Helmet Help!

[gabbykis44]

Is it “ok” to have a matte or plastic helmet in the show ring? I am looking to get the IRH elite extreme but im not sure if that is considered formal. I can also get the IRH elite eq which has an Amara suede covering but I like the IRH elite extreme a lot better.

http://www.doversaddlery.com/irh®-elite-extreme-riding-helmet/p/X1-3658/

http://www.doversaddlery.com/irh-elite-eq-helmet/p/X1-36138/

I know the gpa speed air is basically the same material and I see it a lot in the show ring but it is way out of my price range.

[showidaho]

Both helmets are fine for the show ring.

[Dewey]

Either one is fine.

Liza Boyd wears one like that, so you’ll be in good company.

[541hunter]

Are you talking about local shows or rated? I see the IRHs (even the plastic ones) at schooling shows a lot but it will look out of place at an A or AA rated show. Not sure about B and C shows though. And in my area, the Speed Air-type helmets are much more popular for jumpers over hunters, though I do see some crossover.

I will say this (which has been said a lot): as long as it fits, is certified, and is comfortable, a good judge will not care if you spent $50 or $500 on a helmet. That helmet will look out of place at larger shows, but the only people who would care are the railbirds.

Of course, if you care about “looking the part,” (as I do!) the Charles Owen GR8 is only $50 more than that IRH right now on Dover’s website, and the JR8 is $150. Both of those will fit in a lot better in the hunter and eq rings at larger shows.

[Belmont]

[QUOTE=541hunter;7416699]
Are you talking about local shows or rated? I see the IRHs (even the plastic ones) at schooling shows a lot but it will look out of place at an A or AA rated show.[/QUOTE]

Liza Boyd wears the IRH Elite EQ (which isn’t much different than OPs helmet at all)… You do know who Liza Boyd is, right?

http://static.squarespace.com/static/52166121e4b04422e03d118f/t/5228d710e4b021ee97a40236/1378408210630/2013-08-17_untitled_Booker_0830.jpg?format=750w
http://static.squarespace.com/static/52166121e4b04422e03d118f/5228d84ee4b03f96f1b7b3ef/52581005e4b018d273343d5d/1381502985514/20131004-DSC_8383_Booker.jpg?format=1000w
http://performance-thisismyhorse.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2013/10/Screen-shot-2013-10-22-at-8.05.08-AM-650x512.png

OP, you are just fine. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. There are many more helmets at A/AA shows than just GPA’s.

[hunterrider23]

I would go for a Charles Owen if that fits, they’re just more popular. Liza Boyd is the ONLY hunter rider I have seen in a IRH outside of the pre-children’s/short stirrup. I’d say that’s simply because she’s sponsored by them.

[541hunter]

[QUOTE=Belmont;7416892]
Liza Boyd wears the IRH Elite EQ (which isn’t much different than OPs helmet at all)… You do know who Liza Boyd is, right?[/QUOTE]

I certainly didn’t say they were inappropriate, but I did say that they would look out of place and that CO/GPAs are overwhelmingly more common. I also said that comfort and fit were a lot more important than what fits in. Liza Boyd looks great in her IRH, but I don’t think it’s incorrect to say that an IRH will stand out at an A/AA show.

[Belmont]

[QUOTE=541hunter;7417232]
I certainly didn’t say they were inappropriate, but I did say that they would look out of place and that CO/GPAs are overwhelmingly more common. I also said that comfort and fit were a lot more important than what fits in. Liza Boyd looks great in her IRH, but I don’t think it’s incorrect to say that an IRH will stand out at an A/AA show.[/QUOTE]

I just think it’s a little ridiculous to tell the OP that it will stand out because “everyone wears CO/GPA”. Incorrect. People are wearing a lot of Samshields today too, but I’m guessing since not everyone is wearing them that they will stand out too? What about Antares helmets?

