Body Protectors - beware, it could get nasty!

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PrincessSpark1e, if you actually meant to type that as it is, i think you are genuinely certifiable.
there are a LOT more car accidents nowadays (because literally millions more cars on the roads) and the death rate is falling and falling every year afaik, because of better crumple zones, airbags, and seatbelts. a body is VERY difficult to fix if badly injured, and it is absolutely irreplacable- what the hell are you on?!?!
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As other have said I was being tongue in cheek, though I probably am still certifiable...they just haven't found me yet. The voice in my head that is!

Nice to see most people are of the opinion that BP do more good than harm, it's a personal choice like wearing a riding hat but I think it's good that more people are coming round to wearing BP's as part of everyday riding.
 
Why would it bother someone if i was wearing a bp? its ME whos wearing it!
I do wear it whenever i ride because thats the way i was brought up and i feel more normal wearing it than not. I dont feel it restricts me in any way.
I most certainly do not wear it for fashion ! at one point i had a flourescent yellow bp, now that is not fashionable ever! but it was very usefull out hacking !

p.s. i am wearing a bp in my siggy picture below and i dont think it looks odd atall ? Im still smart and clean for the show
 
i only ever wear my body protector when i'm riding a different horse, doing XC or hacking - just in case! at my last riding school it was compulsory to wear one whenever we did ANYTHING with poles.. all because of insurance. Though I have found a usefulness with my body protector when i fell of my old loan pony i suppose 4/5 months ago. He spooked at a flapping plastic bag that had got loose in the arena, and half reared, i got thrown and he trampled me when he came back down to the ground, before jumping over me and scooting to the opposite end of the arena. i got away with 2 cracked ribs, if i wasnt using my body protector it would have been MUCH worse. i always jumped him in a BP because he was.. excitable shall we say
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i do find it odd when people do flatwork in them, and do find a lot of other PC mums (no offence) tend to put kids in them for no reason, lucky for me my mum realises its what happens when riding and leaves it up to me to take responsibility. xx
 
Quandro - I think we should! The ammount of times I have walked into a tack shop and looked at the BP's on the off chance they suddenly have one that fits is unreal. You can bet your bottom dollar though, that if they did start making one to fit us, we would have to take out a morgage to pay for it. Normal BP's are expensive enough, let alone specialist ones!
Tell you mum if she makes me one I will be her best friend forever (I hate BP's, when I used to be able to fit into one I got all claustrophobic, but I would love more than anything to get out and about doing HT's with my lad. Once i have cured his fear of water that is! lol), and I will make her some kind of cake. Her choice!
Sometimes I really do hate having big boobs
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At six years old I find that my bubba is too young really to understand or in fact to let it be her responsibility!! By choosing to be a parent I am in fact choosing to be responsible for another life until she is of the age to look after herself.
As for the PC mums who 'put them in them for no reason' I find this a stupid comment. There IS a reason-for the safety of their child.
I can only conclude that by your comment that you are not a parent yourself and are little more than a teenager?
Good on your mum for letting you take responsibility for yoursel BUT if I thought that wrapping my child up in yards of bubble wrap would stop her being hurt in anyway shape or form then I would be doing that. No parent wants to see their child in pain and if a BP can prevent this then using it even when bleddy walking the pony then its money well spent!
 
i wear mine 99% of the time for xc.
i wear it on the youngsters.
i wear it on things that are very fond of athletic airs above the grounds.

my racesafe fits perfectly, is lightweight and comfy so i see no reason not to wear it
 

Just from scanning previous posts....

