Choose a horse riding helmet from your favorite riding style below…

English riding is a style that is both elegant and powerful.  From the delicate control of dressage and equitation, to the mastery of strength and will that is jumping, English riding is classic and beautiful in the European tradition. If you ride English, choose English Riding Helmets or English Riding Hats below.

English Riding Helmets
(for Dressage, Hunter, Jumper, Eventing)

English riding goes back to the days of royal fox hunts, and English riding helmets are based on the look and feel of the English hunt cap.  Whether they’re colorful and informal, velvety and classic, or strong and striped, English helmets are designed to protect your head while maintaining a classic profile. If you’re going to be riding dressage, hunter/jumper, or participating in the dressage phase of eventing, you will need an English riding helmet.

English Horse Riding Hats
(optional for Dressage above Level 4, adult Hunter flat classes)

Horse riding hats are just that: hats. Whether it’s the velvety hunt cap on which the English riding helmets are based, or the top hat worn at higher levels of dressage, horse riding hats are not helmets and offer no protection for your head. Still, they’re deeply rooted in English riding tradition and are seen at higher levels of competition. If you’re riding high level Hunter or Dressage, an English horse riding hat may be for you.

Western riding is based firmly in the cowboy lifestyle. From the form and endurance of Western equitation and pleasure riding to the strength and control of cutting, reining, and the various rodeo disciplines, Western riding is not for the faint of heart or the shallow of spirit. If you ride western, click Western Riding Helmets or Western Horse Riding Hats below.

Western Riding Helmets
(for Reining, Cutting, Cow Horse, Penning, Western Equitation)

Western riding goes back to the days of the cowboy and the skills needed to work a ranch while sitting in the saddle. Western headgear has long been based around wide-brimmed hats — cowboy hats — as they offer great protection from long days in the elements. What they don’t offer is protection from injury, and that’s why Western riders are beginning to embrace the western horse riding helmets.

Western Horse Riding Hats
(optional for Western Pleasure, Western Equitation, most others)

Ah, the cowboy hat. Do I really need to say anything about it?  In case you live under a rock and have never seen a movie western, let me just say this: Western riding hats may not offer any protection from injury, but they are a cowboy’s barrier from the sun, wind, and rain. And they look good doing it. If you want to ride Western pleasure or any of the other slightly less dangerous Western events, try a Western horse riding hat.

As you can see, there are all kinds of horse riding helmets and hats designed for all kinds of horse riding styles and events. As confusing as so many choices can be, if you know what style you’re riding, what event you’re participating in, and whether you’re going to be showing or lesson riding, your choice becomes much easier. No matter what your style or event, make sure you’ve checked with your barn for the local rules regarding horse riding clothing and headgear, and make especially sure that any horse riding helmet you buy is both new and ASTM/SEI certified.

Happy riding!

Horse Riding Helmets – Which One Is Right For You? is a post from: The Horse Riding Clothing and Saddle Blog, where you can find great information about Horse Riding clothing, saddles, accessories, and more!

Technorati Tags: horse riding clothing, horse riding equipment, horse riding helmets

It’s no secret that horse riding clothing is expensive.

Just ask any new rider — or new rider’s parents — when they’re suddenly confronted with a long list of “necessary” apparel and equipment. With all those funny names, mysterious purposes, and frightening prices, it’s enough to make a person want to ditch the barn and take up turtle racing instead.

But don’t give up on the ponies just yet!  I’m going to let you in on a little secret the tack shops don’t want you to know:

You don’t need all that stuff.

In fact, if you’re a beginning rider, buying all the equipment they want to sell you is exactly what you don’t want to do (unless you like wasting your money). The problem: As a beginner, how do you know what gear you actually need?

That, dear newbie, is why I’m about to reveal to you the even bigger secret. The most secret of the secrets. Are you ready for it? Here it is:

You only need three pieces of horse riding clothing.

1. Horse Riding Boots
Whether you’re brand new to the sport or a professional equestrian, horse riding boots are an absolute necessity.  Unlike sneakers or other non-riding shoes, riding boots are specially designed to help keep the rider’s foot from slipping through the stirrup and becoming caught; a potentially deadly situation.   

