From EN: US Wins Gold in Helmet Wearing at WEG

Team USA may be in bronze position overall but when it comes to helmets, we’re leading the pack. All six American riders completed their WEG dressage tests in helmets, making an unprecedented statement about where the U.S. eventing team stands on the issue of protective headgear.

Helmets are still less popular than top hats in international championship competition but they’re swiftly gaining ground — British dressage world record holder Charlotte Dujardin wore one on her way to multiple WEG Gold Medals on Valegro this week. In 2012 we noted that only two event riders competed in helmets at the London Olympics, which seems meager in comparison to the number of helmets worn by WEG event riders this week:

Phillip, Boyd, Kim and Buck wore helmets by Charles Owen. This maker of helmets and body protectors has been tremendous in its support of eventing and was named the official helmet of the USEA in 2012. The company has sponsored events ranging from Rolex to the AECs as well as a variety of individual riders.

Boyd Martin and Shamwari 4. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Kim Severson and Fernhill Fearless. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Photo courtesy of Phillip Dutton Eventing FB.

Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Want the look? Check out the Ayr8 with Piping by Charles Owen. This helmet expertly blends function, comfort and style and is fully customizable. Choose from an exclusive leather look fabric or a more traditional microfiber suede, select a main color, match or contrast it with a mesh color and a paint color, and then accent it with either single or double piping, available in many options including cotton, suede, leather look, stonewash, patent, sparkly and metallic. There are tens of thousands of possible combinations so you can create a truly unique look.

Ayr8 with Piping by Charles Owen.

Sinead wore a helmet by her sponsor KEP Italia. This helmet maker prides itself on cutting-edge safety, perfect fit, maximum comfort and top-shelf style. Its products feature an advanced air ventilation system and cutting-edge material innovations.

Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Want the look? Check out the KEP Cromo-T Textile Riding Helmet. Available in three colors, you can choose from a chrome or opaque finish in a matching color lpus a chrome, opaque or metal glossy frame finish.

KEP Cromo-T Textile by KEP Italia.

Go eventing in a helmet!