Fit and function are foremost, followed by fashion. The more certifications a helmet has, the better and it’s encouraged to pair that information with data from the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab’s study. Looking at just one or the other is not sufficient.

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As with helmets, fit and function are first. As the adoption of air vests has become more widespread, the number of brands and models have increased, as has the rate of innovation. What fits one rider will not necessarily fit another, so it’s important to get properly fitted by a knowledgeable fitter.

Required when going cross country for Eventing, foam based body protectors are a fantastic foundation garment to provide torso protection, especially for pinpoint impacts. Opting for a certified model (either ASTM or BETA) is strongly recommended. As with all other types of safety equipment, fitting by a competent professional is encouraged.

Safety stirrups feature either a release mechanism or an open outer branch to attempt to prevent a foot from getting caught, resulting in a rider being dragged.

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