I agree the OP should get whatever she fit’s best, but for some people (myself included) the CO just doesn’t fit. The IRH’s are not at all out of place. Yes, there is a sea of helmets and a ton of CO’s, but there are plenty of other helmets and IRH helmets running around. You practically told the OP to get a CO because she won’t stand out and in a IRH she would.

I can name plenty of other riders that wear a IRH or another helmet that isn’t a CO/GPA who ride the circuit (even BNT/BNR).

Hell, I rode in my old velvet IRH until it died and never felt out of place, even though I was surrounded by CO’s.

The OP asked if the helmets pictured were OKAY to wear in the show ring (we went straight to A/AA shows, but she could be talking local). So the answer we can agree on is YES. The helmets pictured are 100% okay and approved for the show ring (hunters & jumpers).

[541hunter]

[QUOTE=Belmont;7417316]
I just think it’s a little ridiculous to tell the OP that it will stand out because “everyone wears CO/GPA”. Incorrect. People are wearing a lot of Samshields today too, but I’m guessing since not everyone is wearing them that they will stand out too? What about Antares helmets?

I agree the OP should get whatever she fit’s best, but for some people (myself included) the CO just doesn’t fit. The IRH’s are not at all out of place. Yes, there is a sea of helmets and a ton of CO’s, but there are plenty of other helmets and IRH helmets running around. You practically told the OP to get a CO because she won’t stand out and in a IRH she would.

I can name plenty of other riders that wear a IRH or another helmet that isn’t a CO/GPA who ride the circuit (even BNT/BNR).

Hell, I rode in my old velvet IRH until it died and never felt out of place, even though I was surrounded by CO’s.

The OP asked if the helmets pictured were OKAY to wear in the show ring (we went straight to A/AA shows, but she could be talking local). So the answer we can agree on is YES. The helmets pictured are 100% okay and approved for the show ring (hunters & jumpers).[/QUOTE]

This hasn’t been my experience in my area - even Samshields and Antares are pretty rare where I show - but that’s neither here nor there. I swear I’m not trying to be snobby, and I apologize for giving the wrong impression. Of course if OP loves the IRH then by all means, get the IRH - as I said, the only ones who would conceivably comment are the railbirds, and they’re certainly not the ones handing out the ribbons. But as the sort of person who prefers to blend in with the crowd in the hunter ring, I’m very happy with my CO. There’s no show ring in the US h/j world that my helmet stands out in, which with my riding can only be a good thing :lol:

[Tha_Ridge]

I’ve gotten more compliments on my ShadowMat Samshield than any other helmet. If sticking out means people coming up to you out of the blue and asking what kind of helmet you have and telling you how nice it looks, I’ll take it. Sometimes it pays to try something different.

[Kalele]

Samshield Shadowmats are gaining a ton of popularity and if I’m not mistaken, One K makes a matte helmet also.

[Dewey]

People who are telling the OP that she should get a more “popular” brand are reinforcing the stereotype that horse people are elitist and shallow. Sorry, that’s how I see it. These kind of responses drive me crazy and remind me of high school.

The helmets the OP is considering are perfectly appropriate and within the rules. END OF STORY.

[janedoe726]

OP- the helmet you’re asking about is the same one I have. It’s very comfortable and perfectly acceptable in any ring.

[IrishHunter]

I have that same helmet too. I’ve ridden in rated shows and didn’t feel out of place or anything. I just like the way it fits, the price is reasonable to replace if I take a fall, and it breathes really well. I can wear it all day and not feel like my head is roasting, which drives me crazy!

[french_fry]

IRH’s have a reputation for being a cheaper schooling-type helmet. There, I said it. That should by no means stop you from showing in it if you love the helmet (both of the helmets you linked to are lovely and we need more individuality in our sport!) but if you want to be firmly on-trend for the same cost or less you can buy a Charles Owen, which is guaranteed to be in style at any show.

I worry enough about my performance at shows - I am the kind of person who doesn’t want to have to think about what my attire is saying about me. Thus, I choose to err safely on the side of what everyone else is wearing.