out on adventures on your own,” she said.

The British Horse Society told H&H it recommends riders download the app, for use in breakdowns as well as riding incidents.

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Concerns have been raised by horse owners after a mineral exploration company revealed plans to carry out surveys across rural land using a low-flying helicopter with a large suspended sensor.

Privately owned Aberdeen Minerals Limited posted flyers last week to properties across the northeast of Scotland informing owners of the six-week programme. The flyer states that contractor SkyTEM will be flying “low and slow”, and the hexagonal geophysical sensor will be around 35 to 50 metres above the ground. It says the helicopter will be flying at 75 to 90 metres.

The helicopter will not be flying directly over urban dwellings, farm buildings and areas of development. But the company recommends owners of animals or livestock that “may be sensitive” should be “brought under cover”.

A number of horse owners across the region have shared concerns about the plans and the lack of detailed information provided. The flyer states that further information is available online and a QR code can be scanned – but when H&H checked, this information was not available.

Zosia Patterson, who keeps an event horse at a yard in Aberdeenshire, said she is worried her gelding could suffer an injury if he becomes stressed by the helicopter.

“I’m also worried about the risk to riders. No horse is ever bombproof, however good they are. If you stress them with something bizarre that they haven‘t experienced, threatening them at a height like that, they’ll think World War III has come,“ she said. “It’s not just horses, it’s the sheep in the fields around here lambing, and the cattle. They can get injured and be killed if they run into a fence. This is people’s livelihoods.

“I don’t want to obstruct progress, but I want to be asked nicely. My biggest concern is the way the information is worded – the suggestion is that we should keep our horses in for six weeks. Are they going to pay for the shavings costs, or for someone to muck out? Let alone the fact horses could injure themselves if they’ve been kept in and not had any exercise. They haven’t thought about it.”

Cleveland Bay breeder Kate Lines, who also received the flyer, said her biggest concern is her two fillies and other youngstock.

“Cleveland Bays are on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust priority watchlist and we absolutely cannot afford to put pure-bred foals at risk. It would be an absolute tragedy if anything happened to them for the future of the breed,” she said.

“The wording on the flyer is very arrogant, there’s a complete lack of understanding and doesn’t imply there is any consultation – it’s telling us ‘This is happening’. I don’t think housing animals in these situations is the answer. ”

Kate raised concerns with the company via email on Friday (6 May) and received a response which said “Regrettably, the final details of the survey have yet to be finalised between ourselves, our contractions and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).” On Saturday (7 May) Kate received another response confirming the survey will not take part over her property.

The flyer states “Our CAA-approved airborne geophysical programme is a first for the northeast and is a safe and proven method for conducting non-invasive mineral exploration”.

“Firstly it is important to note that all required permissions to conduct this specialist low-level survey have been received from the CAA,” Aberdeen Minerals told H&H.

“In order to have secured the necessary flight authorisations from the CAA our contractor is mandated to follow all the requirements laid out in the UK aviation laws and regulations and, as with any commercial aircraft operator in the UK, the contractor holds comprehensive insurances.”

On Friday the CAA told H&H that it had received a request for permission to carry out low-level helicopter flying operations by an approved helicopter operator and it was “reviewing this request ”. On Monday (9 May) the CAA confirmed that permission had been granted.

Addressing the concerns, Aberdeen Minerals general manager Drew Craig said the company takes health and safety “very seriously” and its technical management team have several decades of experience working safely on projects around the world.

“Some enquiries have of course raised concerns related to incidents due to low-flying military aircrafts. The helicopter being used for our survey is a small single-engine aircraft, travelling at around 70 mile per hour, at around 300 feet and has a sound output of around 87 decibels – not comparable at all to much larger military helicopters or fast-moving fighter jets. Our contractor’s pilot has the ability to make course corrections whilst in the air to avoid anything that might be deemed to be at risk on the ground, or a danger to the helicopter,” he said.

