SpottedCat
Well-Known Member
I was just reading on EWW about the rotational fall at fence 1 of the Novice at SpringHill, in which the horse landed square on the rider and she walked away with a broken wrist (all be it after needing to be airlifted to hospital). She was wearing a body cage.
Now I have long thought these are a superb idea, and well worth the money considering the potentially life-saving effects, however I've also heard down-sides. Things I have heard (from pros in the main):
1. They don't look smart enough/are too bulky when riding for owners/sponsors;
2. There is a risk of whiplash because of the way they sit away from your neck.
Now personally, as someone unconcerned with riding for looks, I think first point is pretty silly. As for the second - well, surely whiplash is better than being crushed to death?
So why aren't they more widely used? I know the reason I don't have one is because last time I tried one on it was too long in the back and would hit the saddle - not great - but if they have a wider range of sizes and one which fitted me, I'd be keen to give one a try.
Is it the lack of pros wearing them? - look how a few pros have made the HS1 so popular.
Is it the price?
Is it because they feel 'odd'/different/heavy until you get used to them?
Or is there something else entirely?
Now I have long thought these are a superb idea, and well worth the money considering the potentially life-saving effects, however I've also heard down-sides. Things I have heard (from pros in the main):
1. They don't look smart enough/are too bulky when riding for owners/sponsors;
2. There is a risk of whiplash because of the way they sit away from your neck.
Now personally, as someone unconcerned with riding for looks, I think first point is pretty silly. As for the second - well, surely whiplash is better than being crushed to death?
So why aren't they more widely used? I know the reason I don't have one is because last time I tried one on it was too long in the back and would hit the saddle - not great - but if they have a wider range of sizes and one which fitted me, I'd be keen to give one a try.
Is it the lack of pros wearing them? - look how a few pros have made the HS1 so popular.
Is it the price?
Is it because they feel 'odd'/different/heavy until you get used to them?
Or is there something else entirely?