Advice regarding back protector

[satinbaze]

Hi Folks
I’m in need of some advice. I used to ride a lot in my 20s at riding schools, but due to time and costs had to give up riding until I retired a couple of years ago. I am now riding twice a month at a local riding school and loving it. I usually have a private lesson once a month and a hack once a month. I obviously wear a good hat but I have never worn any body/ back protection. However I have recently found out that I will probably need to have one of my kidneys removed and obviously I need to look after my remaining kidney. So my question to you all is which kind or brand of back protection should I be looking at. I don’t do any jumping but the horse I normally ride is over 17hh so I’m now going to be anxious I don’t bang my kidney if I fall off.
all advice gratefully appreciated.

 

[Wishfilly]

Modern body protectors are very good, but in this case I would possibly consider investing in an airjacket as well as a good body protector (air jacket worn over body protector) as this will give you the best possible protection?

 

[Maddie Moo]

I have a RaceSafe which I love, it’s very light and flexible and I forget I’m wearing it!

I agree with Wishfilly about considering an air jacket over the body protector for extra protection.

 

[Skib]

You need to try bps on and find the brand that fits you best. I cant wear a race safe (even their fitters agree) but can wear Airowear and once when I was slimmer I had a Champion.
However, bps that lace up the side (like Race safe) cannot be adjusted as well as ones with two fastenings at both bust and the lower edge.
OH was fragile and wore an airjacket but you need to check wth the RS and remember to anchor it to the saddle and to disconnect it before dismounting.

 

[ycbm]

I would go with an air jacket if you are going to wear only one, but for maximum protection an air jacket over a body protector.
.

 

[satinbaze]

I have just checked with the riding school, explained the situation and they are happy for me to use an air jacket and for me to attach the attachment to the saddle correctly.
I like the sound of the point 2 soft shell as it specifically mentions it protects the kidneys. Very expensive but I feel it is much better to spend the money than risking damaging my good kidney.
thank you all for the advice

 

[ycbm]

All point 2 protect the kidneys, imo, but the soft shell is really smart!
.

 

[ycbm]

Forgot to say, sorry you've got the dodgy kidneys!
.

 

[satinbaze]

Forgot to say, sorry you've got the dodgy kidneys!
.

thank you, fortunately it is only one that is dodgy which makes the other one v precious. However that one is doing a sterling job and working perfectly
Just hope the consultant agrees I can continue riding with appropriate protection

 

[Widgeon]

Just a thought, assuming you'll be leaving the attachment on your regular horse's saddle - it might be worth buying a spare saddle attachment for your jacket. Just in case someone at the RS removes it from the saddle! I'm not sure how the Point 2s attach but my HitAir goes onto the stirrup bars under the leathers and I wouldn't want to faff around getting it on and off every time I rode.

 

[satinbaze]

Just a thought, assuming you'll be leaving the attachment on your regular horse's saddle - it might be worth buying a spare saddle attachment for your jacket. Just in case someone at the RS removes it from the saddle! I'm not sure how the Point 2s attach but my HitAir goes onto the stirrup bars under the leathers and I wouldn't want to faff around getting it on and off every time I rode.

thank you that is a very good idea to have a spare.

 

[Skib]

I fit my own leathers to the stirrup bars every time I hack. After being sent out once with Irons too small for my adult winter boots and falling with my foot jammed.
I must have done it once a week for about 15 years and it isnt a problem. Can be tricky on a stiff, uncleaned saddle but mostly OK even for my elderly fingers. So I see no problem fitting the air jacket. OH did. His only complication using an air jacket at the RS, was getting a second shorter string so he had one for the pony and the longer one for the old horse he rode.