“We are working closely with the helicopter contractor and SkyTEM to ensure that best practice is adhered to, and we are working closely with them to advise any concerned landowners or members of the public in advance of flight activity over their lands.”

Mr Craig said the company is in contact with the British Horse Society (BHS).

“Once the flight schedule has been finalised, the details that will be published will enable all land users to see when and where we’ll be flying. If they would like to do so, they can also register with us to have direct notification of when we’d expect any overflights to occur,” he said.

BHS Scotland national manager Helene Mauchlen said since the launch of the BHS incidents website in November 2010 the society has received more than 400 reports of horse accidents involving low-flying aircraft, of which five horses and one rider have died.

“While we value the importance of sourcing clean, zero-carbon supplies, the impact this low-flying helicopter with its suspended sensor could have on horses on the ground is a huge concern,” she said.

“We urge Aberdeen Minerals to work with the BHS to minimise risk by formulating a detailed informative plan that takes horses and their riders into consideration, and gives all horse owners/riders visibility of exactly when to expect the aircraft in their area. As one of the highest populated regions for horses in Scotland, prioritising the horses’ welfare and safety is of utmost importance across Aberdeenshire.”

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A new design of safety reins have been launched in a bid to further reduce the risk in equestrian sport. The innovative Free Reins feature a quick-release connector that replaces the traditional rein buckle. When sufficient force is applied, the connector is designed to unclip automatically, allowing the reins to come apart and release the horse or rider. Once activated and the risk has passed, the reins can be reassembled.

It’s not uncommon for reins to be accidentally stood on by a horse, caught on a gate or become entangled in the event of a fall. All of these scenarios put horse and rider at risk of injury and tack at risk of damage.

Founder of Free Reins Laurie Williams came up with the concept after witnessing a child becoming caught in the reins during a fall.

“From our recent survey in partnership with Dr David Marlin, 61% of riders had experienced a horse catch his reins on an object,” Laurie said. “There is no doubt in my mind there is a need for Free Reins and I’m so delighted with the product.

“It’s really important to me to make riding as safe as possible for both horse and rider without compromising on style and comfort,” Laurie explained.

Manufactured in the UK, the reins are made of high-quality English leather with a soft grip. They are available in three lengths in black or havana leather, while the connector is available in chrome or gold in three sizes, which is relevant to rider weight.

The Free Reins safety system has undergone extensive testing at an advanced manufacturing research centre in Wales.

Dr David Marlin, Equine Scientist said: “Safety is incredibly important and we support innovation and science-backed products. This appears to be a well-designed product that we hope will decrease injury risk for both horses and riders.”

Elite showjumping coach Mark McCourt said: “Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of riders fall and keep hold of the reins or pull off the bridle. It’s really important that we have safety devices, such as Free Reins, that will help prevent accidents.”

The reins are available at freereins.co.uk, priced from £159.99, and will be available at retailers in the near future.

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The owner of a horse who suffered a horrific injury and was submerged in seawater when he fell in a deep but concealed hole full of concrete blocks has urged others to take care on the beach.

Ellen Eagles was riding her Irish gelding Jasper at Sandwich Bay, Kent, on 23 January, in water barely up to his fetlocks when he went into the hole, which Ellen estimated at four to five feet deep.

“My friend said Jasper and I went completely under the water,” Ellen told H&H. “I remember desperately trying to get to my feet, but I assume I was standing on these concrete blocks as I kept falling. I could see him on his side, thrashing and hitting his head, and the water turning red with his blood. It looked horrific.”

Warning, very graphic image

Ellen thanked a “lovely lady” who was walking her dog and stopped to help. Ellen’s phone had been submerged so the dog-walker googled the vet and rang the emergency number, and Ellen managed to get Jasper home.

“We were heading back to the trailer when it happened; thank god it was so close,” Ellen said. “He was pouring with blood but I managed to focus on ‘I’ve got to get this horse home’. It was only when we got back, I realised how cold I was and that I’d hurt my shoulder.”

