Localrider Magazine
Eventing • Dressage • Pony Club • Riding Club www.localrider.co.uk
Oliver Gould our Reader of the Month
£3.00
April 2015
WIN!
a Year’s Training with Daniel Watson
Spring ✿
April 2015 • VOLUME XV NUMBER 3
Your favourite Yard Dogs
www.localrider.co.uk
TIME TO THINK SAFE:
We look at the latest in Rider Safety Equipment
SHOW REPORTS
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Riding Hats Gatehouse Chelsea Riding Helmet The Gatehouse Chelsea air Flow pro Helmet has been added to the Gatehouse range. This new riding hat carries the BSi Kitemark and meets paS015 2011 making it suitable for use in competition beyond 2015. Stylish and elegant, the Chelsea comes in a suedette or matt finish and is lightweight and ventilated with a removable, washable lining for hygiene and comfort. additional liners sold separately. Colour: Navy or Black RRP: From £83.99 www.wefi.co.uk
Champion Junior X-Air Dazzle Plus With a dazzling coloured centre panel and sparkling silver vent, the Junior X-air Dazzle is designed to sparkle. Built upon a lightweight injection moulded shell with a soft four point padded harness, the Junior X-air Dazzle incorporates a vented air flow system to help keep the head cool. Kitemarked to paS015. RRP: From £75.00 Sizes: 6 ¼ - 7 ¾ Colour: Black/Black, Black/Pink, Black/ Silver www.championhats.co.uk
Champion Junior X-Air Plus Helmet
The Hit-Air Vest is available to fit riders of all shapes and sizes
PROtector Riding Hats and Jockey Skulls • The ONLY Riding Hat with SNELL E2001, the highest manufactured equestrian safety standard in the WORLD. • Approved BS, BE, BD, British Riding Clubs and Pony Club.
SEE US AT Blue Chip Champs. Hartpury 8th - 12th April Badminton (main hard track - FLAG! ) 5th - 10th May
www.parkgateequestrian.co.uk
RRP: From £67.50 Sizes: 6 ¼ - 7 ¾ Colour: Black, Navy, Pink, Silver www.championhats.co.uk
Champion Ventair helmet
• SNELL E2001 COMPLIES 2016
Parkgate Equestrian: 01306 631374
Certified to paS015, the new Junior X-air plus is ideal for children who wish to compete. Built on a lightweight moulded aBS shell, and incorporating a ventilation system to help keep the head cool, the four point padded nubuck harness offers supreme comfort and security to the young rider. Kitemarked to paS015
Chosen by many of the world’s top event riders including pippa Funnell, piggy French and Kitty King, the Ventair Deluxe Skull cap is extremely lightweight and comfortable, whilst offering outstanding protection. The Ventair features a design registered ventilated airflow system that is styled to increase airflow to help keep your head cool. Certified to paS015 2011, the Ventair system features a uniquely tailored harness for complete stability and security and, as with all Champion hats and helmets, offers further safety reassurance by carrying the BSi Kitemark, guaranteeing you that it will comfortably outperform the four main areas of testing: penetration, shock absorption, harness strength and stability. Colours: Black, Pink, Navy or Silver Sizes: 6¼ - 7¾ RRP: From £89.50 - £107.50 depending on size www.championhats.co.uk
Royal Windsor (opp Copper Horse Ring - FLAG!) 12th-17th May
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safety feature
Safety first
Gemma Tattersall riding in a Helite Air Jacket
Buying an air jacket is an important investment for any rider so before you part with your money, read our expert advice to help you make the right choice.
M
ore and more riders are erring on the side of caution these days by investing in an air jacket, whether they compete or not. British Eventing recently announced riders can now wear air jackets without a body protector underneath, for both the show jumping and dressage phases. And last year, British Showjumping (BS) and British Dressage permitted the Helite Air Shell Gilet for use in competition, while BS also allows the Helite Blouson. If buying an air jacket is something on your list for 2015, here are some essential factors to consider:
“If you want to buy an air jacket for hacking out, consider a high-viz design to help you stay more visible to other road users.”
Louise Whitaker riding in a Helite Blouson
• It is advisable to have your air jacket expertly fitted. Most stockists will have a suitably qualified person to help you find the right size. For a full list of Helite stockists, visit www.treehouseairjackets.co.uk
• Consider where the triggering system is located. From a safety point of view, if the airbag doesn’t inflate (due to the rider forgetting to clip the lanyard to the saddle strap or an empty canister being used, for example), you need the triggering system to be situated near the least vulnerable part of your upper body. Helite air jackets have these systems on the right side of the lower abdomen. • Choose an air jacket with a quick inflation speed. This is particularly important in the event of a rotational fall, where a rider may be pulled from their horse close to the ground. Note that air jacket inflation speeds across the market vary from 0.1 seconds to 2.5 seconds. • It is essential that high standards are maintained in the manufacturing of air jackets, so do your research to find a reputable company you trust. It’s worth giving the companies a call to compare products. Ensure the company offers you constructive advice without pushing you into making a purchase. • Check the air jacket’s canisters before use to ensure there is no damage or rust. Weighing the canister will help you determine whether it is safe to use. Helite adult canisters should weigh 182g (plus or minus 3g), while children’s should weigh 152g (plus or minus 3g). However, weights will vary depending on the company. • Store canisters at room temperature, rather than in temperatures that are too hot or too cold, as extreme temperatures could affect their inflation performance. • If you are planning to wear clothing over the top of your air jacket, make sure it is loose fitting enough for the air jacket to inflate and that it doesn’t interfere with the lanyard. However, Treehouse would not recommend wearing clothing over the top of your air jacket, unless it cannot be avoided, such as wearing a cross-country bib. • Remember, companies offering air jackets have stands at most of the large shows around the country. This is a good opportunity to go and try on the jackets, seek expert advice and compare products to help you choose the right one for you. For more information and a full list of Helite stockists, telephone 01299 851 625 or visit: www.treehouseairjackets.co.uk p02-5 Contents.indd 6
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