The bad news is that boots tend to be among the most expensive pieces of horse riding apparel, and choosing the wrong ones can be a very costly mistake. The good news? If you’re a beginner, there are only two types you need to know about: Tall boots and short boots.

Tall boots end just below the knee, help protect the rider’s legs from severe chafing, and are the type generally worn in shows.  They’re stiffer than short boots, less comfortable, and much more expensive. If you’re a beginner who’s not yet competing, or you’re a child who’s feet are still growing, stay away from tall boots. You don’t need them, and buying them would be a complete waste of your money.

Short boots — also known as paddock boots or jodhpur boots — end just above the ankle, are much more comfortable than tall boots, and much less expensive.  They’re too informal to be worn for shows (unless you’re under 12, in which case the rules are different), but if you’re not showing yet, they’re perfect for schooling or pleasure riding. For a beginner, short boots are definitely the way to go.

2. Horse Riding Breeches
Breeches are special, tight-fitting pants that allow easy movement without the chafing a rider might otherwise experience with regular, everyday jeans or slacks. While jeans are acceptable for lesson riding, their seams — which typically run right along all the contact points between a rider’s legs and the horse — can cause extra abrasive friction, sometimes resulting in scarring of the legs.  Breeches, on the other hand, have specially constructed seams which are usually padded at the main contact points, reducing the friction, protecting the rider’s legs, and, often, providing extra grip.    

Although many fashionable barn rats like to buy lots and lots of breeches in various cuts and colors, you don’t have to.  To get the most bang for your buck, get yourself a pair of breeches in beige; that’s the traditional color for wearing in shows, and will allow your pants to do double-duty: schooling AND showing. You’re welcome.  

3. Horse Riding Helmets
Without a doubt, the most important and necessary piece of horse riding equipment is the helmet. Horse riding is a very physical sport, and, like any physical sport, it carries with it the risk of injury.  Some injuries — particularly head injuries resulting from a fall or a kick — are potentially very serious, and could result in permanent disability. Or even worse.  The horse riding helmet, however, is designed to help protect the rider’s head in case of unfortunate accident.

There are two main types of helmet in the horse riding world that you need to know about: the schooling helmet and the show helmet. 

The schooling helmet — which looks a lot like a bicycle helmet — is a more informal piece of equipment appropriate for use during riding lessons and non-event riding activities. They’re light, comfortable, and, if you’re not going to be riding in shows, the only helmet you’ll need for a while. 

A show helmet — which is the traditional black, sometimes velvet-covered, horse riding hat — is a more formal piece of equestrian gear. If you’re going to be riding in any kind of show or riding event, you’ll need one of these. If you’re not at this level yet, save your money.

Whichever horse riding helmet you need, don’t skimp; buy a good one.  Find a helmet that’s labeled “ASTM/SEI certified” (which means that it’s been properly tested for safety), make sure to wear it snugly, and keep the strap fastened. When you can still feed yourself and breathe without assistance, you’ll thank me.

And basically, that’s it.  As a beginning rider, you really don’t need any more than those three pieces of horse riding clothing. Sure, if you’re looking for a little more protection for your hands or torso, you might consider adding some horse riding gloves or body armor to your ensemble, but, until your skills advance enough for you to start showing, everything else is money better saved.

Happy riding!

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Horse Riding Clothing for Beginners – What Do You REALLY Need? is a post from: The Horse Riding Clothing and Saddle Blog, where you can find great information about Horse Riding clothing, saddles, accessories, and more!

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Troxel®’s Dakota Duratec offers an extended sun visor, silver conchos, and leather accenting. Using the most advanced stabilization and fit adjustment system, the patented GPS III™ wraps around the interior of the helmet providing a sure, comfortable grip while the sculpted tensioning mechanism adjusts with a light touch. It won’t pinch or pull long hairstyles or ponytails.
Retail Price: $79.95     Your Price: $69.95     You save: $10.00
For sizing, color, and ordering info click the Troxel Dakota Western Helmet.

