Helpful Tips for Dressage Riders

Tips to be Show Ring Ready!

by Michele Hundt

The latest innovations in helmet safety, style & comfort

Helmets today bring safety to a whole new level yet they are incredibly comfortable and beautiful to wear. We carry two of the most stylish and high-tech brands in the dressage market today—Samshield and Uvex. Both are manufactured with state of the art materials and borrow many features from other high-impact sports such as motocross, cycling and Alpine skiing as well as from industries such as construction which depend on safety.

Phillippe “Sam” Maloigne, a motocross and super-cross professional, created Samshield Helmets after he began riding in jumping competitions in 2003. He found that riding helmets fell far short of his motorcycle gear both in terms of protection and looks. So he set out to create a helmet that offered riders a combination of beautiful design and technical vision. Today Samshield helmets, made in France, are worn by international professionals, and every new model is road tested by the pros before it hits the market. 

Features:

• Strong, lightweight, scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell and now offer a new full carbon fiber, very strong and light

• Expanded polystyrene inner core

• Highly effective airflow channels keep rider’s head cool

• Hypoallergenic memory foam inserts accentuate perfect fit

• Leather covered foam harness system

• Removable, washable liner

Samshield Shadow Matt A high-style helmet with exceptional ventilation under the visor and through the shell. The outer shell is finished with a scratch-resistant and durable matte surface. In black, navy and brown. 
VG1-01-040 and ASTM/SEI 1163-15.

Samshield Custom This helmet provides great comfort since there is no contact or pressure on the forehead. Memory foam liner conforms to the head and won't compress. Cool air is funneled under the visor and through the durable, polycarbonate shell. Soft leather harness offers a secure, comfortable fit. The outer shell cover is made of Alcantara, a versatile water-resistant material that feels like luxurious suede.
VG1-01-040 and ASTM/SEI 1163-15.

Bring on the bling ShowChic Dressage also offers a variety of eye-catching Samshield Helmets designed with Swarovski crystals. Or go completely custom Choose your own shell color, top strip material, trim, accents, blazon color and personalization. 

“The safest helmet is one that is a pleasure to wear.”  Simon Sirries, Uvex Sports, US

Uvex is a huge German company that designs and manufactures safety gear for industrial professions so the sports division, which makes helmets for equestrian, cycling and alpine sports conforms to the highest standards of safety and ergonomics. 

Features:

• Hardshell injection molding method ensures incredibly lightweight yet stable construction.

• Uvex Helmets conform to all recent industry safety safety standards.

• Excellent ventilation. Large outside vents draw cool air in while airflow channels on inside of helmet send warm air out.

• Memory foam on inside prevents pressure points along the forehead.

• Helmets come in three general sizes XXS-S, S-M, M-L.

• Ring-Fast Adapting System offers 3-D size adjustment capability for a completely custom fit. Just place the helmet in the proper position and turn    the wheel clockwise to tighten or counter-clockwise to loosen.

• Monomatic comfort closure lets you close or release the chin strap with one hand.

• Soft peak protects against injuries.

• All-season removable, washable inner liner

Uvex Perfexxion Active This helmet’s sleek, athletic look is perfect for everyday schooling even on the hottest days. In Black, Navy, Gray, Brown. ASTM F1163-04a/SEI certified.

Uvex Suxxeed Velour  Looks as elegant as the classic top hat shape, but offers real protection and comfort and is suitable for spectacle wearers.  In Black, Navy.  ASTM F1163-04a/SEI certified

  

SHOW HELMET

  • Prior to the show check condition of your show helmet.
  • Follow manufactures instructions as how to clean your helmet.
  • Check your helmet liner. Clean or replace as needed.
  • Check chin clips.

 

HAIRBUN HOLDERS

  • Wash by hand and air dry. Check clips.
  • Have a spare!
  • Unless you are very blonde the hairbun holder should match your jacket and show coat.
  • Keep extra bobby pins, hair spray, and hair elastics in your show bag for emergencies.

 

SHOW COATS TIPS

  • Prior to the show, try on your show coat and check the fit. A proper fitting show coat should be comfortable and make an impression on the judges.
  • Check all buttons, match and replace as needed.
  • Give your show coat a face lift just by replacing all the buttons and adding a new matching stock tie.
  • Don’t forget your pocket square.
  • If you have USDF Medals or other buttons, they are placed on the right lapel. 
  • Check with your local tack store for the replacement buttons. OR for a custom look, visit your local fabric store. Remember to purchase enough to replace all buttons.
  • When putting on the replacement buttons make sure to sew the buttons on tight. This helps keep them from pointing downward.
  • Pack an extra complete set of buttons for the show.
  • Pack and use a microfiber dusting cloth on your jacket between classes to remove show ring dust. It can also be used to dust off your helmet.
  • Spray Scotch Guard on your show coat to help keep it clean during the show.

 

SHOW SHIRTS

  • Prior to show check the condition of your show shirts.
  • Make certain show shirts have all the buttons or still zip. Replace as needed.
  • Pack enough show shirts for 2 a day. If you are riding in several classes a day, keep your look fresh by changing your show shirt.
  • If you are showing in the hot summer months, make sure to pack a light solid colored show shirt for if jackets are waved.
  • Check for stains. Spot wash with your handy Tide To Go stick.

 

STOCK TIES

  • Pack a minimum of 2. You may only need 1, but it is always good idea to have at least 1 spare.
  • Check to make certain Velcro still works or buttons are still in place.
  • Check to make certain it fits the show shirt you are planning to wear.
  • Check for stains. Spot wash with your handy Tide To Go stick.

 

STOCK TIE PINS

  • It’s a nice touch to match your stock tie pin to the color stones in your horse’s browband.
  • Stock tie pins can be easily lost or forgotten, pack extras.
  • Check condition of pin. After every show, wash with mild soap and towel dry to keep the luster.

 

BREECHES

  • Check condition of your white show breeches.
  • Check the zipper and waist closure. Try on to ensure proper fit. Replace as needed.
  • Pack belts and socks. Remember socks are not just worn under your boots.
  • Washing Tips - Spot wash with Tidy Pantz or Simple Green.
  • Turn your breech inside out and launder in gentle detergent with like colors.
  • Remove promptly and roll up in a towel to remove excess water. Hang to dry.
  • DO NOT BLEACH!
  • Prior to show spray your breeches with Scotch Guard to help them stay clean and white. Do not spray your seat
  • At the show, spot wash with your handy Tide To Go stick.
  • Pack 1 pair per show day along with an additional pair for a spare.
  • If you are wearing a tail coat, make sure to pack high waisted breeches, or for a lower waist breech, a very nice belt. 

 

OVERALL LOOK

  • Beautiful earrings can be another piece of jewelry that can match your stock tie pin or brow band.
  • A little lip gloss before entering the ring not only polishes your look, but keeps your lips from getting dry during your ride. 
  • Make sure that your gloves are still sticky and in good condition. 
  • Spur straps should match the color of your boots and be clean.