About this episode

Catherine Winter discusses essential rider safety equipment and standards to help riders choose the right gear.

Protecting yourself every ride starts with the right gear and knowing what works (and why) matters. In this episode of Ask an Expert, Ride EquiSafe founder, Catherine Winter, discusses helmets, body protectors, air vests, and safety stirrups, drawing on personal riding experience and deep product knowledge. You’ll learn how to assess fit, understand safety standards, and avoid common mistakes so you can ride with confidence at every level. Episode Highlights: 10:18: What the Virginia Tech helmet study means for riders and how to interpret certification standards 13:18: What MIPS technology is, why it matters, and what riders should know before buying a new helmet 27:38: When to replace your helmet or body protector and why impact, sweat, and age all matter 41:19: Body protectors vs. air vests: how they actually work, their strengths and limitations, and why pairing them offers the highest level of protection 50:22: What makes a stirrup a "safety stirrup" and how discipline, personal comfort, and fall history shape your choice Meet the Expert, Catherine Winter Catherine Winter is the founder of Ride EquiSafe, a business dedicated to helping riders make informed decisions about…

People in this episode

Guest: Catherine Winter

Topics covered

• rider safety
• safety equipment
• helmets
• body protectors
• air vests
• safety stirrups

Keywords

• rider safety
• helmets
• body protectors
• air vests
• safety stirrups
• MIPS technology
• safety standards

Sponsors

Connaway & Asso

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Ride EquiSafe

More episodes of Ask An Expert: Horse Care and Riding Advice

• Trust Your Gut: How the Equine Microbiome Impacts Health and Performance · May 6, 2026 · 1h 2m
• Every Breath Counts: Understanding the Equine Respiratory System · April 21, 2026 · 57 min
• Performance Psychology: Managing Nerves and Pressure in the Arena · April 7, 2026 · 1h 4m
• A Vet’s Guide to Managing Ulcer-Prone Horses · March 31, 2026 · 57 min
• Ride Smarter, Score Higher: Tips for Achieving a Personal Best in Dressage · March 25, 2026 · 1h 2m
• EPM Explained: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention · March 18, 2026 · 47 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Ask An Expert: Horse Care and Riding Advice podcast page.