Malcolm Dunning Saddlery – July editorial

Safety is top of the list at Malcolm Dunning Saddlery

We all know how important it is to make sure our riding hat and body protector fit correctly and are in good working order but how many of us get ours regularly checked. 

Competition season is well underway and with Pony Club Camp just round the corner it is an ideal time to give existing equipment the once over. 

“I am surprised by how many riders out there have poorly fitted riding hats,” said Claire Limburn, Manager of Malcolm Dunning Saddlery.  

“Heads come in all shapes and sizes and we are very much aware that riding hats are an investment and so we encourage customers to take their time to try on a few different styles to make sure that it is the right hat for them. It is not only from a safety point of view that a hat should be fitted but for comfort too,” said Claire. 

As well as making sure that the riding hat still fits properly it is really important to have the hat checked regularly as external appearances can be deceptive. 

If a hat is dropped or has taken a knock during a fall it is imperative that it is replaced.  Even though the external shell of the hat may look just a little scratched it is the damage to the internal components that is important to detect. 

Lisa Gregory from Charles Owen says: “A riding helmet is designed to absorb and dissipate the energy generated from an impact before it reaches the brain. If the shell or lining is damaged it can severely compromise the safety performance of the helmet, putting the wearer at heightened risk of injury. Replacement after a fall is vital to ensure maximum safety benefits.”

Malcolm Dunning Saddlery stock an array of riding hats including the Ayr8, Ultralite Euro, The Competitor, H2000, J3 and Fiona Show Hat from Charles Owen as well as the H.S.1, Airflow, Cool Rider Jockey Skull Cap and the Hickstead Velvet from Gatehouse.

All the team at Malcolm Dunning’s are fully trained in the fitting of riding hats and body protectors. Even if you are not purchasing a new hat or body protector the staff are always available to check an existing hat or body protector for its fit.

Everyone who rides knows they should wear a hat but many forget that the back is just as vulnerable as the head. Body protectors protect more than just the back, they also look after the whole of the upper torso.

Malcolm Dunning Saddlery stock and fit the Airowear Reiver 010 body protector in both adults and children’s sizes. Airowear is one of the UK’s leading designers and manufacturers of body protectors.

Airowear body protectors are made from materials which absorb and spread impact thereby lessening or reducing the injury sustained from a fall or kick. The body protectors use two layers of high density PVC Nitrile foam. The foam is perforated to increase flexibility, reduce weight as well as increase and improve airflow.

For the latest Malcolm Dunning Saddlery offers and discounts on Newmarket products, jodphurs and the Amigo Turnout Lite please sign up to our monthly newsletter at www.malcolmdunningsaddlery.com.

Malcolm Dunning Saddlery is open 10am-6pm Mon-Fri and 9am-5pm Saturday. Visit the shop at The Paddock, 288 Catherington Lane, Catherington, PO8 0TD, Tel: 023 9259 2295. email: sales@malcolmdunningsaddlery.co.uk or visit: www.malcolmdunningsaddlery.com