Are body protectors any use when it gets hot?

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stewie

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Having recently read the posts about Point Two getting into trouble with the ASA for saying that body protector were ineffective when they go above 30 deg C I started thinking...

I currently have an Airowear Zippa BP. I have noticed that the foam gets much softer when its warm. Airowear say that there body protectors should be used between 5-25 deg C and that outside of these temperature the protective value of the foam is significantly reduced.

The other day it was 27+ deg C where I ride! I was rather hot under my BP, but diligently wore it hacking as usual. Whilst gently sweating on my horse I wondered how worthwhile it is wearing this body protector given how soft the foam now felt and that it.

To cut a long story short I emailed a few of the major BP manufacturers and asked them how effective their BPs were above 25 deg C and if they had been tested at these temperatures.

...none of them have chosen to respond (I wonder why?!).
 
Interesting thread. I want to get a BP for as and when I get my new horse but even early morning/evening temps can be 30c + in the summer here so looking forward to reading the replies.
 
AndiK said:
Without being rude I would question why you are riding in 27 degrees + heat....
Click to expand...

Perhaps I should have enquired as to which country you are from.... It was ignorant of me to assume automatically that it was the UK.... I apologise and hang my head in shame if you are not UK based....
 
Can't give an answer about body protectors but...

My younger sister recently got one of these to protect her spine when she was competing in snowboard races:

http://www.forcefieldperformance.com/product/sport-lite-1-back-protector/2345

They are listed as suitable for horse riding, and did get a good write up in one of the major horse magazines (can't remember which one in particular). When taking my youngster out on the road alone for the first time she popped it on and found it very comfortable to ride in. It obviously does not give the same about of protection to the ribs as a full body protector, but may be an option if you are regularly riding in such warm temperatures and want spinal protection.
 
Good question
I would be interested in any reply you have too.
I am not uk based and reluctantly have been cajoled into having a bp when I compete,
The one I am looking at is the Racesafe type design.
Come on manufacturers, you cant all be on Bank Holiday??
JC
 
I'd also be interested in the reply. Round here the temperature is often over 27 C (AndiK the horses seem to adjust incredibly quickly!), and if you consider body temperature as well then I would say most of the time in spring, summer, autumn the BP could be affected.
 
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