Troxel Sierra Western Riding Helmet
(for all styles of Western riding)

The Troxel Sierra offers riders ASTM /SEI certification coupled with rugged, outdoor Western styling. The helmet is designed to be ultra-lightweight, extremely well ventilated, and comfortable for long days in the saddle. The Sierra is the perfect Western headgear for those who want comfort, Western styling, and Troxel’s leadership in protection.
Retail Price: $119.95     Your Price: $99.95     You save: $20.00
For sizing, color, and ordering info click the Troxel Sierra Western Helmet.

Troxel Cheyenne Western Riding Helmet
(for all styles of Western riding)

Covered in durable leather, the Cheyenne offers riders a very slim profile, an in-molded polycarbonate shell, and excellent ventilation. An extended Soft Tip™ visor provides extra sun protection while reducing potential cuts or scrapes in the event of a fall. The patented GPS III™ Micro Adjustable Fit System and Flip-Fold™ System allow riders to easily customize their fit.
Retail Price: $149.95     Your Price: $129.95     You save: $20.00
For sizing, color, and ordering info click the Troxel Cheyenne Western Helmet.

Troxel Western Hat Helmet
(for all styles of Western riding)

Troxel presents the revolutionary Cowboy Hat Helmet System! The system integrates a traditional cowboy hat and ASTM/SEI certified protection.  The wool cowboy hat is fitted over an ultra-low profile helmet.  Now, even the cowboys can ride in the safety equipment they want without having to do without the Western hat that is associated with their sport.
Retail Price: $119.95     Your Price: $99.95     You save: $20.00
For sizing, color, and ordering info click the Troxel Western Hat Helmet.

Horse Riding Helmets – Western Helmet Styles and Prices is a post from: The Horse Riding Clothing and Saddle Blog, where you can find great information about Horse Riding clothing, saddles, accessories, and more!

At upper levels, horse riding hats bring classical style.
These days, many barns and shows require both young riders and new riders to wear horse riding helmets.  In fact, many states and provinces are passing laws to enforce helmet use by riders below a certain age*. But, at higher levels of competition, horse riding hats are often seen.      

Though they offer no protection for your head, these hats allow highly skilled riders to present themselves in pure and traditional style. Depending on the event, a rider might choose a Hunt Cap, a Top Hat, or even a Dressage Derby. 

So, which horse riding hat do YOU need?
Unless you’re at an approved level of skill and competition — and you would know it if you were — you don’t need any horse riding hat.  If you are, then your choice will depend on which events you’re riding, and which style you like best. And you know what that means? Decision time again… 

Choose an English horse riding hat below…

English Hunt Caps
(optional for upper level Dressage and Hunt Seat flat classes for adults)

Introduced in 1780 and made popular by King George III when he wore one in Windsor Park, the Hunt Cap is the hat on which most horse riding helmets are based. Traditionally made of a shellacked felt covered in velvet and featuring a padded interior, hunt caps are basically just stiff cloth hats that offer no protection for the rider’s head. Unless you’re competing at an extremely high level, stay away from the hunt cap and stick to a helmet. Click the hunt cap to compare the various brands…

English Riding Top Hats
(optional for upper level Dressage)

Top hats are one of the earliest types of hats to be worn in riding, and are still part of the traditional dressage ensemble. Like the hunt cap, the top hat is basically just a very stiff hat that will possibly protect you from minor scalp lacerations, but won’t protect you from a major impact of any sort. Shorter than a normal top hat, these top hats are designed to stay on the head while riding. Unless you’re riding dressage at the FEI level, you don’t need a top hat. If you are, check out the different brands of riding top hats and see what sets them apart… 

Dressage Derbies
(optional for upper level Dressage)

Dressage Derbies are very similar to top hats, and in fact started out as an evolution of the top hat design. When William Coke, Duke of Norfolk, lost his top hat while riding, he engaged a hatmaking family, the Bowlers of Southwark, to make him a smaller, rounder, more wind-resistant version. The Bowler hat, later known as the Derby, was the result. These days, derbies have fallen out of vogue and are rarely seen outside of the UK and higher level dressage. If this hat is right for you, click the dressage derby to find out more...