Yes, when you ride day to day a protector is personal choice and should be RESPECTED as that. If you want to wear one then go for it if not then its your choice!
I dont ride in one everyday but I always do when jumping. Also I sometimes hack one in one - which even has shoulder protectors (I know, crazy) - I didnt care what other people thought! My mum aways wears one as she likes to have it there - I fully support her wearing it. We ride on the road alot and its good to be protected and also wear high viz to make sure drivers and other road users see you - I hardly think high vis is fashionable. I wear it at my place of work, along with a hardhat, steal top cap boots, gloves and glasses and dont think il make it into Vogue. (And I have to wear all that stuff just incase -alot like a BP)

One point I would like to make - if BP are so restrictive to wear how do you think eventers cope ?! how can any rider cope?! XC (the one phase where a BP is needed to compete) is a test of both horse and rider and is very demanding... if I was restricted then it wouldnt be possible. Get a correctly fitted protector and get it checked and replaced when needed - a protector is not for life, it is just infact for Christmas! Big boobs - same appplies. I am a size ten with 32E and my protector if anything helps keep them straped down and out the way.

I think my overall point is - Safety gear with reduce the severity of any accident therefore reducing the risk to yourself and others. FACT: BPs help reduce the severity unless they would have not been made compulsary for XC. There is a BP to fit everyone - even ones designed just for women. And if you want to wear one then you should - No one should be laying into people for it.

And the most ridiculous thing ive read - the idea that it doesnt look pretty over your hacking jacket....... I think that shows who is more interested in fashion.
 
WoopsiiD I suppose I didn't really think about that, and I'm sorry, but I did see someone on the lead rein wearing one, when it was the child's 2nd/3rd lesson, which I did find a little odd, which I was what I was referring to when a PC mum put the kid in it for not much of a good reason to. xx
 
Quadro and tasteofchaos, have a look at the Kan, there is a version for the more womanly figure (trying not to offend anyone here!) and they are sized in women's sizes (10, 12, 14, 16), got to be worth a try... definitely room in there for a lot more than i've got anyway!
 
I only wear one for XC, and the last time I did XC was a practice session for the next day, we hacked to the course (45 min hack at walk)
I forgot my BP, I fell off. Smashed my wrist to pieces, and thought Id broken my back!
I dont think I'll ever XC again BUT IF I did I would wear a BP.


I would NEVER wear one for backing a youngster, Ive backed quite a few flighty ones, while your leaning over them jesus christ if they shot sideways the BP gets caught on saddle you are fooked!!
A friend had a mate help her, this happened, put the shits up the arab and the person!
I think you need to be really supple and flexible when leaning over/sitting on babies. You have to be ready to jump off at anytime, and if your wearing something restricting you, well..........
 
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Just from scanning previous posts....

Yes, when you ride day to day a protector is personal choice and should be RESPECTED as that. If you want to wear one then go for it if not then its your choice!
I dont ride in one everyday but I always do when jumping. Also I sometimes hack one in one - which even has shoulder protectors (I know, crazy) - I didnt care what other people thought! My mum aways wears one as she likes to have it there - I fully support her wearing it. We ride on the road alot and its good to be protected and also wear high viz to make sure drivers and other road users see you - I hardly think high vis is fashionable. I wear it at my place of work, along with a hardhat, steal top cap boots, gloves and glasses and dont think il make it into Vogue. (And I have to wear all that stuff just incase -alot like a BP)

One point I would like to make - if BP are so restrictive to wear how do you think eventers cope ?! how can any rider cope?! XC (the one phase where a BP is needed to compete) is a test of both horse and rider and is very demanding... if I was restricted then it wouldnt be possible. Get a correctly fitted protector and get it checked and replaced when needed - a protector is not for life, it is just infact for Christmas! Big boobs - same appplies. I am a size ten with 32E and my protector if anything helps keep them straped down and out the way.

I think my overall point is - Safety gear with reduce the severity of any accident therefore reducing the risk to yourself and others. FACT: BPs help reduce the severity unless they would have not been made compulsary for XC. There is a BP to fit everyone - even ones designed just for women. And if you want to wear one then you should - No one should be laying into people for it.

And the most ridiculous thing ive read - the idea that it doesnt look pretty over your hacking jacket....... I think that shows who is more interested in fashion.

