Shop Safety Equipment

This is the third year of the highly successful campaign that was designed to help inspire, educate and encourage people to embrace safety in all areas of their equestrian life, to help keep themselves and their horses safer. This year, the Summer of Safety already has a huge amount of support behind it.

The summer long campaign will include in person events, lives and online content from riders, manufacturers, equestrian bodies, BETA’s CMO Dr Diane Fisher, and more.

Topics being covered range from yard safety tips, bio-security, hi-viz standards, feed room safety, body protectors, riding hats and more......

We are really pleased to be involved in this initiative designed to put rider safety firmly on the map by highlighting the importance of safety gear and equipment that is:

A great fit
It should be professionally fitted and not just left to chance. One size really does not fit all – so no sharing hats or body protectors, or making do with those that are too large or too small.

Fastened correctly
Wear it well and your garment will do its very best to keep you as safe as possible. Hats with loose harnesses, flapping chin straps or unfastened body protectors cannot possibly do the job they were designed for.

Up to standard
Your riding hats, body protectors and hi-viz gear should meet the appropriate safety standards for the activity you are involved in. Don't take any chances!

For the month of July, we are offering a trade-in on riding hats. Bring in your old hat for a discount on a new riding hat*

We will also be sharing safety tips from BETA and various suppliers to make sure you have the right equipment, that is fitted correctly and is up to standard. 

What is the right safety wear for you? Whether you are planning to go eventing, go out hacking or are only just starting to ride, it is important to consider what safety wear you need. Here is a brief guide to rider safety wear. For more information, or if you would like a safety wear check, please do visit us in our shop. 

Peaked Hat or Skull Cap?

This choice may depend on what sort of riding you wish to do. A skull cap can be used for any riding discipline, but a hat with a fixed peak cannot be used for cross country, whether training or competing, mounted games or racing. 

A skull cap could therefore be more versatile and we have a range of hat covers that can easily and quickly change the look of a skull cap. However, many people prefer to wear hats with fixed peaks and these are suitable for most riding disciplines.

Riding Hat Safety Standards

There are a variety of riding hat safety standards and making sure you have the right one can be difficult. For example, one standard is PAS 015 2011, which is a standard that is accepted by all equestrian bodies. However, some bodies will only accept this standard if it has the kitemark alongside the standard. 

The main hat standards are:

• PAS 015 2011 + kitemark
• VG1 + Kitemark
• ASTM-F1163 2004a onwards + SEI mark 
• Snell E2016 onwards with the official Snell label and number
• AS/NZS 3838, 2006 onwards (normally only on hats purchased in Australia and New Zealand)

Something to note about safety standards, which can be seen in the diagram above: Each standard will test riding hats to particular impacts and falls that horse riders may experience. However, each standard tests different levels and scenarios. Therefore a riding hat that has more than one safety standard will be tested to a much wider range of impacts and therefore may offer a greater level of safety. 

MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) is a new technology that is being added to some riding hats to help reduce the risk of concussion caused by a fall. This is not a safety standard in itself but is an added protection available in some riding hats.  

The importance of fit

If a riding hat does not fit properly, it will not offer an adequate level of protection. Make sure your hat fits properly and that the harness is correctly adjusted. 

We spend a lot of time learning about the riding hats we stock and we are all trained in how to fit them properly. Please take the time to make sure your hat fits properly by visiting us to have a fitting.

Body Protector, Back Protector or Air Jacket?  

Gone are the days that your back protection was a piece of foam that you cut to size and strapped under your cross country top in the hope that it was still there at the end of your round!

Now, there is a great range of body protectors, back protectors and air jackets. But which one should you choose?

Again, this choice may depend on what sort of riding you wish to do. 

Body protectors are designed to absorb impact from a fall or kick from a horse; body protectors are compulsory for some competitions (primarily cross country and pony club activities). However, an increasing number of riders wear one in everyday situations from hacking to schooling over fences as they provide additional safety and can help to prevent injury in case of a fall.