The vet arrived at the yard soon after Jasper did and although the wound looks horrific, the damage appears only to be superficial. The stitches are due to come out on Monday (7 February) and it is hoped he will then be able to have some turnout.

“We’re really happy with how he’s doing; I don’t know how he got away as lightly as he did,” Ellen said. “I’d been imagining the worst; that horrific wound, and I thought he’d have fractured something as his legs are quite fine but there was nothing.

“He was a bit sore for a day or two but he’s completely sound now. We were so lucky.”

Ellen said she rides at the beach several times a year and has never had a problem, but she wants to warn other people of the potential dangers. It is thought the hole and lumps of concrete may have been something to do with Second World War defences, possibly hidden until recently and uncovered by shifting beach sand.

“We’d thought we’d be able to see any obstacles as the water was so shallow and we were going so slowly, but we didn’t see that,” she said. “I won’t ever ride through water again unless I’ve been down before and checked it with my own eyes; if I’d seen my own Facebook post before we went, it would have made me think twice.”

She also added that the incident has hammered home the importance of wearing a hat.

“I only realised a few nights later that mine was smashed,” she said. “It’s a new cross-country skull and it’s smashed in. People can be blase about wearing hats on the beach but if I hadn’t been wearing one, I’d have probably been killed.”

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A rider whose life was saved in a bad fall by her safety equipment has secured a £100,000 investment for the “innovative” body protector she has designed.

Finnish Esmerelda Bright, a former international showjumper, is the founder of Armaros, which has developed flexible “body armour” for riders, and has secured the backing from the British Design Fund.

Esmerelda said her life was saved by the body protector she was wearing at the time of her rotational showjumping fall in 2007, but that like other riders, she felt existing equipment was rigid and uncomfortable, and could affect balance. Having looked into the issue among equestrians, she found many riders were put off wearing body protectors by the same issues.

“I had always found body protectors to be very uncomfortable, but my accident really hit home to me the importance of wearing one,” she said.

“When I started asking fellow riders about their experiences, I quickly found that most riders don’t wear one because they find them incredibly stiff and restrictive. That was a lightbulb moment for me.”

Esmerelda looked into possible solutions as she was taking part in a design course backed by the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London. She worked with engineers to create a material using “biomimicry” design, inspired by natural structures.

“The result is the creation of a material technology that is flexible yet incredibly supportive, inspired by the human spine,” an Armaros spokesman said.

Esmerelda added that it is important the design is accessible and suitable for mass manufacture, so as many people as possible can use it.

“After many iterations, we have managed to engineer a product that works with existing manufacturing techniques and which also has potential for many other markets,” she said. “I’m excited to have the backing of the British Design Fund and their support in bringing our design to market.”

It is hoped the product will be on the market within a year, following extensive safety testing. It will be aimed at riders, although the hope is to expand into other sports and industries such as defence.

British Design Fund CEO Damon Bonser said: “The investment committee were really impressed by Esmeralda’s strong knowledge of the equestrian sector, which makes up a large percentage of Armaros’ initial market.

“We were also impressed by her determination to succeed. Armaros has huge potential to scale and a clear and compelling purpose. We look forward to working closely with Esmeralda and the team, to bring the product to market and start saving lives.”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Anyone who has been injured during their involvement with horses is asked to report details to the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) as part of efforts to improve safety.

BETA has launched a new rider accident and equipment reporting form to collect information, which it is hoped will inform design of safety equipment.

“A better understanding of what happens to our hats and body protectors during an accident is key to being able to design better and safer equipment, as well as feeding into the safety standards that determine how these garments perform,” said BETA chief executive Claire Williams. “The data collected through this questionnaire will provide invaluable insights contributing to this understanding, and help us, along with our trade members, continue to be innovative in the space to help keep riders across all sports safer.”

The reporting form is available online or via a QR code that can be scanned on phones, “helping to make it more accessible to busy riders”.

