Recomendations on skull cap and body protector. . ?

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Flint12

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Im currently looking to buy a new hat (skull cap) and a body protector.

I have been looking on the web today and i wanted to know what other people would recomend hat and body protector wise. . .?
 
You want one for everyday use or competing? I have a Charles owen jockey skull for everyday (and for eventing dressage/x-country) and it's v comfy and reasonably priced. Champion Ventair are also v nice.

As for body protector, depends on budget and what you're wanting it for. I got an airowear 200o or something a few years ago. It's the one with the shoulder guard bits and full body which I find v supportive for x-country and I had it made in the colours I wanted and had it properly measured/fitted. If you just want one for more regular use though you may want something smaller, more flexible and lightweight. Have a look on rideaway's website they have most makes on there.
 
Want one for Low eventing and Hunter trialing. . .

I want a Rodney Powel but it would make a very large hole in my pocket
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Get whatever fits - get them both properly fitted, it's worth it in comfort and safety
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I have a Charles Owen J3 which I LOVE, and a Rodney Powell BP which I also love (it's like a straightjacket at first but moulds to your body and I forget I have it on!) If you don't like being squished in so much, lots of people seem to like the flexible Racesafe BPs.
 
I would try them on before buying.

Hats really do vary and what is comfortable for one person, may not be for the next.

As for body protectors, you really do need to be fitted with one by a trained fitter.

I've got a Racesafe 2000 which I love as the seperate blocks are more flexible - but it doesn't suit everyone.
 
Yea i was going to makea trip to the local shop in a few days. . .just wondered what people rated

My last body protector was fitted wrongly even though it was fitted in a shop. . .Caused incredible bad back pains and couldnt ride in it. . .total waste of money
 
Here are some details of the current standards for your interest.

Riding Helmets
The Law
It is mandatory under 1992 legislation that riders under the age of 14 wear protective headgear when riding a horse on the road and that headgear conforms to one of the British Standards.

Safety tests for hats include PAS 015 1998 and BS EN 1384 199.

BS EN 1384 1997
This standard replaces both the riding hat and jockey skull British Standards (BSI) and is exactly the same as EN1384 1996. Certain people demand BS EN 1384 because it has been tested in Britain. Chin cups have also been banned. All organisations allow this standard to be worn during competitions.

PAS 015 1994
BSI’s enhanced EN 1384 standard introduced at the behest of the BHS after a number of serious accidents. Though it pre-dates BS EN 1384 by nearly three years, it provides protections to the crown and the immediate areas which together count for 75% of riding accidents. Most organisations recommend this level of protection.

PAS 015 1998
Revised to include new areas of protection, namely crush resistance and prevention of brain injury when landing on an edged surface. It offers the best yet in terms of shock absorbency, penetration and retention.

ASTM F 1163
An American standard favoured because helmets are allowed larger ventilation slots and are tested using a hazard anvil. The arguments surrounding ventilation slots is fierce.

Obsolete Standards
BS 6473 1984
Now obsolete this is the standard that replaced the first riding hats standard (BS 3686) used for headgear with permanent peaks.

BS 4472 1988
Now obsolete this is the second revision of the standard designed specially for race jockeys and their headgear known as ‘jockey skulls’.

The first riding hat to hold a kitemark was seen in 1963.

CE mark was introduced in 1989.

Body Protectors
BETA 2000 Standard
This meets all the requirements of the European Standard EN 13158 2000
Level 1 (Black Label) = Low protection only considered appropriate for license jockeys.
Level 2 (Brown Label) = Protection for low risk situations. These do not include riding on the roads or other hard surfaces or jumping.
Level 3 (Purple Label) = Suitable for normal horse riding and competitions, and for working with horses. Protectors to this level should prevent minor bruising that would have produced stiffness and pain and reduce significant soft tissue injuries, as well as preventing some rib fractures.

BETA 1995 Standard
Now obsolete and was based on a level of shock absorbency on a scale of 1 to 10 with most garments between 5 – 7. The standard was revised in 1995 because of the European PPE legislation which made any articles that did not comply and carry the CE mark illegal.
 
when you get your body protector fitted, make sure they get you sat in a saddle to check the back length. I have an RS2000 by Racesafe and absolutely love it.
 
The Just Toggs BP is similar to the racesafe (is hinged - feel on the inside - but looks solid on outside) and is much cheaper. Has a flexible bit at the back too which I think is fab. I barely notice mine when I wear it XC. As for hats, if you want to save cash look at the kids versions. Seriously, they go up to most adults sizes, same standards, but VAT free!! You can get a good one for £30.
 
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