Hats must fit to be safe, BETA warns riders

By Your Horse

Gear news

19 May 2008 10:00

Riding hats and body protectors meeting even the highest safety standards are useless if they don’t fit correctly, warns the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA).

Personalised fittings are available at more tackshops across the UK – and now Ireland too. The free service is on offer to riders via retailers whose staff have been trained by BETA.

Ill-fitting hats and body protectors are likely to be uncomfortable – perhaps deterring riders from using them at all, says BETA. While safety equipment should be chosen carefully according to the type of riding involved with competitors also considering the various disciplines’ rules.

Retailers attending BETA Safety Courses learn about safety standards as well as the garments’ construction, care and application. They are instructed by medical experts in human physiology and riding injuries, as well as undertaking supervised, hands-on tuition in hat and body protector fitting.  Tackshop staff who successfully complete the course receive individually named BETA Safety Certificates to display in-store – indicating to equestrian shoppers that they have been professionally trained.

BETA monitors riding hat standards and developed and administers the internationally recognised BETA Body Protector Standard. The association also promotes riding as an enjoyable, healthy leisure activity.

Claire Williams, BETA’s executive director said: “Thanks to many advances in materials plus innovative manufacturing techniques, a correctly fitted hat or body protector can feel incredibly lightweight and comfortable.  This together with an array of colours and styles available, modern equestrian safety gear can be fun and fashionable - and is definitely not boring!”

To locate your local BETA-trained retailer, contact tel +44 (0)1937 587062 email info@beta-uk.org or visit www.beta-uk.org