Samshield’s Innovate Helmet Design Attracts Top Equestrians At Home and Abroad

With its mixture of high style and high-tech functionality, Samshield is already the helmet of choice for many of Europe’s top riders. Now ASTM/SEI approved and available for purchase in the U.S., Samshield is delighted to offer American professional and amateur riders the ultimate in fit, safety and style.

Thanks to Samshield’s customizable shell, riders can easily choose between a traditional look, something more fashion-forward, or even displaying their sponsor’s logo or showing off a little national pride. Unlike other helmets that offer only a handful of styles, Samsheild gives every rider the opportunity to create a helmet ideally suited to their taste.

“The first thing that caught my eye about the helmet is how beautiful they are,” says Noelle King, President of Judge My Ride and Equitation, by Judge My Ride Facebook pages. “I tend to like a traditional looking helmet that resembles the attire and the tradition of the hunt. Many of the helmets on the market now tend to look more like motorcycle helmets than something for horseback riding. This helmet is so versatile; riders can design their own custom look right on the interactive Samshield web site.”

Of course, while style important, the most critical features of any helmet will always relate to safety, fit, and comfort. Samshield’s strong, light polycarbonate outer shell and EPS inner core keep riders safe, while the helmet’s unique cutout design and innovative air channels ensure continuous comfort. “The Samshield helmet has state of the art technology to protect the wearer and remain snug and secure on the riders head. However, it is also lightweight and so comfortable,” explains King.

“Samshield was a big change for me,” says Henri Kovacs, a Hungarian Grand Prix jumper rider who recently represented his country at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Ky. “The helmets I’ve had before were much tighter on my head. When I ride with my Samshield, I honestly don’t feel any pressure from the helmet. It almost feels like you are riding without a hat on!”

Canadian Olympian, World Cup Champion and member of the U.S. 2010 WEG team Mario Deslauriers is also proud to ride in a Samshield helmet. “Compared to other helmets I’ve used in the past,” says Deslauriers, “Samshield offers incredible airflow – I never sweat in this helmet – and unparalleled comfort. Most importantly, the helmet is very balanced; it does not slip down into my eyes while I’m riding. Imagine that happening when you’re competing at high level?”

Many other high-profile equestrians, including professional Grand Prix riders Candice King, Marley Goodman, Brianne Goutal, Mario Deslauriers and professional hunter rider Alana Snowden are also on the growing list of Samshield devotees.

For Candice King, show jumping veteran and member of the U.S.A.’s winning Nations Cup Team at CSIO Rotterdam this past summer, the best thing about the Samsheild helmet is how well it stays in place. “I never have to worry about the helmet moving on me – getting knocked down over my eyes or otherwise shifting out of place,” she explains. “It feels the most conventional of the helmets I’ve worn and fit-wise it’s the most comfortable. I like the look because it is very classical and traditional, but the fit is state-of-the-art.”

“I love my Samshield helmet,” notes Goutal, winner of November’s $100,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix at the 88th Royal Horse Show in Toronto. “Its combination of safety and comfort makes it my favorite helmet to date. Further, I can say from experience that I can wear my Samshield helmet all day, and forget it is even there. It provides ventilation, which I love when we are in hot climates, and the color and texture options make it adaptable to any taste or style. I’m planning on wearing mine for a long time!”

Marley Goodman adds that Samshield’s safety technology provides peace of mind; while the helmet’s custom fit helps keep her comfortable during long hours in the saddle. “I feel very safe riding and jumping big fences in it,” she says. “I also love how there is less forehead pressure and you can wear it for hours at a time without experiencing any discomfort – I almost feel like I’m not wearing a helmet at all! I am very proud to be one of the first riders to wear a Samshield helmet in the U.S.”

“Samshield is the first helmet I’ve worn that combines comfort, modern airflow and good looks,” says Alanna Snowden. “I’ve worn this hat in temperatures over 100 degrees and feel a significant difference from helmets I’ve worn to date. Not only is it very functional, I also feel it is a hat suitable for all three rings. I’m looking forward to customizing my next one!”

For more information visit www.samshield.com