Horse Riding Helmets – Which English Horse Riding Hat Is Right For You? is a post from: The Horse Riding Clothing and Saddle Blog, where you can find great information about Horse Riding clothing, saddles, accessories, and more!

Technorati Tags: horse riding clothing, horse riding equipment, horse riding hats, horse riding helmets

Elegance and safety? English riding helmets have both.
If you like the traditional look and feel of the English riding style, then you’ll love the classic silhouette of the English riding helmet. And if not having a debilitating head injury is something you appreciate, you’ll also appreciate the English helmet’s strength and protection.

Of course, there are several different kinds of English horse riding helmets, including two kinds of show helmets — modern and classic — and a colorful array of schooling helmets.

So, which English riding helmet do YOU need?
As you can probably guess, the answer to that question will depend — this time on where you’re riding and why.  If you’re showing at an equestrian event in front of judges, you’ll need a show helmet.  If you’re lesson riding, a schooling helmet is a better choice. Which style and color are right for you? Well, that brings us to decision time again…

Choose an English horse riding helmet from a category below…

Show Helmets are pretty much what they sound like: helmets you wear to shows. They’re more formal looking than other horse riding helmets, but will still protect your noggin in a fall (or kick). If you plan to ride in front of judges for Hunter, Jumper, or Dressage, you’ll need a show helmet.

Classic Show Helmets
(for Dressage, Hunter, Jumper, Eventing)

Classic show helmets are what most people picture when thinking of equestrian events. Modeled after the English hunt cap (which is basically just a velvet hat that offers no actual protection), classic helmets are darkly colored — usually black — and either covered in velvet or given a finish (or cloth cover) that resembles velvet. Unlike hunt caps, show helmets actually do protect your head, usually have some form of ventilation hidden under the surface, and strap on for a tight fit. Click the classic show helmet to learn more…

Modern Show Helmets
(for Dressage, Hunter, Jumper, Eventing)

Modern show helmets are sleeker, more abstract versions of the classic hunt cap look. They also owe some of their atheletic appearance to the shape of the polo helmet.  Still darkly colored — generally black or dark gray — modern helmets often forgo the traditional velvet cover for a matte, sometimes textured finish. Many of them also feature a central, highly visible ventilation stripe which helps to keep the rider’s head extra cool, but also contributes to the nickname “skunk helmets.” If you like this look as much as I do, click the modern show helmet…

Schooling Helmets are what you wear when lesson riding. They’ll protect your head like show helmets, but are far more casual-looking and thus inappropriate for show riding. The good news? School helmets are way cheaper and you can wear them in tons of fun colors, allowing you to really express your own barn rat style.

Schooling Helmets
(for learning Dressage, Hunter, Jumper, and general riding)

 When riding for lessons or while practicing, riders have the option to wear schooling helmets. Though they protect your head the same as show helmets, schooling helmets are way more informal and way less expensive. This means not only can you express your personal style with one of the many fun colors available, you can also save your much more expensive show helmet from all the wear, tear, dust, and dirt of daily or weekly lessons.  Unless you have money to burn and your favorite color is black, you’ll want to pick up a schooling helmet.

NOTE: Even though schooling helmets look a bit like bicycle helmets, they’re very different. A bicycle helmet WILL NOT protect you from the sort of forces and damages you are likely to experience in a horse riding accident, so please make sure you purchase a proper, ASTM/SEI certified helmet that’s made specifically for horse riding.

Horse Riding Helmets – Which English Riding Helmet Is Right For You? is a post from: The Horse Riding Clothing and Saddle Blog, where you can find great information about Horse Riding clothing, saddles, accessories, and more!