Body protectors have certainly evolved and are flexible and lightweight and once used to them, you can easily forget you are wearing one, just like your riding hat. 

Back Protectors also provide protection against impact for those riders who do not wish to wear a body protector and want a lighter, more discreet alternative. They are not intended to replace a body protector and they provide no protection to your front or ribs. They are not permitted for cross country. However, for those riders who do not want to wear a body protector, they can be a useful safety option to provide back protection against impact, whilst remaining unseen under a show jacket.

Air Jackets are designed to inflate if you fall from your horse, providing a cushion to your fall. They can provide added protection to the neck, spine, chest, ribcage, lower back and vital organs. Initially a product most used by riders competing cross country, now riders use air jackets when competing in all riding disciplines and when hacking. In addition to the air jackets that are designed to be worn on top of other garments, we now also stock an air jacket that can be worn discretely underneath modern show jackets.

Air jackets attach to the saddle and are activated if you fall away from your horse. If you have a fall with your horse, they do not inflate and provide no protection at all. They are often therefore used as an additional level of safety on top of a body protector and if used cross country, the rider must have a body protector on under the air jacket. 

Many of our customers use air jackets when schooling or hacking as they do not wish to wear a body protector but wish to have protection if they are thrown from their horse. 

Body Protector Safety Standards



BETA (British Equestrian Trade Association) developed the recognised standard for body protectors with a team of riding organisations, doctors, riders, manufacturers and retailers.

There are 3 levels, offering different levels of protection. We only stock level 3 as this is required by all equestrian bodies apart from racing.

The latest standard was introduced in 2018 and all of the body protectors we fit have this standard.

The 2009 standard has a purple label and is being phased out. It will no longer be permitted in competitions and in the Pony Club or BRC training from 2024.  

The importance of fit

As with a riding hat, a body protector that is too small or too big will not offer adequate protection. Please take the time to have a body protector fitted by our trained staff. 

How often should a hat or body protector be replaced?



BETA recommends that riding hats and body protectors are replaced every 3 - 5 years, depending on frequency of use.

If you have a fall, your hat should immediately be replaced. The protective expanded polystyrene in the hat is made up of energy-absorbing beads that are full of air to form a microscopic bubblewrap. These beads burst when struck so that they can absorb and dissipate the energy of an impact to protect the skull.

Any time your helmet is impacted, the layer of EPS is compressed. It will not offer the same level of protection if it is struck again, even if there is no visual damage to the outside of the helmet. We have a hat that has been involved in a fall. Come and have a look to see what happens to the inside of a hat after a fall. 

Equally, if you have a heavy fall, your body protector should be checked immediately for dents. The foam will expand back to its original shape within 30 minutes; but if a dent is showing on examination, then it’s likely that this part of the garment has lost its impact absorption properties and it should be replaced.

Hidden damage that a body protector may have sustained is also a good reason for avoiding second-hand garments or those with unknown histories. 

Hi Viz  

All riders wish to be able to ride as safely as possible. Wearing Hi-Viz can help you to be seen on the roads by other road users, and when off road by cyclists, dog walkers and anyone else.  

We have a range of Hi Viz wear for riders and horses, in yellow, orange and pink, with retro-reflective highlights to make sure you can be seen in dim light. This can make a huge difference to your visibility and safety and is easy to wear. 

The BHS have been working hard to improve rider safety on the roads and had a major role in the recent changes to the highway code.

Visit their website to find out more about their work and the Dead Slow campaign.

Every horse is different however, and some horses may need fewer rugs than their stable mates, depending on age, condition, level of work and feeding regime.

Of course, there may be a limit to the number of rugs you want your horse to have even though it is a well known fact that most horses are better dressed than their owners 😅

To help, many rugs are now compatible with liners, which makes adding warmth much easier. The Weatherbeeta Comfitec rugs are liner compatible with liners available in 100g and 200g weights.

The Arika rugs from Le Mieux also have the option to add a liner. These rugs will be arriving soon and offer both stable and turnout rugs with an optional liner.

