Riding hats and helmets have come a long way over the last two decades, with the classic hunt cap of the past offering little or no protection to the rider of the horse. Modern helmets, however, offer both style and substance – with many serious injuries prevented each year by the use of approved riding hats. Head protection products are an important part of the gear used for many sports (such as motor car racing and cycling), as well as being a daily requirement for motorbike riders. There has therefore been much cross- industry research into materials, designs and testing procedures, all of which have helped to raise safety standards for all types of protective head wear.
Head Protection
as they are tested on a continual basis, with every batch produced passing through the BSI’s rigorous testing system. There are four main areas of testing: penetration, shock absorption, harness strength and stability and by purchasing a riding hat that displays the Kitemark approved tag, you can be assured that it will consistently perform to the standard it was built to.
While it’s important that you like the style of hat you choose from an appearance point of view, it’s even more important that it provides you with the maximum level of protection
been dropped off the tack room shelf, it should be thrown away and replaced or returned to the factory in Cardiff for a detailed examination – even if there is no outward sign of damage. The reason for this is that the hat has already done its job – to protect from a severe impact and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. After all, it’s easy to replace your helmet...
Based in the heart of Cardiff in Wales, Champion has been designing and manufacturing protective safety wear for horse riders for nearly thirty years. Over this time, this pillar of British
Champion Evolution Black
Many of the latest models, such as the Champion Ventair hat and Ventair Jockey skulls, Grand Prix riding hat and the Champion Evolution hat are built using glass fibre shells. These feature a shock-absorbing polystyrene liner within the lightweight, high performance shell, which together are designed to help spread any impact over a much larger load-bearing area, thereby helping to dissipate impact to the head in the event of a fall.
Ventilation is another advance that has improved rider comfort no end. Many hats and helmets on the market today, such as the Champion Ventair hat and helmet, feature ventilated airflow systems that allow cool air to enter the front of the helmet which helps to keep the rider’s head cool and comfortable. The Champion Pro-Lite Deluxe and Junior Prolite Jockey Skull also feature a unique ventilation system that allows air to enter and exit through four ventilation points, for maximum through-flow of air.
Testing procedures and standards today are also more thorough than ever before and it’s important to ensure that the hat you choose is up to the standard specified by your riding organisation, whether it’s British Show Jumping, British Eventing, the Pony Club, or any other organisation whose rules you compete under. The most important current standards to be aware of are BS EN 1384, PAS 015: 1998 and Snell E2001. Many leading hat manufacturers also submit their products for further testing by the British Standards Institute, where the tried and trusted Kitemark is awarded. All Champion hats and helmets carry Kitemark approval and thereby offer additional safety reassurance
to keep the head cool while under pressure. With a harness made from soft, padded synthetic nubuck, a rear drawstring and a quick release clip for ease of use with absolute security, the Champion Evolution is one of the most comfortable and yet most secure hats on the market today. The Champion Evolution is Kite-marked to PAS 015 1998 and BSEN1384 1996 for total peace of mind. Colours: Black, Navy Sizes: 6 ¼ - 7 ¾
Champion Grand Prix Riding Hat For a stylish and traditional look that does not compromise on safety, the Grand Prix Riding Hat ticks all the boxes. This low profile, modern and lightweight hat is built upon a ventilated glass fibre reinforced shell and is covered in fine, rich and durable German velvet for a sleek and stylish look. With a harness made from the softest padded leather and featuring Champion’s quick release clip buckle for ease of use and absolute security, the Grand Prix from Champion is the modern day incarnation of traditional style. Kite- marked to PAS 015 and BSEN1384.
Colours: Black, Navy, Sizes: 6 ¼ - 7 ¾
Champion Junior Plus Black
should an unfortunate accident happen and choosing a Kite-marked hat will offer you great peace of mind.
Fitting is also crucially important. It’s vital that the hat bought fits the rider correctly and is comfortable to wear, in order to ensure that it provides the maximum level of protection. The majority of equestrian retailers have properly qualified hat-fitters in store who will be able to fit several different sizes and styles of hat to the rider, to ensure that the hat bought is the perfect fit.
One last thing for riders to remember is the importance of replacing a hat or helmet after a fall. If a hat has suffered a severe impact, even if this is having
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Champion Ventair Blue
Champion Grand Prix Black
equestrian manufacturing has been a driving force of research and product development and has dedicated itself to continual improvement, bringing better quality and more advanced products to the market, for safer and more enjoyable riding.
Champion Evolution Hat A development of the highly successful Champion Ventair hat, the Champion Evolution is a low profile, modern and lightweight hat founded upon a glass fibre shell for maximum impact protection. Covered in a soft and durable synthetic nubuck for a look of pure class, the Champion Evolution hat incorporates a stylish ventilated airflow system that helps
Champion Ventair Helmet Champion’s extremely lightweight Ventair Deluxe Jockey Helmet features a design registered ventilated airflow system that is styled to increase airflow and to help keep your head cool. Certified to PAS 015 and BS EN 1384, the Ventair system features a uniquely tailored harness for complete stability and security and offers further safety reassurance by carrying the BSI Kitemark, guaranteeing you that it will comfortably outperform the four main areas of testing: penetration, shock absorption, harness strength and stability. Colours: Black, Pink, Navy or Silver Sizes: 6¼ - 7¾
Champion Junior Pro Plus Riding Helmet For outstanding protection at an affordable price, the Pro Plus riding helmet from Champion is the one to choose. Certified to PAS015:1998 and BS EN1384, the Champion Pro Plus offers further safety reassurance by carrying the BSI Kitemark. Colour: Black Sizes: 00 – 5
The Champion range is available from leading equestrian retailers nationwide. For more information and to find your local stockist:
www.championhats.co.uk; email
info@fbi-ltd.co.uk or Tel: 0113 270 7000.
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