It asks people to provide details of any accident that they were involved in, and, if possible, supply images or video of the helmet and/or body protector worn at the time.

“There’s a real paucity of true [injury] data when it comes to the equestrian industry,” said BETA chief medical officer Diane Fisher.

“It’s so important to get this data as we can feed it back to the industry, to the manufacturers so they can use it to help further improve what they do, as a basis for our safety equipment.

“It also allows us to research injuries in real time. If we are picking up certain injuries and trends, it allows us as BETA to step in and campaign at the time, which makes more sense than working on the back foot.

“We all accept that riding has real dangers attached, but using the protection available correctly can mitigate and minimise these risks. As equestrians we all have a responsibility to keep ourselves fit, healthy and injury free, not only in our own best interests but also in the interests of these very special animals we are lucky enough to spend time with.”

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A new service is providing riders with a QR code that enables first responders to quickly access their vital information in the event of an accident.

The ICE-scan (in case of emergency) app and service has been aimed at equestrians, cyclists and bikers and creates individualised, extra-durable stickers that can be fixed to helmets or equipment.

It allows medical and personal information to be safely stored using up-to-date technology that is familiar to paramedics, doctors, the police and fire service, who can peel back the stickers on arrival to access the code.

ICE-scan app founder Bryn Williams, who has a background in motorsports, said the idea for the service had come from the tradition of motorcyclists storing vital information on pieces of paper inside their helmets.

“When I was a young lad tearing round on a motorbike, a local bobby, who was a police motorcyclist, told me there was an unwritten rule that motorcyclists wrote their details on paper and put it inside their helmets, and in the event of an accident the police and ambulance service would always look inside the helmet,” he said.

“But the last thing you may want to do is take someone’s helmet off after an accident, so what the ICE app is doing is introducing a modern twist to an old dilemma.”

ICE-scan charges an annual subscription that allows users to enter their personal information into the app. They are then posted a sheet of five stickers to fix on their riding equipment or phone which are activated via the app on arrival.

The subscription costs £24 a year and includes the cost of the tags, which are printed by a company specialising in durable, outdoor stickers. H&H readers can use code HAH25 for a 25% discount, to £1.50 per month.

Bryn told H&H ICE-scan pp had been in talks with the College of Paramedics and the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, which felt the app and QR tags would be a “credible asset in their daily work of saving lives”.

They have already recommended that all ambulance crews look for the tags and have the ICE-scan app downloaded on their tablets. The QR tags do not require the app in order to be scanned however, as this can be done with the camera app on a smartphone.

“The only difference is the way the information is displayed on the mobile camera and on the app. It’s clearer to the eye in the app and when scanned by a camera looks like a Word document,” Bryn said.

“You can download the app for free and even put basic info in before paying but to put in full medical info and to physically have the ICE-scan tags requires a subscription.”

The company has also started working with locator app What3Words and is working to integrate the app, so that the precise location details of a casualty can be given.

It is hoped that as awareness of the app grows, members of the public will also know to look for the QR code and be able to give vital information, including location, to the emergency services.

“When a QR code is scanned, what comes up is year of birth, name and medical details. Once we have integrated with What3Words, location will come up first,” Bryn said

The company does not store personal addresses on the app and users are warned whenever a QR code is scanned, so they can be alerted to any attempted misuse in the event of equipment theft.

“Should a third party scan your QR code, you are sent a text and an email to tell you someone has accessed your code and you have the ability to go back onto app and block your account for a day, three days or permanently,” Bryn said. “You have full control over the information.”

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A rider who sustained a hairline skull fracture in a team-chasing fall has shared images of her severely damaged riding hat and said she was “incredibly glad” she had replaced it recently — and that she was “lucky to be alive”.

Somerset-based Susannah Stanning was competing as part of Team Rideaway in the intermediate speed class at the Cotswolds team chase on Sunday (31 October) when her horse Our Kaempfer tripped, fell and landed on her head.

