Body protector recommendations

[maya2008]

For backing and the first 3-6 months out hacking (special pony with a strong flight instinct). I have an old, extremely uncomfortable one that must be about 10 years old. I would like to be fairly bulletproof for the next year so comfortable and not too hot in the summer are requirements.

No air vest suggestions please - I would never catch her again if that went off!

 

[KittenInTheTree]

I find Airowear to be the comfiest.

 

[Supercalifragilistic]

Be aware if you are going to do any competing that British Eventing, British Riding Club and Pony Club competitions will not be accepting the 2009 standard from 1st Jan - it needs to be 2018.

 

[Rumtytum]

Racesafe, don’t know I’m wearing it. Got mine fitted at the tack shop, assistant spent some time lacing me in so it fits perfectly then I sat on a saddle on a stand to check the back didn’t catch on the cantle.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Racesafe, v happy to recco.
I really dont notice mine on any more, it's just part of my kit all year round.

OP, if you do get a BP, make sure it's a newer version - as the BETA 2009 standard will be no longer allowed for RC and affiliated comps where a BP is mandatory to wear.

 

[jules9203]

Racesafe everytime - as has been mentioned needs to be a 2018 one xx

 

[maya2008]

Thanks for all the recommendations!

My kids have Champion Ti22 body protectors - what’s the difference between them and Racesafe?

 

[Skib]

People on forums always praise race safe. But the fact is you need to choose the bp that fits you best. Race safe dont fit everyone.
I wear an Airowear bp because that is the brand that fits me best because it has different velcro straps for waist and bust..
Bear in mind that bps that lace up the side like Race safe tighten the waist at the same time they tighten the bust. A bp with separate velcro fixing for waist and bust suits me better as I have a small bust and virtually no waist.
My first bp was a Champion which laced up the sides and I really liked that but it was a tad too short.
And bps have a foam life of about 4 years, so an old one gives no protection.

 

[teapot]

Be aware if you are going to do any competing that British Eventing, British Riding Club and Pony Club competitions will not be accepting the 2009 standard from 1st Jan - it needs to be 2018.

and BHS stuff too, including lessons with APCs (going by something I was sent)

OP the latest racesafe is meant to be fantastic, but likes hats it's about what fits you best.

 

[tda]

Racesafe if you have a chest very comfortable

 

[Tiddlypom]

And Racesafe even you don’t have a chest

 

[The Xmas Furry]

And Racesafe even you don’t have a chest

Or even half a chest!

 

[The Xmas Furry]

People on forums always praise race safe. But the fact is you need to choose the bp that fits you best. Race safe dont fit everyone.
I wear an Airowear bp because that is the brand that fits me best because it has different velcro straps for waist and bust..
Bear in mind that bps that lace up the side like Race safe tighten the waist at the same time they tighten the bust. A bp with separate velcro fixing for waist and bust suits me better as I have a small bust and virtually no waist.
My first bp was a Champion which laced up the sides and I really liked that but it was a tad too short.
And bps have a foam life of about 4 years, so an old one gives no protection.

A racesafe doesnt come down to the waist, not a correctly fitted one. Also, a BP has approx a 5 year lifespan for the foam, unless it has been compromised by a fall etc.

 

[Red-1]

I have the newest Racesafe, it is even lighter and more flexible than the old one with holes. Cooler in summer too.

I find the elastic at the sides very conforming and comfortable.

They do specialist sizes as well as the standard. I need a short front and longer back as my ribs are short!

 

[flat3]

I have the newest Racesafe, it is even lighter and more flexible than the old one with holes. Cooler in summer too.

I find the elastic at the sides very conforming and comfortable.

They do specialist sizes as well as the standard. I need a short front and longer back as my ribs are short!

Agreed, I've just upgraded to the new Racesafe as my old Racesafe is about to drop out of regs. Old one was fine and comfy, new one is even easier to forget you're wearing it!

 

[Skib]

A racesafe doesnt come down to the waist, not a correctly fitted one.

The bp should come 1 cm below ones lowest rib at the front which on me is pretty much my waist. I am 5ft 3 tall and barely have a waist these days. But I may go to the London Horse show shopping tomorrow and try on a few.

 

[Wishfilly]

I've got the Champion T122, I'm not sure if there's any specific difference with a racesafe, but I find it very comfortable- I've been riding in it a lot more recently and barely notice I have it on. I've also previously had the Rodney Powell Superflex which I found very comfy.

 

[alexomahony]

Just reigniting this thread as currently looking for new BP.

I’ve tried on the RaceSafe Provent and the small fits great. However, the Champion titanium seems to be a fair bit cheaper but I can’t try that one anywhere. Has anyone tried on both and is there much difference with fit?IE, is the small Champion likely to fit me too?

Thanks in advance!

 

[snowangel5]

I would also say the Race safe BP

 

[awelshandawarmblood]

I have a champion TI22 and found the fit accurate to the size chart. I've not tried a RaceSafe so wouldn't know the similarity size wise. I find the TI22 very comfortable, its great.

 

[Vodkagirly]

Just reigniting this thread as currently looking for new BP.

I’ve tried on the RaceSafe Provent and the small fits great. However, the Champion titanium seems to be a fair bit cheaper but I can’t try that one anywhere. Has anyone tried on both and is there much difference with fit?IE, is the small Champion likely to fit me too?

Thanks in advance!

I tried on both and bought the champion t122.
I previously had a racesafe (2009) and was expecting to buy another. It was OK but I wasn't convinced. Tried the champion in another shop and it felt the same so bought it as cheaper. Worn it quite a few times since and pleased with it.

 

[LEC]

Just reigniting this thread as currently looking for new BP.

I’ve tried on the RaceSafe Provent and the small fits great. However, the Champion titanium seems to be a fair bit cheaper but I can’t try that one anywhere. Has anyone tried on both and is there much difference with fit?IE, is the small Champion likely to fit me too?

Thanks in advance!

Depends on your size - Charles Owen on their website has BPs which are correct standard for £81
This is what I ended up buying and its fine for the 15 or so times I wear one a year and fits my aesthetic demands.

 

[alexomahony]

I tried on both and bought the champion t122.
I previously had a racesafe (2009) and was expecting to buy another. It was OK but I wasn't convinced. Tried the champion in another shop and it felt the same so bought it as cheaper. Worn it quite a few times since and pleased with it.

Fab thank you!

 

[BMA2]

Racesafe...try them on though but I really like them

 

[2ndtimearound]

I have a Champion T122, and I'm really happy with it. The only downside is that I've lost weight since I bought it and now have it tightened as far as it will go, and it's a gnat's whisker (well, about 1cm) too long in the back. I bought it during Covid, so I actually took a gamble on the sizing buying it online (and would have been able to return it had it not fitted), but I got away with it! On the plus size, when it needs replacing, I'd happily have another and could now get away with a large child's one! I also very much like the fact that it isn't black (I have a grey one), so it doesn't get quite so hot in summer. I honestly don't know why more companies don't offer a lighter-coloured option for that reason.