A 100g stable rug is also very useful piece to have in your horse's wardrobe. Great for spring and autumn (and also November this year 😉), a lightweight quilt can also be used under a thicker stable rug when the weather is really cold. We have options from both Weatherbeeta and Shires, depending on your preference.

For colder weather, medium or heavy weight stable rugs with detachable necks allow you to rug up with options for whether to use the neck for additional warmth.  

When riding, you may wish to use a waterproof exercise rug. These keep your horse dry and means that you can put on their normal rug after your ride, rather than having to wait whilst a cooler helps them to dry first.

We have hi-viz and plain options in exercise rugs.

If you need any help with which rugs to use, please ask. We are always happy to help.

Horses have well developed cognitive skills with a good ability to learn, and to remember previous experiences. They are emotionally developed, such that research has shown they can recognise human emotion from the facial expression alone, and even remember that person’s earlier demeanour when they meet them again later in the day. All this means that in horses we have an animal that, when trained correctly, in a calm, repeatable, positive way, can learn to cope with almost anything. However what about the unexpected? Ultimately the horse is a flight animal, and if startled or frightened their reaction will be reactive and will be to get away from that situation as quickly as they can, come what may. That is not always safe or appropriate for the modern horse. So how can we help them cope with the unexpected, such as a local fireworks display?

Be prepared!

Traditionally fireworks were only let off around November 5th, and maybe for New Years Eve, but increasingly we see them as a year round potential threat. Over summer, weddings are often the culprits, so if you have wedding venues near your yard ask them for a list of dates and times when fireworks will be set off, and maybe discuss with them positioning of their display so to minimise exposure for local horses and livestock.

Horses cope best in a routine, so don’t make any sudden changes. If your horse lives out, then leave them out, and if they are usually stabled then keep them stabled – but do check for any potential hazards in their environment to minimise risk. If turned out, choose a field furthest away; and if stabled try leaving a radio on outside the box to distract them. Ideally either you or an experienced friend should stay with the horses through the display, both to help them stay calm and to watch for any issues. Remember, horses pick up on human emotions easily, so stay calm and positive, and try to enjoy the free display.

From a dietary point of view, it’s a good idea to provide ad lib hay, for both stabled and grazing horses, to help keep them occupied. For reactive types it may be advised to feed a short term natural calmer, just to give your horse that extra bit of thinking space, allowing them to work out that while it’s a loud noise, it’s not actually hurting them. If you feel your horse is particularly likely to panic and become upset, then discuss with your vet what your best options are. They may advise use of a sedative, or even moving your horse for the night.

If the display is close to your land, don’t forget to carry out a check of your fields the following morning and clear any debris which could be potentially dangerous for your horse.

It’s been a long, cold winter, and – more than ever – we’re looking forward to getting out and about with our horses this spring and summer. However, after a year like no other in 2020, many horse and rider combinations are facing bigger challenges than normal. Whether your aim is to return to competition, get back to that favourite fun ride, or simply enjoy hacking with friends again, our horses and ponies may find it a bigger step up than usual.

So how can nutrition help you and your horse face the season ahead?

Firstly, remember to keep it fibre focused. Feeding a high fibre and forage based diet ensures we are feeding our horses naturally. Fibre feeding is good for both their condition and their brain, as digestive health and behaviour are directly linked via the ‘gut brain axis’. At this time of year many of us welcome the growth of new grass, after a winter of relying on preserved forage; but remember spring grass should come with a health warning! High in sugars, grazing and intake may have to be monitored for the good do-er, and as spring grass is fast growing with a high water content, it is often lacking in vital nutrients, such as magnesium.

Magnesium is one of the hardest working elements in the diet, being involved in over 300 different metabolic pathways, but one area where it is particularly recognized is for behaviour and learning. However, research and experience tells us that supplementary magnesium alone is unlikely to be the answer. Equine behaviour is a complex issue, and so requires a complex solution.