[/ QUOTE ] I so love it when someone else does all the typing and I just have to say I totally agree!
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Ems207 - What make is yours? I have tried on countless makes (Racesafe, Rodney Powell, Kanteq (inc the one for women etc) and none of them have even nearly fitted.
kerrilli - Tried it and it didn't fit at all.
 
I reckon BPs look better over a hacking jacket if they fit correctly and a a plin, dark colour! I cringe when they're under because the jacket looks so restricting over the top...

I think that young children should jump wearing them- young and fragile confidence shouldn't be quashed by a sore rib or back...
 
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I have had this happen when my two went for a lesson, at a riding school, they both refused to wear BP, unless they were going xc, it was a flat lesson!!!

Apparently, the insurance is invalidated in riding schools if BP's are not worn, so I can understand their insistence on wearing one. Many children start in a riding school and therefore the habit continues.

My two, have never worn them (unless as said before) and did say they took full responsibility if anything happened. They can both ride and have been doing so for years on their own horses and ponies.

So, I suppose my point is, that I can understand the need to insist on BP's for some establishments, but, for everyday riding, I don't think it is necessary.
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That is intereting. Where my little girl goes, the owner does not agree with them ( he saw a bad accident where some one died as a result of wearing one!!!), but has a thing about short sleaves.

Daughter has one, but now refuses to wear it as she says it is uncomfrtable, I always used to wear one, but was doing SJ and XC, bu now dont bother just for flat work.

I feel though that anything you can wear to protect yourself is only a good thing, people have been killed by wearing their chin straps too loose and feet being caught in stirrups, and we dont think twice about using a saddle or wearing a hat
 
QR Not read all the posts but I am astounded that someone should critisise someone elses personal choice to protect themselves. I never wear a BP as I do not own one however whether someone cooses to wear one hacking or schooling - why the hell not. Oh but it's acceptable for x-country I see. I'm interested to know why it's acceptable for one discipline but not another?
 
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I think that wearing a BP or not should be a matter of personal choice based on the degree of risk people are willing to tolerate but OP seems to be suggesting that there is something wrong with wearing one if you want to, which just seems like a weird point to make.

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Exactly!!

Personally I hate the damned things and will only wear mine for xc (and no, my horse is anything but a saint and makes sure I have good balance/stickability very regularly!!). But it is a risk I am prepared to take, in the same way that I will on occasion get on her hatless, saddleless and in a headcollar!

But, if people find they are more confident in them and have a positive psychological effect from wearing one so be it. It does not bother me or upset me that some people choose to wear one for different reasons or activities to my choices as to why and when to wear one. I struggle to see what the issue is therefore with people who choose to wear a BP when it is not compulsory
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Someone elses choice to wear a BP does you no-one else any harm so why the need for the post.

What would really upset me is if I had the choice not to wear one for schooling, hacking etc taken away from me and I cannot abide people who preach and lecture about the importance of wearing one, I have no issue with those who choose to wear one so why should they take issue with me.
 
lead rein or not its still personal choice
My mum made me wear a BP when I learnt to ride at a riding school and then when I had my first pony (lead rein). At the end of the day it is personal choice and my choice is to wear one out hacking as IMO its safer and I don't feel restricted at all and as to previous comments about sitting to a buck I have sat to many with a BP on and with no problems!!!
 
I have just been refitted and have a new Rodney Powell BP which is a massive improvement on the older protectors IMO. I think you need to get fitted by a pro. Go in looking for a protector wearing a sports bra which is what you would be riding it. The rodney needs to be fitted closely to your body as it follows the natrual curve of your back - I only wear a thermal or non thermal running top under mine depending on weather.

When they are new you also need someone to fit them as there is a technique to getting them on. I think need to find a really good saddler (as in person not shop) as thats how I got mine. Also to insure the protector is correctly fitted then you also need to try it with you mounted on a saddle to insure the back of the BP does not strike the saddle. I have to say it is a mission to find one that fits!

