Helmets for shows... ?

[Donella]

So if money was no issue, what is "THE" helmet to have for the lower levels?
Any links to pics ect?
Thanks!

[SillyHorse]

"The" helmet to have is to one that meets all safety standards, fits you well, and is comfortable on your head. Unlike the in the hunters, dressage isn't much of a fashion show.

[Anselcat]

I see a lot of people wearing a black velvet hard hat, which looks great at both schooling shows and recognized shows. As long as it meets all of Sillyhorse's essential requirements!

[Donella]

LOL...I have a safety rated helmet that I wear everytime I get on a horse thanks . If I asked about jackets I wouldn't get such a response..whats the dif?

[dressager]

I would say- if you want to go the approved route- a black velvet helmet (the nicer kind), not faded or worn. I have seen more dressage riders wearing GPA types- like the black velvet GPA, but I wouldn't say it is the norm- (to be quite honest, around here, we don't get a whole lot of trainers wearing helmets)

[Kementari]

Um..the different between a helmet and a jacket? One of them can save your life... :rolleyes:

Not to mention that I suspect you'd be told, on the jacket front, that x, y, and z are all nice, and you should choose whichever fits/looks best on you. Dressage isn't about what name is on the tag in the back. :yes:

(I wear a Troxel Grand Prix, btw, because it fits Sillyhorse's criteria and looks nice and traditional.)

[Meredith Clark]

I do lower level dressage/eventing and I wear a JR8 (the cheaper version of the Gr8)

http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=X1-36075

I have the black on black, its very comfy, fits my head great (i have an oval head) and doesn't scuff like velvet helmets

[PaulaM]

I wear an International Riding Helmet ATH, I've seen quite a few people wearing them at shows here in Alberta. The look isn't too bad.

http://www3.telus.net/public/rmeehan/show/untitled.JPG

[Donella]

Thank you Paula and the other posters who gave some good advice.
I guess I like clothing more than some other posters (need one of those little embarrassed faces) lol...maybe it was a dumb inquiry.

[dressager]

Donella,
I don't think you are weird AT all in your quest to look as good as possible. I think FAR too many dressage riders show up with "looking around" so to speak. In no way should dressage become a fashion show, but it is about "presenting a picture", and IMO, if you are striving to do the best you can, you should try to look the best you can. A lot of what I see at shows is just plain sloppy- it doesn't cost anymore to take these additional steps- but people still show up with fuzzy hair, dirty boots, or whatever. Tell me, the next time you see really class act riders do that- because they know you are presenting a picture. It conveys a message to the judge.

I think the argument that dressage "isn't a fashion show" is somewhat of a cop out. You are at a show, you are presenting your horse and yourself to the judge, and if you're going to spend countless hours and dollars to get there, why not look the best you can?

Maybe the brand of helmet is not important, but let's say, for a second, that our original poster thought it would be okay to show up in a dark plastic troxel, and was asking this question- I would absolutely tell her that she should invest in a different helmet. She wouldn't HAVE to, but she SHOULD.

I can already feel the flames on this one- but WHATEVER- go ahead and look sloppy/out of place.

[STF]

A month and half ago a local rider who I grew up with died after a fall where the horse stepped on her head. 20+ yrs in the saddle and a freak accident cost her, her life. I dont even think she was 40yrs old yet!
Huge wake up call for me. I was one of those who rode in baseball caps, derbys and the old hunt caps. Not anymore.
I have a Charles Owen that is not maybe the most fashionable, but my brain matter is def. more safe than it use to be. I ride all the horses now in a helmet. I have worked to hard and have a wonderful husband with 3 beautiful children to think about. I wear it for them, not me.

[WhatzUp]

Thank you Paula and the other posters who gave some good advice.
I guess I like clothing more than some other posters (need one of those little embarrassed faces) lol...maybe it was a dumb inquiry.


Hi,

I disagree with you - this is NOT a dumb enquiry.

Every discipline have demi-disciplines of fashionistas.

I believe in clean, well-fitting apparel and tack - it
should never distract from the performance of the
horse.

It should not ever be dirty or too small/too big, and
the same goes for helmets !

If I may sugggest go and try on a bunch of SEI helmets
and buy the one that fits you the best and that you the
most comfortable in.

Take along your show clothes to be absolutely sure.

- then proudly wear it all the way up the levels !!

Yours in sport,

Lynn

[STF]

Donella,
I don't think you are weird AT all in your quest to look as good as possible. I think FAR too many dressage riders show up with "looking around" so to speak. In no way should dressage become a fashion show, but it is about "presenting a picture", and IMO, if you are striving to do the best you can, you should try to look the best you can. A lot of what I see at shows is just plain sloppy- it doesn't cost anymore to take these additional steps- but people still show up with fuzzy hair, dirty boots, or whatever. Tell me, the next time you see really class act riders do that- because they know you are presenting a picture. It conveys a message to the judge.

