Safety products
Reduce the risk
D
espite a reduction in rider injury rates over the past decade, equestrianism will always remain a high risk sport. As soon as you get on a horse, there is a risk. Ensuring rider safety products are fitted correctly and meet the required standards, reduces the risk significantly. Endurance magazine catches up with the industry’s leading organisations and manufacturers to offer guidance on correctly fitted equipment and brings you the latest safety products reviewed by your fellow endurance riders.
for the Endurance rider
BETA Safety Week, has been running for three years and is supported by many of the sport’s top riders and organisations. The annual awareness-raising campaign was postponed back in April due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We had originally timed the campaign to tie in with the start of the competition season, but many events and competitions have, sadly, been cancelled. Now, we’re facing the start of the ‘new’, delayed competition season as the disciplines propose their starts in some way. A rescheduled BETA Safety Week will give riders returning to competition the chance to check that their equipment still meets the rules and is fit for purpose.” said BETA executive director Claire Williams. BETA Safety Week encourages riders to visit participating BETA retailers for reliable advice on all aspects of safety gear and equipment such as body protectors, riding hats hi-viz and footwear. Ms Williams added: “Fitting safety garments such as riding hats and body protectors can be a closecontact process, so retailers have revised many of their procedures to cater for concerns around distancing and hygiene." For more information or to find a list of participating BETA retail members, please visit www.beta-uk.org
Product Review
TIPPERARY SPORTAGE HELMET
Rachel Owen
8
rider safety
When I started endurance, I wanted to find a riding hat that was lightweight and comfortable for the long hours I would be spending in the saddle. The hat I already had was quite heavy and my head would sweat even on cool days. After much research I came across the Tipperary Sportage. It really is the comfiest hat I have ever ridden in, its super lightweight and is really well ventilated making it extremely breathable, even on the hottest of days my head stays cool. The inner pads are removeable so they can be washed and the chin strap is really comfortable too. The helmet itself is an amazing fit.
Fit Effectiveness Value for money
features | endurancegb.co.uk