Technorati Tags: horse riding clothing, horse riding helmets

That’s right! Our boy, Moose, is a star!  :>)

Well, a co-star anyway.  Here he is with my wife’s trainer, Lindsay, along with the equally awesome duo of Enzo and Megan, in a commercial for KJM Equestrian here in Tulsa.  I know his star power shines right out of your monitor with the light of a thousand suns, but — just in case you can’t tell which one is him — he’s the one without the white on his nose.  And Lindsay’s the one with the longer sleeves.

Check him out! And try not to swoon… :>)

Introducing the Brad Pitt of the horse world… Moose! is a post from: The Horse Riding Clothing and Saddle Blog, where you can find great information about Horse Riding clothing, saddles, accessories, and more!

Technorati Tags: horse riding, horses, KJM Equestrian, Moose

One bit of horse riding gear that can be especially confusing for the beginner is horse riding helmets. Some helmets are sleek and dark and covered in velvet; some are bright and colorful and look like bicycle helmets; some have visors, some look like cowboy hats, and only a few are allowed in the show ring.

So which horse riding helmet do YOU need?

Well, the answer to that question depends on what kind of riding you’re doing. Since I don’t know — despite my super-duper psychic abilities — I can at least walk you through the various types of horse riding helmets, tell you what they do and where they’re used, and let you decide which one is right for your head.

Show Helmets
Show helmets are pretty much what they sound like: helmets that you wear to shows. They’re more formal looking than other horse riding helmets, but otherwise have pretty much all the same safety features. For most English riding disciplines — Hunter, Jumper, Dressage, etc. — you’ll need a show helmet if you plan to show.

Classic Show Helmets
These are the helmets most people picture when they think of equestrian events. Modeled after the English hunt cap (which is basically just a velvet hat that offers no actual protection), classic-style show helmets are darkly colored — usually black — and either covered in velvet or given a finish (or cloth cover) that resembles velvet. Unlike hunt caps, show helmets actually do protect your head, usually have some form of ventilation hidden under the surface, and strap on for a tight fit. 

Modern Show Helmets
Newer style show helmets are sleeker, more abstract versions of the classic helmet’s hunt cap look, and look a bit like polo helmets.  They’re still darkly colored — generally black or dark gray — but often forgo the velvet cover for a matte, sometimes textured finish. Many of them also feature a central, highly visible ventilation stripe which helps to keep the rider’s head extra cool, but has also contributed to the helmets being nicknamed “skunk helmets.”

Of the two, I personally prefer the newer, sleeker helmets. They have a little bit of a sporty, sci-fi look to them — which I love — and strike me visually as more of an athelete’s helmet than a piece of purely traditional garb. Of course, that’s just my opinion. Whichever style you like best, a show helmet is what you’ll need if you plan to ride in any sort of official event.

Schooling Helmets
Schooling helmets are also pretty much exactly what they sound like: they’re helmets you wear for schooling, aka lesson riding. Although they protect your head the same way show helmets do, schooling helmets are way more informal and way less expensive. This means that not only can you express your own personal style with one of the many fun colors available, you can also save your much more expensive show helmet from all the wear, tear, dust, and dirt of daily or weekly lessons.  Basically, unless you have money to burn and your favorite color is black, you’ll want to pick up a schooling helmet.

Note: Even though schooling helmets look a bit like bicycle helmets, they’re very different. A bicycle helmet WILL NOT protect you from the sort of forces and damages you are likely to experience in a horse riding accident, so please make sure you purchase a proper, ASTM/SEI certified helmet that’s made specifically for horse riding.

Horse Riding Hats
In addition to the various helmets mentioned above, there’s also a category of English riding headgear known as horse riding hats. Horse riding hats are just that: hats. They’re not helmets at all, and offer little (if any) protection for your head. If you fell from a horse or were kicked while wearing a horse riding hat, the only thing standing between you and severe skull injury or death would be a healthy dose of luck and coincidence. Still, horse riding hats are deeply rooted in English riding tradition and are seen at higher levels of competition.

Hunt Caps
Introduced in 1780 and made popular by King George III when he wore one in Windsor Park, the Hunt Cap is the hat on which most horse riding helmets are based. Traditionally made of a shellacked felt covered in velvet and featuring a padded interior, hunt caps are basically just stiff cloth hats that offer little to no protection for the rider’s head. Unless you’re competing at an extremely high level, stay away from the hunt cap and stick to a helmet.

