For the sake of safety, panic buckles are used in the harness. These shackles are released by pulling on a latch, even when under great tension. I recommend panic buckles on the leads anyway. Basically, there are panic buckles for everything, including the trouser straps and back straps, but that is more for ease of use. However, panic buckles at the trouser straps are possibly useful to be able to unhook quickly if something happens to your single pair. Still, that is more luxury than necessity. Panic buckles at the stirrups are necessary. As a driver, you cannot reach them when your horse is upset.
The Ideal and Zilco brands we carry have an extra quick-release buckle at the breast on a number of models, so that you can also loosen the leads on the side of the horse. This can be desirable if, for example, the horse has fallen or is very beat up and you don't dare loosen the leads behind the legs.
Men's body protector
Special body protectors are approved for equestrian sports. Note that these protectors have the EN standard. Within those certified bodyprotectors, you have special men's bodyprotectors. These are somewhat shorter in the back. If you sit in the seat on the bucking pad, you don't want to get caught in the pad with the tail part of the bodyprotector. Otherwise, the protector will be pushed up and you will be sitting with the edge of the bodyprotector in your neck. Not all equestrian bodyprotectors are therefore suitable for the horseman.
Standard body protector
Within the body protector standardisation, you have three levels. Level 1 is only a back protector, level 2 a back and chest protector and level 3 is an all-round protector, then your side is also protected. I sell all three models. The question here is also whether you want the body protector model with a view to maximum safety or whether you only want to meet the requirements of the KNHS, which makes its use compulsory in the marathon. For the latter, a minimal back protector is already sufficient for level 1. Keep in mind that different standards may apply abroad.
Cap
For the cap, the same applies as for the bodyprotector. You must have the standardised helmets for equestrian sports. There are very nice bicycle helmets, which would not be out of place in riding, but you should not use them, as they are not certified for equestrian sports. It is especially important to bear this in mind with regard to insurance.
Juliette Post/The Menner
