COMPETITION HELMETS

JS-ITALIA HELMETS are new to the UK and offer great protection with effortless, Italian style. JS Helmets optimise safety in every aspect of their design and comply with ASTM, SEI, PAS 015, Kitemark and VG1 standards. Superior impact absorption is provided by fibreglass, an exceptionally strong and lightweight material that helps to disperse impact rather than transferring it. Made in Italy using the highest quality materials. Now available from DiClass.co.uk.

RRP: £580 | diClass.co.uk

All of the same features of the Ayr8 Plus, with the added elegance of the exclusive leather-look side panels. Easy care and maintenance-free, your helmet can be revived with a simple wipe down. This low-profile helmet features 12 centrally located front and rear ventilation slots covered in a smart breathable mesh. Heat reflective paint for the centre panel is available in silver. The side panels are covered in vegan leather and the helmet features a vegan leatherlook GRpx harness.

RRP: £322 | charlesowen.com

Scharf hats conform to VG01.40 201412 and ASTM

F1162-15 with SEI mark. These incredibly smart Scharf riding hats from The Centre Line are lightweight with fantastic airflow and superior breathability, you wouldn’t even know you have one on. They are also easily adjustable so you can ensure the perfect fit. The great advantage of these hats is that you have an endless choice to match to your competition jackets. Whether you choose customised colour combinations, Swarovski crystals or even your own logo, The Centre Line can help you create the perfect match to suit your own unique style.

RRP: from £156 | thecentreline.co.uk

PIKEUR NEW AIRLUXE helmet is made in partnership with the world-renowned security firm, Abus and is the winner of the British Equestrian Trade Association’s New Safety Product Prize. It has a 17air channel ventilation system, a choice of a longer or shorter peak and complies with VG1 01.040 2014-12, PAS 015 and Kitemark. The AirLuxe is available in black or navy, in a wide choice of finishes. Comes in three shell sizes, adjustable with a dial for a perfect fit between sizes 53 and 61.

RRP: £259.95 | pikeur-eskadron.com

HALO is a stunning addition to the Charles Owen performance range, in celebration of our 110th anniversary. True innovation in style and technology makes Halo a real statement in the show ring. Comfort is prioritised with the unique 360° ventilation system under the halo ring and luxury padding. The unique Halo lattice harness has been designed to grip the occipital bone at the base of the skull, and self-adjusts to give a snug and secure fit for your ride. A wide peak (halo Luxe) is available to improve vision in all-weathers. Three international safety standards (including PAS 015) combined with MIPS technology only add to the confidence you will feel when riding in your Halo.

RRP: £443 | charlesowen.com

Darren

Every horse is an individual and even if you have two or more horses in your yard at a similar stage in their training, they can require very different approaches. Both Ed and Buck did prelim and novice plus five-year-old classes in 2022, and after a yard move and a bit of downtime with a virus will go out at elementary this year.

Ed can lack confidence and be a bit spooky, while Buck is a different type of horse, a bit sharper. Buck won the five-year-old class at Hickstead, but we gave the semi-final