Im not sure if all protectors are fitted correctly - would be interested in finding out? This could be part of the problem in finding onces that fit correctly. From experience I think that the number of proper saddlery shops are dying out.
 
Monkeybum13 - I agree about the bucking. My horse can throw in some real big bucks esp when at XC and I have no issue sitting them. if some1 does then their BP does not fit them correctly. If you cant sit a buck with ur BP then how do you sit a drop ?! A new BP needed IMO.
 
I worked in a saddlery shop. We only sold Rodney Powell BP's and Charles Owen hats but this was many years ago before the likes of the GPA. (To give you some idea, the Charles Owen Showjumper 2000 was all the rage and new on the market!)
We were not allowed to fit a hat or BP until we had been trained by a rep from both companies. If no one was in the shop that had been trained we had to tell the customer that we would not sell them one that day.
Not sure if this is still common practise.
 
i have NEVER worn a body protector riding, tried one on and hated it, felt like i couldnt move or bend. put my back in a weird position very uncomfortable

i kno places make u wear them, like cross country places up here. so for tht when i get jumping pop and Ab i might need to give in and buy one
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QR I don't understand the insinuation from the original poster that people wearing BP's are leading to a decline in decent horsemanship. Mine stops my boobs from bouncing which is an added bonus haha
 
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Just from scanning previous posts....

Yes, when you ride day to day a protector is personal choice and should be RESPECTED as that. If you want to wear one then go for it if not then its your choice!
I dont ride in one everyday but I always do when jumping. Also I sometimes hack one in one - which even has shoulder protectors (I know, crazy) - I didnt care what other people thought! My mum aways wears one as she likes to have it there - I fully support her wearing it. We ride on the road alot and its good to be protected and also wear high viz to make sure drivers and other road users see you - I hardly think high vis is fashionable. I wear it at my place of work, along with a hardhat, steal top cap boots, gloves and glasses and dont think il make it into Vogue. (And I have to wear all that stuff just incase -alot like a BP)

One point I would like to make - if BP are so restrictive to wear how do you think eventers cope ?! how can any rider cope?! XC (the one phase where a BP is needed to compete) is a test of both horse and rider and is very demanding... if I was restricted then it wouldnt be possible. Get a correctly fitted protector and get it checked and replaced when needed - a protector is not for life, it is just infact for Christmas! Big boobs - same appplies. I am a size ten with 32E and my protector if anything helps keep them straped down and out the way.

I think my overall point is - Safety gear with reduce the severity of any accident therefore reducing the risk to yourself and others. FACT: BPs help reduce the severity unless they would have not been made compulsary for XC. There is a BP to fit everyone - even ones designed just for women. And if you want to wear one then you should - No one should be laying into people for it.

And the most ridiculous thing ive read - the idea that it doesnt look pretty over your hacking jacket....... I think that shows who is more interested in fashion.

[/ QUOTE ] I so love it when someone else does all the typing and I just have to say I totally agree!
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Me too
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I agree
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As for the comment about the beginner rider wearing one on 2nd or 3rd lesson, well why not? I imagine her parents want to protect her as much as they can - good on them I say.
 
QR

I used to wear mine for jumping and hacking out on my previos horse.

I make absolutely no apologies for it. He was the spookiest horse ever and I fell off many, many times during the 5 years I owned him. He had no qualms of dumping me where he fancied, including the road. My BP saved me from further damage on many occassion
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My OH bought it for me after my first bad fall and he said if he turned up at hospital to see me after a fall, I better damn well have it on
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WoopsiiD I suppose I didn't really think about that, and I'm sorry, but I did see someone on the lead rein wearing one, when it was the child's 2nd/3rd lesson, which I did find a little odd, which I was what I was referring to when a PC mum put the kid in it for not much of a good reason to. xx

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Why is that not a good reason? It's starting off a good habit for the child.
 
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