I think the argument that dressage "isn't a fashion show" is somewhat of a cop out. You are at a show, you are presenting your horse and yourself to the judge, and if you're going to spend countless hours and dollars to get there, why not look the best you can?

Maybe the brand of helmet is not important, but let's say, for a second, that our original poster thought it would be okay to show up in a dark plastic troxel, and was asking this question- I would absolutely tell her that she should invest in a different helmet. She wouldn't HAVE to, but she SHOULD.

I can already feel the flames on this one- but WHATEVER- go ahead and look sloppy/out of place.


And then we can look at it to see those prefectly dressed riders to the "9's" in their 1500 outfit that the riding is so bad that it hurts the eyes to watch. So, I guess those $900 boots and $400 breeches dont help the ability to sit the trot correctly. ;)

[Sabine]

interesting thread- after what happenend to Ricardo Amaya- a much respected and kind dressage pro in SoCal- I guess more peeps are wondering about how to protect their brains and still do dressage.

Just found out that you CAN wear a Charles Owen or GPA at ANY level- but you have to wear a regular dressage coat- and can NOT wear tails with this- in other words if I want to show PSG- I'd have to wear a regular dressage coat with the GPA/Owens brain protector...no top hat and no tails...but you can still compete...interesting...eh??

[Donella]

K let me restate this...I have worn a helmet every single time I have gotten on the back of a horse since I was a small kid. My mom made it absolutely neccissary and I would feel naked without it. I worry about this kind of stuff alot more than most people..really. I am just wondering which type most people think looks the nicest in terms of dressage turnout for shows.

And I am also glad to see I am not the only one who will admit that they care about how they look when they show. Gosh, what is so bad about wanting to look ones best?. I spend many hours prepping my horse..and many hours in the saddle (and yes, I can sit the trot thanks) and so would like to look my best when I go in front of a judge.

Just found out that you CAN wear a Charles Owen or GPA at ANY level- but you have to wear a regular dressage coat- and can NOT wear tails with this- in other words if I want to show PSG- I'd have to wear a regular dressage coat with the GPA/Owens brain protector...no top hat and no tails...but you can still compete...interesting...eh??

That is really odd. I wonder why??

[myrna]

I second the JR8..................

[JRG]

I too have a JR8. I also have a small and distinctly oval head. Very comfy. This is my second helmet I use just for showing. I choose the all black version, the one I school at home in just hapens to be the GR8 but it has the grey stripe down it.

[SillyHorse]

And I am also glad to see I am not the only one who will admit that they care about how they look when they show. Gosh, what is so bad about wanting to look ones best?. I spend many hours prepping my horse..and many hours in the saddle (and yes, I can sit the trot thanks) and so would like to look my best when I go in front of a judge.
You didn't ask what helmet would look best on you. You asked what "THE" helmet to wear was, implying that the brand or style is what you're interested in. I believe that most of us care very much how we look when we show. But we don't obssess about brands or styles or colors.

[2Below]

I love my new CO JR8! It's SO comfortable. I'm an every horse, every ride helmet wearing trainer, this is the nicest (and most expensive) helmet I've owned, I love it. I got the one with the charcoal stripe too, keep a helmet cover on it at home so it'll stay nice for the shows. I understand wanting to look good in the ring though. Nearly everyone I compete against in my division at my level wears a tophat, even though we're not FEI! My velvet cover on my old Troxel definitely paled in comparison. Go ahead and get a nice helmet, and wear it proudly.

[J Swan]

Actually, the traditional turnout for the lower level rider would be a bowler, not a hunt cap. (certified or not)

Troxel does make a certified helmet with a bowler design. And it costs 100$.

[hoopoe]

Just found out that you CAN wear a Charles Owen or GPA at ANY level- but you have to wear a regular dressage coat- and can NOT wear tails with this- in other words if I want to show PSG- I'd have to wear a regular dressage coat with the GPA/Owens brain protector...no top hat and no tails...but you can still compete...interesting...eh??



actually, if you read the rules take a look at DR120 . 4 This section allows for the use of a safety / hard hat with a tail coat at above 4th level.

I have seen it done under conditions the rider felt warranted an extra ounce of caution.

[mjhco]

interesting thread- after what happenend to Ricardo Amaya- a much respected and kind dressage pro in SoCal- I guess more peeps are wondering about how to protect their brains and still do dressage.

