Back Protectors and Hats

[Nessie.x]

Hi all I am need of a new back protector as going to be doing some x country open days and booked on a Adult camp weekend in september. I have not been in the loop lately with regards to regulations etc with Back protectors any suggestions would be great I have not got a massive budget mat of about £100.
I am prob in need of a new hat too really had mine for a long time so suggestions on that too would be good.
I dont have a horse of my own at the moment but lucky enough to ride other peoples horses and to take one to the above
Thanks in Advance

 

[ThePony]

Sounds really unhelpful, but you really need to head to a shop with a good selection of different brands so you can find a hat and bp that fit your shape well.

I personally like Charles Owen or Champion for hats - usually a person will fit one shape or another. If you want to do xc then stick to a skull so you don't have any fixed peak probs.

For bp then with your budget you will have plenty of choice - you will want a level 3 one - the vast majority of those sold for the competing and leisure rider will conform to this. I like my airowear one v much as it is super comfy, and fits me well without making me feel constricted and also no probs with it catching on the cantle. There are a fair few makes in your price bracket that are worth looking at - Rodney Powell, Charles Owen, Champion, Harry hall etc.

It just comes down to what fits well. If the shop you try doesn't have something you are totally happy with the fit and comfort of then walk away and try somewhere else that stocks different brands.

No hat or bp is safe if the fit isn't right.

 

[polly1976]

Hi Nessie,
I ditto everything Thepony says above. I hvae Charles owen hat, skull and showing. The fit was best as a i have small head. As for BP's £100 will def be plenty to get what you need. I went to my local saddlery. Mine was made to measure as have body width of child but adult length. Still only set me back £95 made to measure. Its really comfortable.
Cannot stress the fit though. Get down your local saddlery and get shopping. If you fall into standard sizes then you should be able to save a few pennies by ordering on line.
Good Luck

 

[iconique]

Theres a great saddlers in Newton Abbot - Leonard Coombe - from when I used to rep they were really friendly and helpful, not too pushy with clients. I suggest go and have a talk with them and see what they come up with and try a few on.

Explain to them that budget is important and get them to talk you through your options, they used to have a saddle to sit on when trying a body protector on and its important you do to check fit.

Looking doesn't hurt, its the buying that does!! can't buy until you've tried!!