Childs Body protector

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Lakota_Lizzie

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My niece is 6 yrs old, She is currently learning to ride at a local RS, her mum (non horsey) quite understandably wants her to have a body protector for jumping lessons, however this isn't mandatory at this particular place and they are offering her little advice.

I have no children of my own so know very little! Any advice on decent brands/ ones to avoid, experiences, any recent standard changes as with hats I should be aware of?

I will be taking her to be properly fitted next weekend just wanted to go clued up.

Thanks all x
 
I'm sure they will be able to give you appropriate advice when you go to buy one.
I looked at a few when purchasing one for my daughter at a similar age, it was worn at least twice before we established that ponies aren't as much fun as karate or art lessons :(
They were all much of a muchness, a tiny fabric covered foam shell probably doesn't have much variation.
I think you can buy very small air jackets though.
Sorry not very helpful!
 
I'm taking my 4yo body protector shopping soon as the second hand one he is wearing has quite a pronounced back tail bit which knocks the saddle and prevents him sitting as straight as he should.

I noticed a racesafe type one in my local tack shop recently which looked v comfy compared to the more rigid type and was more reasonably priced than a racesafe.

I've forgotten the brand though.

Fiona
 
My four year old has a Air-o-wear its an XXS with an XXXS back lol , though she has nearly outgrown, will get her a racesafe next as they seem more comfortable and less like a suit of armor
 
Different makes suit different body shapes - in that kids are no different from adults. The zip front style with side elastic straps are IMO slightly better for kids. The zip front (rather than elastic closures) fasten to the same degree each time and don't rely on either the child or a non horsey adult over or under tightening it. The side elastic adjustments allow you to increase the protector size slightly as the child grows - or wears a bulky coat. Just watch the back length as they can grow out of the back almost over night.

Personally I prefer Airowear for kids as you can but the pieces separately making a far better and more effective fit for every body shape. Racesafe look softer but from my experience are less adjustable for kids - although obviously they will work for some.
 
Hurrah! I finally feel like I can add something valuable to the forum!

My daughter is 6, and has been riding regularly for 18 months. She spends every Saturday, all day, at the Riding School, helping out and pottering around, sometimes forgetting her body protector is on!

We bought her a Breeze-Up body protector, its BETA level 3, size extra small. It has loads of adjustability and is currently set at its smallest setting so plenty of life yet. I think this is the item we bought (but from a local tack shop) https://wharfedaleequestrian.co.uk/p/2031/body-protectors/usg-breeze-up-flexi-body-protector---child

It is on page 9 of this catalogue http://celticequine.ie/Celtic Equine Catalogue 2015.pdf

This is her wearing it (she does ride real ponies as well!)

 
Racesafe for sure.

Start them young and they have no desire to ride without it. My daughter is 6 and has always worn one and wouldn't get on without it any more than she would contemplate riding hatless.

28398aae42b33cce577d8d1131fd8ba1_zpsfz9i9bqi.jpg
 
Last edited:
Darbs said:
Hurrah! I finally feel like I can add something valuable to the forum!

My daughter is 6, and has been riding regularly for 18 months. She spends every Saturday, all day, at the Riding School, helping out and pottering around, sometimes forgetting her body protector is on!

We bought her a Breeze-Up body protector, its BETA level 3, size extra small. It has loads of adjustability and is currently set at its smallest setting so plenty of life yet. I think this is the item we bought (but from a local tack shop) https://wharfedaleequestrian.co.uk/p/2031/body-protectors/usg-breeze-up-flexi-body-protector---child

It is on page 9 of this catalogue http://celticequine.ie/Celtic Equine Catalogue 2015.pdf

This is her wearing it (she does ride real ponies as well!)

Click to expand...


That looks fab, will have a look online, thanks for the links. Hopefully with the amount of adjust-ability it will last longer than the usual 5 minutes!

I currently have 2 problems...

1, Explaining to non horse owning/ liking mother benefits of her child wearing a body protector (or stab vest as my brother calls it!) when RS do not require you to wear one even for tiny tots starting to jump. I must say I was pleasantly surprised at the cost of them... her not so much.

2, Said child has now seen a pink one and would very much like one in this colour and this colour alone! Kids!!

Love the rocking horse by the way! :D
 
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