Body protector.....XC schooling

[MizElz]

<gulp>

I *may* be going up to a local XC course with a friend at some stage, just for a bit of a play. Ellie and I have never really done XC as I was always far too chicken, but after she developed wings on our sponsored ride a couple of months back, I think she would love to have a bit of a spin over some tiddly XC jumps. (Also, no longer having the nerve for show jumping, having decided to give up on our failed dressage hopes, and being utterly crap at showing, we're running out of options for 'outings'

)

So my question is this.....should I wear my old body protector? I never wore it for show jumping as I ride so much better without it, but I know that you *should* wear them for XC. We are unlikely to be jumping anything over 2'6, but I'm just interested to know what people think I should do!

My initial (sensible) thought was to wear it, and only take it off if I feel it is impeding my amazing riding skills

 

[Eira]

Some XC Courses have a rule you have to wear them ?
But even if they don't I'd wear it just to ba safe

 

[spaniel]

Wear it....lots of places wont let you on the course without one.

 

[MizElz]

Yes I hadnt looked to check that - good thinking. At least I have one - and at least it still fits!

Thankies guys!

 

[Kenzo]

I think it will do you good to get used to riding better with it, let alone being safer. I never used to wear mine if not competing as I felt restricted and thought I'd fall awkwardly with it on, supposed it depends on the make and how comfortable it is to you individually but got used to mine after making myself wear it...no I can't tell I've even got it on when doing XC schooling etc.

 

[JoBo]

Yes wear it, those jumps don’t fall down, even the 2ft3 ones! It’s just not worth the risk.

 

[MizElz]

[ QUOTE ]
I think it will do you good to get used to riding better with it, let alone being safer. I never used to wear mine if not competing as I felt restricted and thought I'd fall awkwardly with it on, supposed it depends on the make and how comfortable it is to you individually but got used to mine after making myself wear it...no I can't tell I've even got it on when doing XC schooling etc.

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh I'd never ride in it out of choice - I cant stand the things - I actually did myself more damage falling off with it than when I didnt wear it, when I was younger! Mum used to insist on it, for hacking and competitions, but once I turned 14 I put my foot down! Hence the poor thing has been lurking in a box in my tackroom for 6 years!

But I can totally understand why they are a necessary evil for XC

 

[Jingleballs]

Wear it - better to be safe!!