Body protector help, please

[Puppy]

As the Dunbo pony and I are looking to start jumping stuff in the forseeable future, I need to get shopping for a body protector. However, I have NO idea of what is on the market, having not bought one for more years than I care to count.

I am happy to spend good money for the right one. I am short (5'3") but rather large in the chest I have a permanent neck injury, which can restrict my movement and trouble my whole back, so comfort is absolutely essential.

Where on earth do I start? Suggestions of shops to visit to try some on (I'm in Cambs, so I guess Newmarket would be best) as well as suggestions of certain models, would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

[ihatework]

I'd suggest either a racesafe or a kan, both very comfortable and well fitted protectors.
RS will make a ladies fitting to order (bust room), and kan are naturally shaped for a bust.

 

[NR99]

R has just received her Kan which she loves, it may be great for you as it is designed to fit your own measurements. Before that she had a Rodney Powell which she also really liked. No idea of where to shop though!

 

[hcm88]

Racesafe
Kan
Airowear

All should accomodate for personal shape and all are comfortable. I do suggest going to the shop and trying many on so you can really feel which suit you best etc as personal preference will have a huge impact. I know some people who think Racesafes are uncomfortable but so many worship them for how comfy they are! I don't know your area so no idea what shops you've got though.

 

[dafthoss]

I got my racesafe from equicentric and they have tea and cake .

 

[kirstyhen]

Kan Kan Kan!!

If you google Tor Heard, she is a fitter for them in the Midlands.

 

[measles]

What are the wood wear ones like?

 

[NR99]

What are the wood wear ones like?

Heavy I should think

 

[ellie_e]

RACESAFE!!!!!!!

 

[kirstyhen]

Heavy I should think

Not particularly flexible either, and then you have the whole issue of whether they are from a sustainable forest or not...

 

[measles]

Oh, ha ha On phone and I blame it!!

WOOF wear then!! Need to find one that fits A but not much to choose from locally so will need to be an online purchase

 

[kirstyhen]

Oh, ha ha On phone and I blame it!!

WOOF wear then!! Need to find one that fits A but not much to choose from locally so will need to be an online purchase

I think A would look quite fetching in a Kan

 

[Puppy]

Thanks for all the replies so far

Another possibly dumb question, but since getting riding again I am pleased to say that I am starting to lose a few lbs. If I get one fitted to me (of any brand) can it be re-adjusted if I continue to lose weight?

I really need to lose another 1.5 stone

 

[SpottedCat]

Thanks for all the replies so far

Another possibly dumb question, but since getting riding again I am pleased to say that I am starting to lose a few lbs. If I get one fitted to me (of any brand) can it be re-adjusted if I continue to lose weight?

I really need to lose another 1.5 stone

Be difficult to readjust one I think. Why not come and stay for Badminton then try loads on

 

[Puppy]

Be difficult to readjust one I think. Why not come and stay for Badminton then try loads on

I think that sounds like a VERY good idea

Which days will you be going?

 

[SpottedCat]

I think that sounds like a VERY good idea

Which days will you be going?

Hopefully all of them! It's in the diary....hoping that I will be required as in previous years if you know what I mean

 

[Puppy]

Jolly good! I am keen for as many days as possible. When you know for sure then give me a shout about booking tickets I have a feeling my shopping list will continue to grow between now and then...

 

[arizonahoney]

I think the Kan is pretty adjustable widthwise... If you need to change size, you send the cover back to them and they send you a bigger or smaller one which dictates where the foam panels sit.

NB: if I am talking out of my ar53, please feel free to tell me!

 

[smurf]

Kan everytime. Wendy would take it back and adjust it too if you changed shape

 

[NeverSayNever]

Thanks for all the replies so far

Another possibly dumb question, but since getting riding again I am pleased to say that I am starting to lose a few lbs. If I get one fitted to me (of any brand) can it be re-adjusted if I continue to lose weight?

I really need to lose another 1.5 stone

im a bit of a BP geek The 4 i would consider are racesafe,kan, airowear or rodney powell.

Personally, I didnt like the kan i bought one bit, despite them trying very hard to help me fit wise, it was never comfy and no, not adjustable at all, so it went back. Great technology though.

I LOVE my racesafe and yes, they do adjust via a lacing system at the sides.

However, lol, I am *cough* 32 weeks pregnant and cant get in my RS anymore so a few weeks back i bought an airowear outlyne, which is shaped for laydees (like the kan) and is VERY adjustable. I am absolutely loving it, its heavier than the RS but once on you dont notice and with your body heat it softens and moulds to your shape. It adjusts at the top (boobage) and round your middle which for me means hopefully when I deflate it will go back small enough to keep wearing it as i really like it.

the Rodeny Powell i liked the look of but found really rigid and uncomfy.

 

[Posie]

I have an airowear outlyne and its fab, really moulds to you, unlike the racesafe which the bottom of the back doesnt really sit that close to you. I also have a rodney powell one as a spare and thats alright but not as nice as the outlyne.

 

[Jesstickle]

Puppy, if you want to try my Racesafe you know where I am. We wouldn't be a million miles apart in size I wouldn't say. Hope that hasn't offended you

Kan don't actually make one to fit my boobs. I tried at Burghley, it was hopeless! And being a racing bod I've always had Racesafes and probably always will.

Does this mean you're coming to Ely? I don't think I've got time to go schooling before hand though I'm out both days next weekend and this Saturday too. I know that isn't very helpful

 

[*hic*]

You're welcome to try little C's Kan if you wish.

 

[TableDancer]

Hopefully all of them! It's in the diary....hoping that I will be required as in previous years if you know what I mean

I saw Sue the other day, and she asked if I happened to know if you were available this year; I said I had a feeling you are because I'd seen you say somewhere else that you were hoping to get the call.

She's gone straight from Crufts to Cheltenham so up to her eyes at the mo, but I suspect they'll start sorting Badders soon

Puppy, I have a Racesafe which is comfy but I suspect the Kan gives much better protection and is also supposedly very comfy: miniTD has one which, despite being initially sceptical, she absolutely LOVES now, and if I had more pennies I'd buy myself one too

 

[Twiglet]

Be difficult to readjust one I think. Why not come and stay for Badminton then try loads on

I was about to say exactly the same thing

Am going to be buying mine at Badders....friend was buying last year and had the chance to try just about every brand in one place.

 

[Puppy]

Puppy, if you want to try my Racesafe you know where I am. We wouldn't be a million miles apart in size I wouldn't say. Hope that hasn't offended you

Ha! Not offended at all. And yes please to giving it a go, that would be fab. Perhaps I could collect it from you over the weekend?

Kan don't actually make one to fit my boobs. I tried at Burghley, it was hopeless! And being a racing bod I've always had Racesafes and probably always will.

Does this mean you're coming to Ely? I don't think I've got time to go schooling before hand though I'm out both days next weekend and this Saturday too. I know that isn't very helpful

I do want to come to Ely, although I really need to jump him a bit before then as aside from me being uber rusty he is going to be uber keen! As my dressage instructor said last week, I am going to get launched!

 

[Puppy]

You're welcome to try little C's Kan if you wish.

Yes please If I can squeeze myself into it

Is C home for Easter break soon?

 

[Puppy]

Am going to be buying mine at Badders....friend was buying last year and had the chance to try just about every brand in one place.

I think this is exactly what I'll do As well as borrowing a couple of to ride in between now and then.

Thank you for all the replies everyone Very helpful

 

[SpottedCat]

I saw Sue the other day, and she asked if I happened to know if you were available this year; I said I had a feeling you are because I'd seen you say somewhere else that you were hoping to get the call.

She's gone straight from Crufts to Cheltenham so up to her eyes at the mo, but I suspect they'll start sorting Badders soon

Puppy, I have a Racesafe which is comfy but I suspect the Kan gives much better protection and is also supposedly very comfy: miniTD has one which, despite being initially sceptical, she absolutely LOVES now, and if I had more pennies I'd buy myself one too

Ah, we exchanged emails yesterday as I was too excited to wait and had not seen this! I am pleased that the wedding anniversary doesn't clash this year

 

[kerilli]

Kan. fantastic level of protection and very comfy. i forget i have mine on, have gotten in the car with it on a few times before now, never done that in any other bp.
the side panels (below your armpits) slide over each other to allow you to breathe really deeply, so there is quite a lot of automatic adjustment. Wendy will swap panels etc too if you go down a whole size.