On a mission to

IN HIS quest to highlight rider safety with his new business Hoofprints Innovations, Dónal O’Beirne has spent weeks on the road over the summer attending events from the RDS to Millstreet, and beyond.

The new business has received lots of support from all sides of the industry including leading experts in safety and innovation like William Micklem, to the cutting-edge product safety companies such as Charles Owen, Hit-Air, Racesafe, and Harry Hall.

“For years I had this carefree attitude on horseback — while minding the horse I did not necessarily mind myself. I know now that the consequences of not equipping yourself properly are profound,” says Dónal.

By meeting riders face-toface, he hopes that his story will send a message to riders from all walks of life.

“We have to change the mindset of people, especially the hunting folk who think it’s still okay to ride in an old-fashioned riding hat which is not secure. Also you will hear of people using the same hats for years. After one serious fall, it is rendered useless. It’s like crashing a car with no seatbelt.

“Riding hats are so important, yet so many people still don’t wear them. Others buy them online without a proper fitting, which is insane. Also riders really need to know which hats are acceptable in competition.

“Back protectors are compulsory in eventing, but they will not save your neck in a fall. It is estimated that only about 60pc of event riders wear air vests, but that attitude needs to change too.”

During his time with Horseware, Dónal had an opportunity to meet some of the manufacturers of these products, and he is now more than happy to share his knowledge. “I am currently working alongside Harry Hall with their safety campaign. In the autumn, I will be happy to give public talks on rider safety to anyone who feels they might benefit from it.”