How often do you replace your body protector

[Haphazardhacker]

Just that really, ive only every had two. A jack ellis when i was 12 and had started xc at riding school , then got a loan pony and used the same bp up until the age of 17. Gave the loan up and then a few years later was offered the chance to loan another pony so bought a new bp and hat, the pony turned out to be a nutter so didnt ride him for long and the new hat and bp go into the cupboard. Fast forward about 8 years and im now riding again on a regular basis , have bought a new hat as i know that even if not used much they need replacing, but what about Bps? Also any recommendations ? Im looking for a non air one as i havent got the money for a point two or hit air one right now .

 

[Foxy O]

If the body protector is still up to BHS standards and you haven't had a fall on it, if it was me I would keep using the same one.

If you are a member of the BHS you can always ask them for advice, they may even have some guidance on the website. It would be interesting to find out what they recommend.

 

[Haphazardhacker]

Its had two falls but these were in a sand school (in rapid succession ) I am a member of BHS so will log in if i can remember my details and see what their stance is. I only ever used to wear it doing XC at riding school but now wear it whenever im on a horse , is this just me getting more safety conscious (also find it works well at clamping things down. ) or are other people wearing them more often?

 

[iconique]

It's no different to a hat, you should replace every 3-5 years or when you have a heavy fall. Foam degrades and you also shouldn't leave your hat or body protector in your car or unheated tack room as the temperature variance can also stop the foam from working properly
The exception is apparently the kan because it uses a different type of foam. (Apparently?)
Beta do the standards and you will find this info on their site.

 

[Foxy O]

I bought my body protector after a fall when I returned to riding after a couple of years break, as my husband made me promise to wear it every time I rode after that. It also saves worrying about wearing a sports bra

 

[KarlyHT]

The Kan is a great investment as it never needs replacing unlike normal body protectors which you should change every 3-5 years.

 

[BHS_official]

Just to note that there's no need to log in on our site to get our current advice on body protectors! It's available publicly at http://www.horseaccidents.org.uk/si..._Prevention/What_To_Wear/Body_Protectors.aspx.

 

[Haphazardhacker]

Ah thanks for that, after having a read I think I'll be replacing it. I've looked at the Kan ones and think they look very good especially how fitted you can get them.

 

[Spot_On]

Not often enough, had my current one 6/7 years or so.

 

[xgemmax]

I never knew they needed replacing like a hat! I've had mine 10 years, granted it doesn't get used much really

 

[khalswitz]

Hmmm... I've had mine about ten years as well... probably should get a new one...

 

[lurcherlu]

When I did my hat and body protector fitting training, this was one of the things we had to learn, foam degrades, 3 -5 years is advised, also if ou have a baby, weight gain or loss you should get it checked by a qualified fitter to make sure it does actually still fit ou

 

[moana]

Well, I only bought my first one yesterday, so don't need to replace yet. Just hope I don't actually fall off my youngster.