New Product! Discover our ARION HST Show Jumping Boots!

Information and explanations in this new article.

Contents 

Show protectors for my horse
Arion HST show protectors

Show protectors for my horse 

In competition, and more particularly in show jumping, protections are essential. Beyond the aesthetic character, they allow to protect our horse from possible shocks. 

The importance of show jumping protection

When we practice show jumping, whatever our level or the height of the bars, we place our horse in front of a risk. Indeed, between the speed of the gallop and the fact of crossing the obstacles, there are many risks that the horse hits itself. By moving at more than 20 km/h (between 250 and 400 m per minute) and by linking jumps and curves, the horse can hit its limbs against each other. Also, during jumps, our horses sometimes hit the bars. While they usually hit with the hooves, the front or rear barrels can also be hit.

The role of the protections is then to absorb the possible shocks in order to protect the limbs of the horse. 

On the other hand, gaiters and other protections play a crucial role in the presentation of our horse in competition. Indeed, the protections have their role to play for the finalization of a complete equipment, answering the expectations of the stewards in the paddock. 

Whether it is show jumping or Hunterthe jury will be very interested in the style and aesthetics of the horse when it is on the track, so it is best to make it as beautiful as possible.

Regulations, what is and is not allowed on the grounds 

As we all know, our sport is governed by more or less written regulations. Indeed, the obligations and needs in terms of equipment or clothing for riding, competition or training are not always written in black and white. However, in response to the aristocratic heritage of our sport, we must maintain a certain etiquette of horsemanship, whether or not we are competitors. 

Nevertheless, some rules are well and truly noted in the official regulations. For example, in competition, the rider cannot wear whatever outfit he wants and the horse cannot be presented with any kind of harness. 

There are also regulations for competition protection. 

Concerning the gaiters and foreleg protections, the regulations are quite flexible. Nevertheless, fetlock protectors do not suffer the same fate. The rules of the FFE is strict, only one category of fetlock protectors is allowed, whether in the paddock or on the track. The September 2021 update of the competition rules specific to show jumping specifies the type of competition protection authorized depending on the event.

In general terms, only hind leg protectors with a single shell not exceeding 20 cm on the inside and 5 cm on the outside are authorized. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in the elimination of the rider from the competition. 

Please note, however, that the regulations differ according to the events reserved for seven-year-old horses, the Club, Pony, Amateur or Prep events as well as the Pro or Teacher events. 

It is best to check this regulation before going to the competition.

Arion HST competition protections

At Arion HST, we are dedicated to making riding as comfortable as possible for your horse, in order to optimize its performance. In addition to our our saddles and accessoriesArion's saddlery now includes protections.

The work of the materials for an optimal comfort

In the purest respect of our values, our competition protections meet high requirements. Indeed, and because we want them to be durable and comfortable, our competition protections are made in France in noble materials, using 100% French leathers 🇫🇷.

• Other components

In addition to leather, our competition gaiters are made of soft polymer covered with a layer of woven nylon. This alloy forms the anti-shock and absorbent aspect of the gaiter. The fabric does not heat up the horse's skin. The protections are quickly forgotten so that your horse remains focused only on its performance.

Specific competition protections for horses

The purpose of the show protectors, like the working protectors, is to protect the barrel area on the limbs of our horses. 

But, why this particular area? The cannon area, whether it is the anterior or the posterior, is composed of :

• the metacarpal bone on the anterior and metatarsal on the posterior,
• the medial and lateral rudimentary metacarpal and metatarsal bones, 
• of the suspensory ligament of the fetlock,
• superficial and deep flexor tendons.

It is then a rather dense and rather fragile body region. Indeed, on the barrel, no muscle exists, nor sufficient quantity of fat to protect the whole.

The protections thus compensate for the fragility of this area. Moreover, they are essential because, in case of trauma, more or less serious lesions can appear. These lesions, as is the case of surosThese lesions, as in the case of suros, can cause lameness.

Three questions about Arion's contest protectors

What are the materials used to make the competition protections?

Our competition pads are made of leather for strength and resistance. 

When will it be possible to buy these protections?

Our competition protections already equip some of our riders our riders. They will be available for sale very soon. We will inform you via our social networks !

Is it necessary to have competition protection?

Protective gear is neither essential nor mandatory in competitions. However, for reasons of comfort and safety, it is preferable to use them.