Independent research at the Royal Agricultural University, under the guidance of equine cognition expert, Dr Andrew Hemmings, showed that when magnesium is combined with a unique blend of herbs for calming and confidence, the result is horses that are more focused, and better able to learn. Crucially, the research showed good behaviour was supported with no evidence of sedation. This research was carried out on NAF Five Star Magic, and is peer reviewed and published.

Therefore, if you’re looking forward to making up for lost time, but you feel your horse may need a little support with focus and concentration, why not try a little Magic?

As Dr Andy Hemmings says, ‘Still your horse, just more trainable.’

Roberts H, Stevenson A & Hemmings A (2018) Effect of three magnesium based feed supplements on inferred measures of dopamine activity and cognition: a pilot study. International Society for Equitation Science, Proceedings of 14th International Conference.

Now summer is here, one of the most important aspects of your horse’s summer health is to ensure he stays suitably hydrated, and what is lost through sweat is adequately replaced.

Water is, quite simply, the most important aspect of your horses’ diet. Essential to life, water makes up around 65 - 75% of the horse’s bodyweight. A lack of water is seen initially as reduced appetite and poor performance; but can lead to depression, bone and cartilage damage and, ultimately, be fatal to the animal if not rehydrated. Water is essential not only to hydration itself, but all aspects of general health. Research now also links a lack of fresh water directly to an increase in gastric ulcers; so for all these reasons it’s vital that your horse always has clean, fresh water available in both the field and stable. 

As water is lost through sweat it is essential that we replace it, but not just the water but also the essential body salts, or electrolytes, that are lost alongside.

Of the essential body salts sodium chloride, or basic salt, is key and should be supplemented daily year round. Having a salt lick available in the stable and field allows your horse to take what he needs, but beware that flavoured licks can sometimes be eaten like sweets! Once exercise is increased, and as the weather warms up, you should upgrade basic salt to electrolytes which provide all essential body salts, ie. sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and chloride. Failure to replace these body salts can affect the thirst mechanism by failure to replace lost water, thus leaving the horse dehydrated. Ensure you always feed electrolytes with clean, fresh water, as studies have recorded losses of up to 60 litres (110 pints) of sweat per day in competition*.

It’s worth noting that electrolytes must be fed in a way that works with the body, or more damage can be done. For example using a very concentrated form of electrolytes (i.e. a paste) can actually draw water out of the gut as it passes through, hence leaving the horse more dehydrated than he was before, and has been identified as a risk factor for gastric ulcers. For competing horses look for electrolytes which can be easily dissolved in a bucket of water, but we all know the adage ‘you can take a horse to water but you can’t make them drink’, so for those types fed in a nice wet feed is a tasty way to ensure the horse is also rehydrating at the same time.

Don’t forget yourself – if you’re riding all day at a show, maybe try an isotonic sports drink to replace lost electrolytes, rather than reaching for the fizzy drinks.

In conclusion, whether competing or just enjoying a summer hack, ensure you pay attention to your and your horse’s electrolyte and water requirements to stay alert and focused.

* Top level endurance competition in humid climates have recorded these levels.

All will be revealed on Friday November 25th at 9am. Click this link on the day to see our Black Friday deals: https://www.southjerseyfiat.com/collections/black-friday

All of the donated rugs will be given to charity.

How to trade in your old turnout rug.

1. Go online to the Rambo Trade In Site, and fill in the form to register for your voucher
2. Return your old but clean turnout rug to us with the voucher . This can be any brand turnout rug and does not have to have been purchased from us. 
3. We will Give you £50 off RRP on the Rambo Turnout Rug Of your choice

If you wish to purchase online

1. Go online to the Rambo Trade In Site, and fill in the form to register for your voucher
2. Purchase your Rambo Turnout Rug Online at www.southjerseyfiat.com
3. Send your old but clean turnout rug back to us with your voucher and details . We will credit you the difference to your payment method 

Please note rugs traded in can be any condition turnout rugs of any brand but please make sure they are in clean condition .

Julie has also got loads of great prizes from local businesses - southjerseyfiat included, for a raffle that is also running in aid of the charity. Tickets will be available in southjerseyfiat very soon, and of course at Langshot on the day. 

