Helmet Styles for Equitation - How much does it matter?

[the_pnw_amateur]

I show in the adult equitation, medals and hunters in a Tipperary Windsor MIPs helmet. Out here in the PNW, the adult equitation is not super competitive so I’ve never worried about whether my show gear is “stylish” enough.

This summer I’m going to Traverse City for the first time, which will have much higher caliber of competition than out here. The Tipperary helmets are pretty enough, but have some “cheap” aspects to them like the nylon straps from ear to the back rather than material covering the top of your neck and hair tie.

I think of Samshield as the go-to helmet for all the big eq kids but I feel really strongly about having a MIPS helmet after multiple concussions. I’m debating getting the Miss Shield just for horse shows.

Does your helmet style matter to equitation judges? Or just clean turn out with clothes that fit and a well-turned out horse?

TIA!

[Renn_aissance]

Your helmet style matters exactly two whits in the equitation:

1. We are not allowed to wear Swarovski crystal bling stripes on our GPAs because it blinds the judge. 2005 was a dark time.
2. Your helmet should be a dark color. Not bright pink or turquoise.

Provided you haven’t blinged or spray-painted it, your ASTM-approved, well-fitting Tipp Windsor is absolutely appropriate and you probably won’t be the only one wearing one.

[Indy]

^^ Agreed. So long as it’s a dark color and fits you well, wear it. You’re likely not going to be the only one in that same helmet, and even if you are nobody is going to notice or care.

[awaywego]

Another adult with the Tipperary Windsor for the same reasons. I kinda feel like the only people judging what helmets we wear are people who aren’t doing the actual judging… honestly, if it makes someone with a horse not as nice as mine feel better that they have a “better” helmet than me, more power to them

BUT have you seen that Tipperary has a new MIPS helmet out? I am very tempted to get this one!

Devon

[Scribbler]

I feel like juniors being teenagers get very hung up on brand names because that’s teenage culture these days. Teens are still figuring out the way the world works processing all the consumerist messages. And they can be superstitious about clothing and accessories.

All helmets and breeches look the sane from the judges box.

[Paint_Party]

@Renn_aissance

We are not allowed to wear Swarovski crystal bling stripes on our GPAs because it blinds the judge. 2005 was a dark time.

Ah yes, those were the days. At many A-circuit shows you could pay a vendor on-site to bling your helmet’s “skunk stripe” in your choice of colored crystals. You could even have a design incorporated into the madness!

Back to the topic… I wear a Tipperary Windsor MIPs and if it ever gets to the point where my placing in a class (or lack thereof) depends on what specific brand of fully approved, appropriately styled helmet I’m wearing, I quit.

[Renn_aissance]

@Paint_Party

Ah yes, those were the days. At many A-circuit shows you could pay a vendor on-site to bling your helmet’s “skunk stripe” in your choice of colored crystals. You could even have a design incorporated into the madness!

And for best effect, you also had a Kippy belt blinged out in a matching pattern.

I never had one, because a) I wasn’t cool, b) they were expensive, and c) even if the first two conditions didn’t apply my mother wouldn’t hear of it and I’m certain my trainer would have disowned me.

Anyway, thankfully those days are behind us. Except for you, who ran off to give us all fringe envy, and now you can bling out whatever you want!

[BigMama1]

Stick with the MIPS. I think the Tipperary looks just as nice as the Samshield and it’s significantly safer. That’s more important than any perception that it’s not high-end enough. Ride we’ll enough that the judges aren’t looking at your helmet

[Bristol_Bay]

One Olympian wore a Tipperary MIPS in the Grand Prix freestyle. I realize bling is acceptable in that discipline, but my point is it’s not too “cheap” looking to wear to the Olympics, so you’ll be fine.

[Tini_Sea_Soldier1]

I’ve seen a lot of Samshield Miss Shields and GPA First Lady or Little Lady. A handful of Antares helmets also.
Honestly, yes it’s great to have “the trending look”, but what’s of greater importance is what fits you best and preserves your noggin. Keep that in mind and if the trendy ones don’t feel like they offer the same level of fit or protection, stick to what you have.

[Paint_Party]

@Renn_aissance

And for best effect, you also had a Kippy belt blinged out in a matching pattern.

Not to threadjack, but I LOL’ed because I almost posted this, too!

[GoneAway]

This. Please don’t waste your money on a Samshield, especially when they repeatedly end up on the bottom ranking of safey tests. You’re better off with the Windsor (I love mine!) and I think it looks just as good in the ring.

[mroades]

As someone that judges for a living I can assure you I don’t care what brand or style your helmet is, as long as it fits. I call the steward to talk to you if your helmet is obviously too loose. Bling, etc might make a few judges clench their teeth and shake their head, but will not change the score you earn through your ride and position.

[Tha_Ridge]

Fellow adult equitator who has shown at some big shows on the East Coast in my Windsor. Don’t think it’s affected me in the slightest and I’m starting to see more and more of them. I, too, feel strongly about MIPS and won’t sacrifice my safety for a look.

[the_pnw_amateur]

So good to hear this!

As someone else said, the juniors tend to care about the trends and brands (I sure did with my GPA and two way stretch tailored sportsmans back in the day ). I need to just walk away when the juniors start talking about fashion.

What really makes me cringe are people who wear and/or promote airvests while still wearing the least safe helmets. Your bones are important but your noggin is just as, if not more so, important to protect.

[StormyDay]

From far away no one will be able to tell one way or another what helmet you are wearing, unless your helmet is a neon color or maybe the sportage.

[Smiles]

You will find that the equitation is only used for a warmup for the hunters here in the Midwest. Plus many of the “adult” medals don’t fill. Your helmet is find. Worry about having a good time and enjoying yourself.

[Ponygirlmom]

To give credit where it’s due - among the teenagers at our barn, the “in” helmet to have is a MIPS helmet. They’re all very aware of safety (thanks to a safety focused trainer) and to look “cool” you have to have a MIPS helmet and a safety vest (body protector or air vest). The oldest, best riding teens started it, and it trickled down as trends always do. The teenage peer pressure can also have a positive effect!

[phosics]

That is so awesome and also refreshing! Props to trainer and parents for fostering a “safety is stylish” environment.

[Blinky]

I wear the Charles Owen MIPS as it fits the best. But yes, it look horrid, like an old WW2 helmet. But my head is important as I’ve also had some minor concussions. It has not effected my placings whatsoever…now doing the chip thing has!