Safety gear is the one category where we never compromise. Helmets save lives, body protectors reduce injury in falls, and air vests add protection for cross-country and eventing. There is no such thing as a good cheap helmet — only certified ones.

What to Look For

• Helmet: current safety certification (ASTM/SEI or VG1), snug fit, replaced after any significant fall
• Body protector: certified to current standards, fitted while you’re on a horse or mounting block
• Air vests: for cross-country and eventing — check the canister and practice deployment
• Hi-vis: for hacking on roads, every time

Our Advice

Replace your helmet after any fall where your head hits the ground — even if it looks fine. The foam absorbs one impact, not two. And never buy a used helmet; you don’t know its history.

Read more in our beginner safety guides.