“I remember being pretty convinced he was going to land on me. He cartwheeled over and his hindquarters landed square on top of my head on the floor. It was about as dramatic as it can be,” Susannah told H&H.

“I was unconscious for about five minutes but I was incredibly lucky that they have such amazing medical staff there.”

Susannah, who runs a yard producing team chasers and polo ponies with her husband Roddy, was taken to hospital by ambulance and a CT scan showed she had sustained a hairline skull fracture, and she was diagnosed with concussion. Her horse was not injured in the fall.

“I didn’t have any damage anywhere else, I was extraordinarily lucky,” she said.

“I was kept in hospital overnight for observation but the fracture should essentially heal on its own in time. I was given advice about the concussion and there will be no riding or driving for the immediate future.”

Susannah agreed for images of her damaged riding hat to be shared online and said she had been “astounded” by the response. She is sending her hat back to Champion for the damage to be fully assessed.

“Looking at the damage to my hat I feel incredibly lucky to be alive. I have seen some video footage of the fall and it really could have been a very different story. I only bought my hat three weeks ago when I decided I probably needed a new one, and I’m incredibly glad that I did,” she said.

“I think people have been shocked by the amount of damage to my hat and thought there would have been a lot more damage to me,” she said “I’ve been very lucky in that I’ve not had a head injury before, and it goes without saying how important it is that everyone wears a riding hat with the correct safety standard, and if you have a fall it’s important it gets replaced. I hope some positives can come from this and people learn from my experience.”

Susannah’s husband Roddy, who was at the team chase, added how “brilliant” the medical team was at the Cotswold.

“We were unlucky it happened, but lucky it wasn’t worse and that this happened at a properly organised event with paramedics and a racecourse doctor. The immediate medical attention quite likely made a significant difference to her outcome,” he told H&H. “It highlighted that it’s even more important that you wear a hat at home because you’re unlikely to have any medical cover there if something happens.”

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WORRYING inconsistencies in the force under which headcollars and safety devices break have been found, as riders may have a false sense of security over the risk of injury to themselves and their horses.

As a follow-up to a study that found nearly a third of respondents had experienced horses’ suffering headcollar-related injuries, including 167 deaths, the same researchers took the issue further.

Having found a lack of research in the area, and standards or guidance for headcollar design and use, David Marlin, Jane Williams, Kirsty Pickles and Roberta Ferro de Godoy investigated how much force it took to break or open a range of collars and safety devices.

They found that although, as expected and in general, safety headcollars opened under less force than it took to break leather ones, which in turn was less than for synthetic collars, the inconsistency in the pressure under which the items broke or opened was “cause for concern”.

“Until now, there’s been no objective research on this,” Dr Marlin told H&H. “It’s all been just opinion on the safest practice. People think it’s safe if you’re using baler twine but I don’t like the idea of using it now.”

The researchers tested fine, medium and heavy-duty baler twine, and found that although the force needed to break it increased across the three as expected, there was too much inconsistency in the force needed for confidence that it would do its intended job.

“The range of opening forces and the variability in opening forces for standard headcollars, safety headcollars and safety devices is a cause for concern and may give horse owners/handlers a false sense of security of safety, and actually predispose horses and handlers to an increased risk of injury,” the researchers said in the study, published in the Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology.

Dr Williams told H&H: “Because you don’t know when it’s going to fail, you’re just hoping it’s fit for purpose. A lot of these things are marketed on safety, but manufacturers can make big claims without any research, and I think it’s really important the research is there.”

The team would like to see set standards for headcollars, so owners can make informed decisions.

Dr Marlin said: “It’s about owners having more information to understand that some types of headcollar, in some situations, can cause serious injury and death.”

He said he would recommend using a safety headcollar and a safety device, either between collar and rope or rope and tying point, adding that just a safety device in either point will not help if the headcollar itself is caught on something.

Dr Williams added: “I think sometimes we underestimate people’s desire to do the best by their horses, and if there was a range with more information about safety and when it would break, I think I’d be more likely to look there.”

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now