Dressage The big debate- top hats vs helmets for fei dressage

[palo1]

Someone once asked if I was in mufty hunting.
It wasn't a lawn meet, I'd hacked there in the rain and would have to hack home, in addition I hadn't actually managed to squeeze back in the hunt coat from the previous year.
I had washed specially my smart, navy blue, mountain horse jacket which frankly was much more practical attire for an enjoyable day ahead than my hunt coat would have been and cost more than my hunt coat did

I do think more people would go if winter comfort was higher on the agenda.

Where we trail hunt (Welsh hills) waterproofs are definately acceptable, as are a wide variety of other interpretations of 'suitable' clothing. No-one would dream of commenting on someone else's clothing as we assume that everyone is either doing their best to be 'smart', doing their best to be weather proofed or is new to hunting and doing their best to cope with all of that full stop!! However, our neighbouring drag hunt are definately keener to encourage 'smart' turnout. There are some interesting semiotics in all of this...

 

[Rowreach]

Where we trail hunt (Welsh hills) waterproofs are definately acceptable, as are a wide variety of other interpretations of 'suitable' clothing. No-one would dream of commenting on someone else's clothing as we assume that everyone is either doing their best to be 'smart', doing their best to be weather proofed or is new to hunting and doing their best to cope with all of that full stop!! However, our neighbouring drag hunt are definately keener to encourage 'smart' turnout. There are some interesting semiotics in all of this...

https://www.treehouseonline.co.uk/p/ri_dry_waterproof_hunt_coats

One of the best things I've ever bought, still going strong over 20 years on.

 

[belambi]

Helmets aren't designed to prevent concussion, so using that as an argument against making them compulsory is pretty moot.

Being quite heavily involved in sport, equestrian and non, I'm a fan of black and white rules and I dislike choice especially when it comes to safety issues, so I think top hats should be consigned to history. A big fit dressage horse is no easy ride, and it makes no sense to have compulsory safety equipment in sj and xc and a choice for dressage.

I dont believe there should ever be choice in safety gear.