Just found out that you CAN wear a Charles Owen or GPA at ANY level- but you have to wear a regular dressage coat- and can NOT wear tails with this- in other words if I want to show PSG- I'd have to wear a regular dressage coat with the GPA/Owens brain protector...no top hat and no tails...but you can still compete...interesting...eh??

PLEASE tell us in the USEF rule book it says this what you just said?

The following is FROM the USEF rulebook Dressage section:

4. Riders at all levels of competition must wear one of the following: A hunt cap or riding hat
with a hard shell, derby or top hat, military/police cap or hat, or protective headgear. Any exhibitor
may wear protective headgear at any level of competition without penalty from the
judge. Exhibitors choosing to wear protective headgear must wear a short, dark jacket, dark
tail coat (only permitted for tests above Fourth Level), or Armed Services or police uniform (if
eligible), dark hatcovers (where applicable) and must otherwise conform to DR120 (see
GR801).


It is best to look at the rulebook.

[STF]

This is my Charles Owen that I am very happy with. Maybe not a total fashion statement, but I have a better chance of going home to my kids/husband later after the ride which means a lot more to me than fashion.
http://www.spindletopfarm.net/DSCN0692.JPG

[swgarasu]

I have a black velvet Troxel Grand Prix helmet- I think any black velvet helmet looks nice (although I hate the striped ones. I have heard the striped ones are very cool and comfy though). Was anyone else annoyed by the DT article about dressing for shows, which failed to show anyone wearing a helmet?

[mjhco]

And Oh, by the way, I wear the GPA lookalike International ATH. It fits me better than the GPA. It is very cool and comfortable. I have competed it in through 4th level. And if footing is bad, I will wear it with my shadbelly.

Besides being safe it stands up very well to downpours (although rain coming through the vents feels really wierd).

I figure if Steffen Peters can wear a GPA, all the rest of us can to.

[mp]

I second (or I guess 3rd now) the black velvet Troxel Grand Prix. Not expensive, has a nice profile, and it's so comfortable, I forget I have it on.

Go to a local tack shop and try on different styles until you find one that's comfy and you like the look. Then that will be THE helmet ... for you. ;)

[Rival]

In my area the GPA is definately #1 with the Charles Owen GR8 coming in #2. I wouldn't doubt if the Charles Owen takes over the lead this year though since you can get it in so many colours (brown,navy,black,charcoal or pink!).

[ESG]

interesting thread- after what happenend to Ricardo Amaya- a much respected and kind dressage pro in SoCal- I guess more peeps are wondering about how to protect their brains and still do dressage.

Just found out that you CAN wear a Charles Owen or GPA at ANY level- but you have to wear a regular dressage coat- and can NOT wear tails with this- in other words if I want to show PSG- I'd have to wear a regular dressage coat with the GPA/Owens brain protector...no top hat and no tails...but you can still compete...interesting...eh??

Not so. Read the rule. Protective headgear is allowed at every level, including FEI.

And FWIW, I have shown in my Tipperary Sportage vented helmet, with a skull & crossbones sticker on the back. Gotta have some fun with this stuff. :D

[PaulaM]

copied directly from the FEI rule book, article 427

Article 427 DRESS
1. Civilians: At CDIs 3*, CDIOs, Championships, Regional and Olympic Gamesa black or dark blue tail coat (other colours may be approved by the FEI Dressage Committee by application), with top hat*, white or off white breeches, stock or tie, gloves, black riding boots and spurs must be worn. At all CDIs 1* and CDIs 2*, a black or dark blue jacket (see above) with a bowler hat or hunting cap is also permitted. This dress is also desirable for all other international dressage events, unless otherwise stated in any special rules.

Note*: If, for safety reasons, a rider wishes to wear an approved protective headgear, this is permitted.

National colours may only be used on collars of competitors’ jackets and must be registered with the FEI in accordance with GR Art. 127.

[amastrike]

Troxel Grand Prix here. Tasteful and traditional (and under $100). And it'll keep my head safe in case of a fall. There's no downside.

[Ibex]

I love the GR8, and it fit, but the plain international velvet cap looked better on me head and also fit.

There's a local girl who rides at I2/GP who wears her helmet with her tails; it looks odd at first but the horse is well known for some of his antics and it's a smart move on her part!

[amastrike]

There's a local girl who rides at I2/GP who wears her helmet with her tails; it looks odd at first but the horse is well known for some of his antics and it's a smart move on her part!
I'm of the opinion that no matter how well-trained a horse is, it's still a horse, and therefore unpredictable. Helmets always!

[Anselcat]

I'm of the opinion that no matter how well-trained a horse is, it's still a horse, and therefore unpredictable. Helmets always!

