The “stigma” associated with wearing protective gear when showjumping appears to be fading, but more individuals need to jump on board, according to an A&E medic.
Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) and the World Showjumping Championships are excellent examples where prominent riders have worn air jackets. Nevertheless, doctor Kate Ward, who has jumped up to 1.40m level herself, shared some thoughts regarding this topic. Since she works in the trauma unit of Kent hospital, she sees people hurt in horse-related incidents every day. And even though people were wearing safety helmets, only one patient in the last two years had some kind of body protection and ended up being unarmed in her seventies.
Kate herself rides with a body protector on a daily basis. The pivotal moment for Kate was when she had a really “fortunate” accident. She landed on a soft surface as opposed to concrete since her horse had taken a left turn rather than a right turn. Kate bought one air jacket as a result of that occurrence.
Kate Ward questioned, “Why is there still a stigma in our society about safety?” “Do riders think that wearing additional protection is degrading? Are we stuck in the dark ages regarding tradition?” Safety must be taken seriously by everyone, says Kate. I just have sentiments regarding equestrian sports safety, and you would understand why if you saw the injuries I deal with on a weekly basis. All of my findings are based on observation. Anything that lowers the danger of catastrophic injury should be regarded as necessary because it can do no harm and only good, Kate mentioned.
Andrew Bourns’ life story
Andrew Bourns (US-based Irishman), one of the riders wearing an air vest at the RIHS, shared his life story. Kevin Babington (Irish showjumper), who is one of Andrew’s close friends, fell and broke his neck, leaving him paralyzed. Andrew’s mother insisted on wearing an air vest after that incident. Once he began wearing one by the “Freejump” brand, he got fully sponsored by them. It’s crucial to emphasise how grateful I am for Freejump’s help, says Andrew Bourns. It is entirely worthwhile if it prevents one rider from dying or suffering a serious injury.
Andrew’s mom was forced to use a wheelchair for eight years, prior her death, after breaking the neck in a horse accident. That’s why this is an issue that is particularly personal to him.
All clients and close people of Andrew are riding in the air vests!
Jodie Hall McAteer’s impression
It’s a risky sport, and it’s simple to overlook the danger every time you canter into the ring, so having that extra degree of safety and security is absolutely important, according to Jodie Hall McAteer, who is also backed by Freejump and was riding in one of the company’s vests at Hickstead. When I initially put it on, I wasn’t sure and was a little doubtful, but you don’t really notice it. It’s quite cosy and lightweight, mentioned Jodie.
Equine safety consultant’s reflection
There has been a surge in sales of safety vests to showjumpers this year, according to Zara Dickson, an equine safety consultant for the company Helite. She acknowledges that there has been stigma, including in the eventing’s dressage and showjumping divisions. However, studies have shown that you are more likely to have an accident while schooling or hacking, and many showjumpers have been purchasing them for at-home schooling of young horses.
Helite, according to Ms. Dickson, does not want customers to feel as though they have been “sold a product,” but rather explains why they require the protection and how it would benefit them. People have given us testimonies stating that the body protectors have saved their lives. Although it can be challenging to convey the importance of safety without coming off as a salesperson, it’s encouraging to see that more and more athletes at different levels in showjumping are using them.
Source: Horse&Hound
