Body protectors

[Princess16]

I have started lessons ( had about 15 so far) and one of the young lads who helps out on our lessons says he always wears a protector when riding says it gives him added security).

I have never (fingers crossed) fallen off as yet but wondered how many of you wear them. My aim is to go hacking (organised) in summer time so thought about getting one for then? Good idea ? And if so which makes are good? Don't have a big budget.

 

[HannahJ]

I have one but very rarely wear it, I find them a bit restrictive and rode for years without one so I'm just more comfortable without. Racesafe ones are good, they aren't the cheapest, but are a lot more flexible and comfortable than a lot of other makes.

 

[Shay]

There is quite a lot of good research to show that a body protector will reduce injuries and bruising when you fall. If you are going to ride horses you are -I'm afraid - going to fall off at some point! Probably quite a lot.

Like HannahJ I'm of an age where I learned to ride before BPs were invented (before a hat with a strap even!) and I do find them difficult to wear. But my daughter has worn a BP since she started to learn to jump aged about 6 I think. (well over 10 years ago!) The sooner you start with one the more used to it you will get. But you probably won't want one much before you learn to canter / jump.

You can get a good BP at quite a reasonable price -but at the end of the day this is safety equipment. You can also get air jackets designed to be worn alone or as part of a jacket which are lighter and softer to wear but they are more expensive. You should replace a foam based BP after a heavy fall (like your hat) but an airjacket just needs a new canister and servicing from time to time. If you are still growing a traditional BP is probably more cost effective - but if you are an adult a good air jacket although more expensive will last you longer - even if you fall off a lot!

 

[DappleGreyDaydreamer]

I always rode with one when I was taking lessons (it was a requirement for people under 16 to wear one at the riding school) but now that I have my own horse I very rarely wear one, as I find them to be very restrictive. I prefer Racesafe to Aeroware as they're just that little bit more flexible. I'll put mine on every time I go cross country, or every time I try something new with my horse, as he's still young and quite spooky. I've fallen off lots in my years of riding, I kept count until 40 times then lost track of things, so you will be coming off at some point!!

 

[gnubee]

Make sure you try it on sat on a saddle (large retailers should be able to accomodate this). A lot of people get them too long in the back so they catch on the saddle which is a very good way to convince yourself that it's hard to ride in and therefore you won't wear it.

 

[Damnation]

Make sure you try it on sat on a saddle (large retailers should be able to accomodate this). A lot of people get them too long in the back so they catch on the saddle which is a very good way to convince yourself that it's hard to ride in and therefore you won't wear it.

That is a very good point.

I have ridden in a body protector 4 times in 20 years. I just cannot get on with them at all! I am quite short so I think I was put off as a youngster when they caught on the back of the saddle! If you are going to get one, splash out and ensure it fits correctly for you.

Having said that I don't jump, Hunt, or do XC. I only hack (Mainly in walk) and school so no real need for one if I am honest.

It all comes down to personal prefrence. I know some people who won't ride without them, and some people who won't ride with them!

 

[Princess16]

That is a very good point.



Having said that I don't jump, Hunt, or do XC. I only hack (Mainly in walk) and school so no real need for one if I am honest.

That's all I want to TBH so don't think I'll bother

Thanks for replies