Ditto. I wish they wouldn't make it sound like the only reason to choose a helmet is because you don't trust the horse. How about just choosing to send a message to younger riders that it's OK at any level to opt for a helmet, every ride. Even traditions evolve.

[kashmere]

IRH makes a very nice black velvet cap, about half the price of the CO GR8, it's the helmet i would have bought had it fit me!

[Tiligsmom]

I have the the Troxel Grand Prix (I think that's the one). They are all a bit like big mushrooms, but this one is less bulbous than some ;)

Also, it really depends on your head shape. Since you've been wearing helmets since you were a child, you know there are some built for round heads and others built for oval heads. Mine is for an oval head and is very comfy.

[bird4416]

This is a very timely thread for me as I'm headed to a show this weekend for the first time in several years. I have a GPA and was worried about that I needed a more traditional look. I have a nice black velvet hunt cap on loan but would rather wear my GPA if this would not look out of place.

[cuatx55]

I like the Troxel Gold, had it for awhile now. The newer styles didn't fit or I didn't think they looked as good on me. They definitely very in shape, so go try them out!
For schooling i LOOOOVE the Tippeary Sportage, I WISH this also came in a show model.

[Bayou Roux]

Okay, humbly asking a fashion question--

Going to my first, ever, of any kind, show next month to ride Training & 1st level. Don't know if I'll ever do it again; this may be the experience that determines the future, so I'm not buying a new helmet for just the show, but...

I have your standard Troxel schooling helmet, ugly, plastic, and safe. Dark charcoal in color. Would a black velvet or lycra helmet cover improve or make worse the appearance of said helmet? Go with plastic-ugly with my head held high, or try to spiff it up just a bit? Head still head high, but...

What do you all think?

[cleozowner]

The black velvet covers are relatively inexpensive, and I think present a slightly cleaner picture, but I would hope that a judge wouldn't mark you down at a schooling show for a plastic helmet.
I also LOVE my Tipperary sportage, and wish it came in a more show-friendly form! I show in an IRH knock-off of the GPA helmets, and I like it a lot. I got the black velvet-covered version to keep it as traditional as possible.

If I hadn't worn a helmet while riding a few years ago, I certainly wouldn't be alive today (and I still got a nice concussion even with an approved helmet), so I never get on a horse without a helmet. If I were to ever ride upper-level dressage, I'd be the one sticking out with my GPA knockoff, but my ride would be more relaxed knowing I'm not using my skull as a crash helmet!

[Jupes]

awww. *I* want a skull and cross bones sticker...

[mjhco]

This is a very timely thread for me as I'm headed to a show this weekend for the first time in several years. I have a GPA and was worried about that I needed a more traditional look. I have a nice black velvet hunt cap on loan but would rather wear my GPA if this would not look out of place.

Your GPA will be fine.

Like I said, if Steffen Peters can show in one the rest of us can as well.

I have two GPA look alikes in my trailer that come out at shows, clinics, trail riding. I have two I keep at the barn to school in.

[Kementari]

The trick is to get one of those velvet covers that actually fits your particular helmet properly, and it looks quite nice. Get one that doesn't fit right, and it just looks sloppy. :yes:

Here's me riding in a Troxel Dakota (before I got the Grand Prix) with a velvet cover (Flex Rider, I think): http://s39.photobucket.com/albums/e185/MoonriseStables/Misc%20Jude%202/?action=view&current=ata.jpg

(Try to refrain from comment on my hands :o...as good an argument for that thread about adults being allowed - or possibly forced! :lol: - to ride in equitation classes as I've ever seen! :eek:)

[Donella]

Thanks for all the advice and comments guys...wow!
Right now I have the tipperary ..its green and ugly as sin, but it works well to wear over my touque in the winter and it is nice and cool in the summer. I also bought a velvet charles owen that I like alot but would like to just buy something nice for shows that will stay clean!
Haha I am lovin the thought of a pink charles owen...can someone direct me to this fabulousness? Maybe I will have to get a pink one for schooling and a clean up the black CO for shows?

Thanks again:D

[Margaret Freeman]

Another vote for the Troxel Grand Prix. I like the look on both myself and others. And I like the price. I've also found the velvet holds up very well to sun and wear. If I have to stow it inside something like a bag or trunk, then I pop it into a plastic bag from the grocery store so the velvet doesn't get crush marks.

[CDNJumperGirl]

Well, on our circuit (CDIs and National circuit dressage) just about everyone I see wearing a helmet is wearing a CO GR8. I really like the way they look, they're easy to keep clean, and they are nice and safe. :yes: