body protector issues....

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Elizabeth20

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9 December 2011
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Hi all, this will be a fairly long post so apologies in advance for that!
I ride once a fortnight, been riding around 6 years and had 4 falls, nothing nasty though. I wear a body protector most of the time. I always wear one for jumping but have lately started having dressage lessons, nothing fancy really, just to enter a little test at my yard...
I find body protectors really hard to wear, I find them cumbersome and feel like a plank of wood sat on a horse. Therefore, I find flatwork much harder with one on. I completely understand why they are so important and have to wear it now regardless of what I think anyway.
Whenever I ride, I get extremely out of breath (always have done, despite being reasonably fit) and hot etc... as with any form of exhausting exercise, you feel a bit sick. When I wear a body protector I feel even worse (having done some experiments riding with or without it) and find it very hard to keep going because it just makes me so hot and bothered. Find them really hard to move in and to soften my back, to go with the horse etc...
I'm currently in an airowear outlyne which is better than my old one but I still find it hard to wear. I like the look of the racesafe ones but they are a lot of money and I'm weary of the fact that I don't want to grow out of it for a few years.
Are they worth it is what I'm really asking?
Are they any more comfortable than the outlyne? They don't look as bulky which is a start because that's one big thing I really don't like about bps anyway.
Would appreciate some help please!
 
I only wear mine for xc which is a bit naughty of me but i find them so uncomfortable, but i also suppose what sort of pony you are on and how much you trust eachother. Dressage i wouldnt as sometimes i find that my body protector can be a bit uncomfortable when trying to do flatwork/dressage and without one i find it alot easier to accuire the correct position.
 
we all wear racesafe, my youngest has had hers for 3 years, it's worth every penny (she hasnt grown out of it yet) I dont get too hot (unless a heatwave is on!) for my children no protector=no riding but I want them to have a comfortable one so no excuse not to wear it. if you do get one have it fitted as they can be long in the back, but they do different lengths to be sure it fits.
depending on your size/height you may fit an extra large childs, my 17yo does, its then less money:)
 
moodymare123 said:
I only wear mine for xc which is a bit naughty of me but i find them so uncomfortable, but i also suppose what sort of pony you are on and how much you trust eachother. Dressage i wouldnt as sometimes i find that my body protector can be a bit uncomfortable when trying to do flatwork/dressage and without one i find it alot easier to accuire the correct position.
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That's basically my issue, I just can't ride as well with one on. The pony is trustworthy so I have no issues with him, but unfortunately no body protector means no riding :-/ So I'm hoping to find one that I can ride in more comfortably...
Thanks for your response!
 
Lovescobs said:
we all wear racesafe, my youngest has had hers for 3 years, it's worth every penny (she hasnt grown out of it yet) I dont get too hot (unless a heatwave is on!) for my children no protector=no riding but I want them to have a comfortable one so no excuse not to wear it. if you do get one have it fitted as they can be long in the back, but they do different lengths to be sure it fits.
depending on your size/height you may fit an extra large childs, my 17yo does, its then less money:)
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Thank you, out of interest have you got the newer one? I was reading through some threads where people were saying the newer one isn't as comfortable. But then compared to what I'm currently wearing, I think I will find it much more comfortable anyway!
Thanks for the help with fitting, I might just head over to the tack shop and get fitted then order online. Managed to find some more reasonably priced ones online :-)
Much appreciated!
 
Elizabeth20 said:
Thank you, out of interest have you got the newer one? I was reading through some threads where people were saying the newer one isn't as comfortable. But then compared to what I'm currently wearing, I think I will find it much more comfortable anyway!
Thanks for the help with fitting, I might just head over to the tack shop and get fitted then order online. Managed to find some more reasonably priced ones online :-)
Much appreciated!
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we've had them about 3 years, though I would think it would wear in and be comfortable.
I understand why people think tack shops wouldnt be happy, but I also think if the tack shop gives you good service and advice then not only will you use it for other purchases but you will also recommend it. I often give advice to my parents if they cant use my company and spend time advising them as I know they will remember me and recommend me to others who can (non horse related!)
 
Elizabeth20 said:
Thanks for the help with fitting, I might just head over to the tack shop and get fitted then order online. Managed to find some more reasonably priced ones online :-)
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Please don't do this - if you get it fitted at your local tack shop, having used their facilities and their time and expertise, at least do them the courtesy of buying it from them. How do you think online businesses can afford to sell cheaper? Answer, they don't have the overheads associated with running a shop... At best you'll save a few ££, but it's much easier (and potentially cheaper in the long run) if you ever need to return anything, if you've bought it from a local shop.
Sorry - I know you didn't ask for a lecture, but having a friend who runs a small independent tack shop it's a pet hate of mine.

Re: the body protector, personally I think you're in the most comfortable one already, I would definitely have the Outlyne over a racesafe any day!
 
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