Top Hats
Top hats are one of the earliest types of hats to be worn in riding, and are still part of the traditional dressage ensemble. Like the hunt cap, the top hat is basically just a very stiff hat that will possibly protect you from minor scalp lacerations, but will not protect you from a major impact of any sort. Shorter than a normal, stovepipe-style top hat, riding top hats are designed to stay on the head while riding. Unless you’re riding dressage above the FEI level, you don’t need a top hat.

Dressage Derbies
Derbies are very similar to top hats, and in fact started out as an evolution of the top hat design. When William Coke, Duke of Norfolk, lost his top hat while riding, he engaged a hatmaking family, the Bowlers of Southwark, to make him a smaller, rounder, more wind-resistant version. The Bowler hat, later known as the Derby, was the result. These days, derbies have fallen out of vogue and are rarely seen outside of the UK and higher level dressage.

In short, horse riding hats are pretty much only for the highest level competitors. If you’re a beginner or even a mid-level rider, a horse riding helmet is a much better choice than a horse riding hat. In fact, many barns, events, and states are beginning to require the use of helmets for young riders as well as anyone below the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale) level of dressage competition.

Skull Caps
Skull caps — aka jockey helmets — are the type of helmets worn for both horse racing and eventing. Although similar to regular riding helmets, one major difference is that skull caps have no visor. Instead, a soft visor is a part of the optional, silky helmet cover. And that’s another difference: while show helmets are traditionally covered in dark colors, skull cap helmet covers come in all sorts of bright colors and designs, often matched to the rider’s colors or jockey’s silks. Whatever their color, you’ll only need a skull cap if you’re riding in a horse race or taking part in the multi-day equestrian triathalon known as “eventing.”

Western Hats and Helmets
In addition to the English style of riding, there is another style: Western. Western riding is comprised of much more cowboy-ish activities — reining, cutting, team penning, etc. — and the attire is more cowboy-ish as well. The hats and helmets are no exception.

Cowboy Hats
If you’ve lived outside of a cave or seen a Western movie featuring cowboys, then you’re no doubt familiar with the cowboy hat. The cowboy hat is the usual headgear worn for most types of Western riding, and, like its English counterparts, is just a hat. It offers no protection from anything but the sun, wind, and rain, and should not be counted on as safety gear in a fall. In many western show outfits, the color of the cowboy hat is matched to the chaps.

Cowboy Hat Helmets
In general, Western riders still haven’t embraced the safety of helmets over the style and tradition of hats. Of course, no matter what style of riding you do, riding is a dangerous sport and any fall or stray horse hoof can result in catastrophic injury. With a riding helmet fitted inside a slightly oversized cowboy hat, however, the hat helmet may be the best of both worlds. If you want the look AND the safety, this horse riding helmet hat may be for you.

Western Riding Helmets
If the traditional style of cowboy hats is unimportant to you, there’s a new alternative: Western riding helmets, which are nearly indistinguishable from English riding helmets. While English helmets are usually black or dark gray, Western riding helmets lean toward browns and other earthy colors. And, rather than velvet, Western helmets are designed to look more like leather and coarse fabrics. Other than that, though, they’re basically the same and offer the same protection.

As you can see, there are all kinds of horse riding helmets and hats designed for all kinds of horse riding styles and events. As confusing as so many choices can be, if you know what style you’re riding, what event you’re participating in, and whether you’re going to be showing or lesson riding, your choice becomes much easier. No matter what your style or event, make sure you’ve checked with your barn for the local rules regarding horse riding clothing and headgear, and make especially sure that any horse riding helmet you buy is both new and ASTM/SEI certified.

And, most of all, happy riding!

Horse Riding Helmets – Which One Is Right For You? is a post from: The Horse Riding Clothing and Saddle Blog, where you can find great information about Horse Riding clothing, saddles, accessories, and more!