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spoga horse autumn: Novelties with IQ and brainpower for horse and rider

In addition to established pieces of equipment in updated shapes, versions and colours, new, innovative products will also be presented at spoga horse autumn 2015. From cooling materials for shirts and co. through to an airbag integrated into the show jacket, from lightweight titanium bits, to extra thin saddle pads, through to 'nail varnish' for the hooves - astoundingly intelligent high-tech products provide a host of advantages for the horse and rider. All of this and further innovations and product developments from the equestrian sport sector are on display from 30 August to 1 September at spoga horse autumn in Cologne.

The fashion shows of the past spoga horse events have impressively demonstrated that the fashionable trends of the equestrian sport industry not only hold their own at the stables around the world, they also withstand the critical glances in every shopping arcade. In autumn, top fashionable collections and high-quality garments, such as for example unisex jodhpurs with full-seat perforated buckskin for a particularly good grip, discrete printed patterns in cappuccino contrasted tones or more pink shades will be among the highlights.

However, the last heat wave is still fresh in people's minds, the next wave of mid-summer temperatures is currently spreading across Europe. Which makes the 'cool', fashionable novelties at spoga horse autumn even more attractive: Since many of the top fashionable collections don't just look cool, they also score plus points because of their intelligent materials: For sensitive horse legs there are new brushing boots made of perforated neoprene with a metallic inside coating that systematically dissipate heat. The motto for the rider is also 'Keep cool and ride on!' There are riding shirts comprising of a special material for ladies, which are designed to transform sweat into cooling energy via an endothermic process. Novel base layer shirts are designed to tone up the deep torso muscles and thus ensure or promise the rider a better sitting position - made of bamboo, it is a luxurious feeling on the skin. One manufacturer is offering shirts with an integrated UV protection for more protection in the summer heat.

From jacket to balloon in 0.1 seconds
The theme 'protection' is not only asserting itself in terms of the current materials, but also regarding the functionality of the riding clothes. Whereas eventers are not allowed to ride "without", many show-jumpers are still not convinced that riding "with" is better for them: We are talking about safety vests and protectors and today there is a bigger selection than ever before. Some manufacturers have now integrated an airbag inside their show jackets especially for show-jumpers. In case the rider falls, the airbag inflates with a fraction of a second and transforms the slim jacket into a protective balloon. Thanks to continual developments, the vests and protectors become safer and more flexible all the time and weigh less. A redesigned vest for ladies has turned into a real statement. It is not only extremely lightweight and thin, thanks to its reversible design and trendy berry colour, it also sets bright accents. In contrast, a very technical looking protector type that features a silicon outside shell incites the rider to take a spontaneous, wild ride through space.

In order to protect the highly sensitive neck area between the helmet and vest, which is not covered, an extra neck support is being launched onto the market that can be worn in addition to the safety vest. A special elbow and shoulder protector is an additional safety package that resembles a bolero jacket with protector sleeves that one wears under the vest.

For a stable seat
How can the rider develop and maintain his seat as efficiently as possible - the manufacturers of saddles and accessories have been addressing this question tirelessly. Frequently the answer is to give the rider more grip, for example in the form of a particularly deep seat area. At spoga horse this is being presented among others in the form of a saddle for Icelandic horses or also for particularly dynamic dressage horses. A novel approach is to replace the knee rolls with individually adjustable thigh rolls. The aim here is to 'free' the knee and seat and provide a relaxing effect. Firm stirrup leathers that lie still because they stick to the saddle thanks to a grip insert on the underside, give the rider improved grip.

Everything in balance on the horse
Fundamentally, the rider can only sit well if the saddles sits properly. An innovative adjustment plate ensures the ideal position of every horse/saddle combination, which enables the girth of the saddle to be aligned at a right angle to the forehand of the horse. A new, 1.1 cm extremely thin saddle pad reduces the pressure on the horse's back caused by strong weight impact for example in the landing phase after the jump. Its intelligent molecules connect on impact, absorb the pressure and then turn soft again afterwards.

Grit your teeth together and get on with it! What is sometimes unavoidable for the rider, is not a good option for the horse. That is why spoga horse has plenty to offer for the protection of sensitive horse mouths: New bits by different manufacturers ensure harmonious communication. For example, a titanium bit for Icelandic horses. Titanium is very lightweight and has a pleasant feel in the horse's mouth also in winter. A popular bit with a much wider contact area on the tongue is now also offered in new versions for ponies and as a bridoon. A new bit, whose additional side safety rings protect the horse's mouth against the effect of hard-handed riders and beginners, is especially horse-friendly. A bit that also features a small, additional ring, which is however integrated into the bit ring to allow a more precise contact ensures a safe effect on nervous, young sports horses.

Finally: Bright colours from hoof to tongue
In the horse care area, a sweat scraper that can be operated using one hand stands out because it is made of bonded wood and has no edges or corners and lends every grooming kit a touch of Scandinavian flair thanks to its attractive appearance. On the topic of grooming kits. Taking a look at the range of new care and cleaning products such as shampoo, mane and tail care products and stain removers, one is almost tempted to make sure there are no pigs in the pedigree of some horses. Only one thing is missing: Nail varnish remover. Although it might be needed soon, after all nail varnish for the horse in twelve colours is already available. This can also have a practical advantage: For example, flag and team colours can be applied to the hoof. A nice idea for international competitions. And in fast-paced team competitions like polo, the team members can recognise each other more easily. Furthermore, the ladies can finally choose the colour of the hooves to match their own nails. But, don't be surprised if your four-legged friend sticks his tongue out at you in reply. And should it be dyed blue, don't panic, he has simply been munching away at his new blueberry flavoured, fruit jelly snack.



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