Riding Hat & Body Protector Fitting Services

We pride ourselves in the high quality of riding hat and body protector fitting services that we provide and are a recognised BETA qualified stockist of riding hats and body protectors.

This means that we are qualified by BETA to give advice on both the fit of safety products and whether products are manufactured to the latest safety standard.

Click here to read our blog on the latest safety standards

Riding Hats

How old is your riding hat? Have you had any falls whilst wearing it? Does it still comply with the standards of your chosen discipline?

Get it checked! There’s no escaping the inherent dangers that horse riding poses, therefore, as riders we must do our utmost to keep ourselves safe. Hat safety is of paramount importance and as a BETA qualified stockist of riding hats, we want to ensure our customers have a correctly fitting hat.

Not sure if you need a new hat? Bring in your current riding hat for a free check by our qualified members of staff:

Is it up to current standards?
Does it still fit?

Discuss your needs and make sure your hat is still performing the job you bought it for with our fully trained staff.

Some Interesting Hat Facts:

After being subjected to a fall a hat should be replaced, even though there may be no visible damage – this also includes dropping it onto a hard surface.
If you are riding daily, the recommendation is to replace your riding hat annually. Occasional riders should replace their hat every 2-3 years.
The BSI Kitemark checks one of every 200 helmets from a batch of 800 to 3,200 before they will issue an approval label. If the helmets don’t pass the standard then the whole batch must be destroyed

Please Note:

It is our policy to only fit riding hats and body protectors on the intended day of purchase. This is due to safety items and hats varying in how they fit, even within the same size and brand. Getting the correct size of hat for your head is crucial in ensuring it provides maximum protection and comfort. Having your hat professionally fitted by one of our specially trained staff ensures you have exactly the right hat and fit.

It is recommended that online purchases of riding hats are only done where the rider is simply replacing an old hat (that was correctly fitted) with a like-for-like purchase, but even then we would recommend that riders are fitted each time they purchase a new hat, to make absolutely certain they purchase the correct size for them.

Shop all riding hats here

Body Protectors

Body protectors are certainly a key piece of safety equipment in the equestrian world and serious consideration should always be given as to whether you require one for the discipline you ride in.

Designed to protect, body protectors take the impact away from the rider’s body during a fall by absorbing the energy created. Body protectors have progressed since their initial production and they’re now created with lightweight materials that mould to the rider’s form. These modern designs provide optimum movement and comfort in the saddle alongside the all-important protection aspect.

Fitting a body protector

A poorly fitting body protector will not offer the protection a rider needs, this is why the correct fit is paramount for rider safety. Here at R&R Country, we highly recommend coming in-store to be fitted by one of our BETA trained/qualified staff members – they can ensure you get the best fit and the body protector that is right for you.

Often body protectors can feel stiff when you first put them on – don’t let this put you off! Body protectors will mould to your shape (with your body heat) after a few minutes of wear. When fitting a body protector we look for:

Secure Fit – all body protectors must fit securely to avoid movement in the event of a fall/injury.(BETA)

Coverage – this is also a key feature we consider when fitting a body protector. The body protector should reach the top of your sternum (front) and then reach the prominent bone on your lower neck. The front of your body protector should cover your last rib at mid chest by approximately 2.5 cm. Furthermore, the body protector should also fit all the way around your body, covering the collarbone and leaving 7cm from the very bottom of the back to the saddle – it should not touch the saddle when you are mounted. (BETA)

When do you need a new body protector?

Believe it or not, body protectors do have a lifespan, BETA recommend that your body protector should be replaced every 3-5 years depending on the type of use it has had. This is because the impact absorption properties the foam houses may deteriorate over time making the garment less effective at protecting you.

You may also need a new body protector in the event an accident – after you have had a fall or kick, check your body protector for any marks or indents – if the foam does not expand back to the original shape it could be highlighting areas of weakness that may not provide the same level of impact absorption as before.

You should also keep track of standards and if your body protector falls under and of the below categories stated in our latest safety standards blog, you need to update it to the most current or readily accepted (BETA 2018 standard).

Click here to read our blog on the latest safety standards

Shop all body protectors here

Selby Store