We have a fabulous Easter offer: get 25% off any item of children's casual riding wearwhen you buy a riding hat or a body protector for your child this Easter.  Choose a coat, a fleece, a polo or t-shirt: We have a great selection for girls and boys.

The catch? This offer is only available through our app! 

So download it today, register and benefit from this and other offers.

   
This offer is valid until April 17th and the discount can be used a maximum of two times per registered user. You need to download our app and register as a user in order to receive the discount coupon, which must be redeemed in store. All of our casual riding wear is included, apart from any items on sale, jodhpurs, breeches and show wear. The discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount. 

The Premium collection has extra design details for that extra little bit of riding fashion, whilst the Sportwear collection is just really well designed - flattering, comfortable and high quality.

Shop here, for men, women and teenagers: https://www.southjerseyfiat.com/collections/pikeur

Shop here: https://www.southjerseyfiat.com/collections/eskadron

Shop here: https://www.southjerseyfiat.com/collections/eskadron

A revolutionary coating draws poo to the fork by using electronic potential between the manure and the fork. This causes the manure and fork to vibrate at high frequency and the fork effectively draws the manure to it, making mucking out a 5 minute job. Dr Jonathon O. King, from Chobham in Surrey, adapted the new technology to equine use . Dr J.O.King said "My wife rides horses and I have listened to her complain about the poo picking for years and years. When I realised that I could help reduce this unpleasant task to a mere few minutes, I was absolutely over the moon. John Deere have approached me with a view to making the technology more widely available so watch this space!"

Watch an example of how it works 

Technical Details:

The sulphides released from poo into the surroundings activate the purpose built synthetic resin (Sulphides are present in high concentrations in manure as they are volatile compounds - and the sulphides make poo smell). This induces an electronic potential between the resin and the metal alloy in the fork. This causes the fork prongs to vibrate at high frequency (over 20,000 Hz - ultrasound). The composite metal ratios are tuned to make the frequency of the vibration of the fork equal to resonant frequency of lycopene (abundant in human poo and is not volatile so remains in the solid poo). This causes the lycopene in poo too also vibrate strongly. Due to an effect called resonant bi-harmonicity the poo and the fork develop a strong interaction (remarkably quickly) and the poo accelerates towards the fork until it hits the fork at which point the poo is deactivated and ceases to resonate.

This technology was developed by NASA in an attempt to efficiently pack spaceman poo when it can't be discharged into space by coating space toilets with this resin.

This does not just effect international competitors, but also competitors under any organisation that adopts FEI rules (bascially all organisations)

There have been instances in recent years of unintended feeding of prohibited substances. For example, it is believed that race horses that tested positive for morphine injested residue from opium poppies that had been grown for medical use on the same premises as their horse feed was made.

However, in competitions, there is no defence, so if a prohibited substance is found in a horse’s system, the rider is automatically guilty.

Most of us don't have to worry too much, not being on the international stage. We must take care not to feed banned substances (packaging normally indicates whether a supplement is suitable for horses that compete). However, most of us also wish to ensure that we feed our horses a healthy diet, free from unneccesary additives and potentially harmful substances. 

We can look for symbols such as the BETA NOPS symbol, which certificates that a clean and thorough manufacturing process is in place to reduce the risk of contamination of feed products.

We can also follow a few basic rules on the yard. The following are recommendations from BETA and Trade magasine Over the Counter:

• Don’t make or consume tea or coffee in the feed room: caffeine and theobromine are common contaminants.
• Don’t smoke on the yard. Apart from obvious fire risks, nicotine is also a contaminant.
• Give every horse its individual feed bucket and clean out after every use.
• If a horse receives medication, one person should administer it, preferably using disposable gloves. Wash your hands afterwards, even when gloves are worn.
• Keep all medication in a designated, locked cupboard.
• Before a new horse arrives, empty and use suitable products to decontaminate the stable, manger and water container.

Links:

Follow these links for more information:

FEI Clean Sport Prohibited Substances Database


BETA guide to avoiding prohibited substances (downloadable PDF)

The Pony Club do not require riders to wear body protectors for all activities - they leave that as a personal decision. However, if you are taking part in Cross Country, or Pony Racing, you must wear a body protector.

An increasing number of riders are wearing body protectors in everyday situations due to the protection they offer, and often riders find that they are more confident, and therefore ride better, when they are wearing one.

Body Protectors are now much more flexible and lightweight than their predecessors, so if you last tried one 5 years ago, you will find them much more comfortable now.

The purpose of Body Protectors

Body protectors are designed to offer protection to a rider if they fall off, are kicked or trodden on by a horse. No body protector can prevent serious injury in every situation, but they can reduce the severity of injuries. 

The correct fitting of a body protector is essential, so we would recommend that you have one professionally fitted, preferably at southjerseyfiat!

Air Jackets

Air jackets are different from body protectors. They can provide an extra layer of protection but offer a different type of protection. They inflate if the rider is separated from the saddle and provide additional cushioning during a fall, especially around the neck and lower back.

They do only inflate if the rider is separated from the saddle so may not inflate if the horse and rider fall together. Therefore, for more complete protection, air jackets should be worn over the top of a BETA 2009 Level 3 Body Protector.

As noted above, if you are taking part in cross country or pony racing in the pony club, British Eventing or the riding club, you must wear a BETA 2009 Level 3 body protector and may wear an air jacket over the top.

Our Body Protectors

We select our products very carefully and body protectors especially so. We are proud to fit Airowear and Racesafe Body protectors. We have 2 styles or Airowear Body Protector and 2 styles of Racesafe Body protector in stock (the new PROVENT 3.0 having just been introduced
and proving to be very popular as it is lighter weight and breathable but remains protective)

We can normally fit all body shapes as the body protectors come in many sizes, with a certain amount of adjust-ability. Also, both companies make their body protectors in the UK and we can order bespoke sizes.

We also stock Point Two and Hit Air air jackets.

We would always recommend having a body protector professionally fitted, rather than buying online. To browse our selection of body protectors, click here. 

As always, we are happy to talk to customers about your needs and the sort of riding you do to try to work out the best solution for you. Please just pop in, call us on (+48)724706867 or email [email protected]

Click here to view the range:

• PAS 015 1998 or 2011
• SNELL E2001
• ASTM-F1163 2004a with the SEI mark (American standard)
• AS/NZS 3838: 2006 with SAI global mark (Australian Standard)

The bodies that require the standards listed above include the Pony Club, Riding Clubs, British Eventing, British Showjumping and BHS Approved Riding Centres

British Dressage, RDA and most of the showing bodies have given the EN1384 standard another year, allowing use of them until the end of 2016.

Please note, if your hat has the EN1384 as well as at least one of the other standards mentioned above, it is still eligible for use.

Riding Hat style
If you compete cross country, you must wear a jockey skull cap rather than a hat with a peak. This is also the case for racing, including pony racing and mounted games.

Riding at home
If you do not compete or take part in organised activities, such as sponsored rides etc, you do not need to change your hat because of these changes. However, you may be advised to check any insurance policies you have to make sure you cover is eligible when using an EN1384 hat. It should also be noted that The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) recommends that riders have a hat that conforms to the PAS 015, ASTM or SNELL standard.

Recently purchased a hat?
When the withdrawal of the EN1384 rule was announced at the end of 2014, we stopped generally selling hats with only that standard. Therefore if you have purchased a hat from us within the last year you should have a hat with the current standards.

If you do need a new hat, remember hats should be replaced every 3-5 years, and straight away if you have a fall. You only have one head so it is best to look after it.

We always have trained hat fitters in our shop and are always on hand for any advice or help you might need. If you are in any doubt, please just pop in with your hat. Our hats prices start at £59.99.


Links
Pony Club riding hat rules 2016 (downloadable PDF)
British Dressage (downloadable PDF)
British Eventing 
British Riding Club (downloadable PDF)
British Showjumping