New body protector

[pistolpete]

I bit the bullet today and bought the new race safe motion body protector. Wearing it for the first time tomorrow. Hope it’s not too uncomfy! I’m 61 soon and recently watched a friend being airlifted to hospital cos her horse slipped. Her body proctector definitely helped her. Wake up call I needed.

 

[Kunoichi73]

Hope it's comfortable!

It's worth thinking about getting the shoulder protectors for it as well. I know not many people wear them for general riding but I wish I'd had them on mine when I got bucked off last year. I don't know if they would have prevented the clavicle fracture but they may have made the break less complicated.

 

[pistolpete]

Hope it's comfortable!

It's worth thinking about getting the shoulder protectors for it as well. I know not many people wear them for general riding but I wish I'd had them on mine when I got bucked off last year. I don't know if they would have prevented the clavicle fracture but they may have made the break less complicated.

Yes! Funnily enough it was a shoulder I hurt the last time I had a fall. Thankfully not fractured. Very sore strained ligaments though.

 

[Kunoichi73]

Yes! Funnily enough it was a shoulder I hurt the last time I had a fall. Thankfully not fractured. Very sore strained ligaments though.

Ouch!

 

[pistolpete]

Well it wasn’t great. Caught me under the arms and general feeling of being crushed didn’t really go. £280! So will persevere!

 

[Fjord]

Oh no, i always find Racesafe comfy. Can you change the adjustments at all?

 

[Skib]

Oh no, i always find Racesafe comfy. Can you change the adjustments at all?

You are lucky that racesafe fits you. It fitted my OH too (in the days when he rode). They dont fit me. The size of the blocks in race safe limits how much they can be adjusted across the shoulders.

Luckilly airowear bps fit me. But I am still wearing an old one as the saddler was doubtful about the new design.

 

[teapot]

What are you wearing it with OP? Might be worth trying with just a baselayer on.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

You are lucky that racesafe fits you. It fitted my OH too (in the days when he rode). They dont fit me. The size of the blocks in race safe limits how much they can be adjusted across the shoulders.

Luckilly airowear bps fit me. But I am still wearing an old one as the saddler was doubtful about the new design.

Have you tried the motion 9ne? Very different fit.

 

[Skib]

Yes. I had high hopes as my first ever bp was a lace up the sides Champion.

I had staff help at the large saddlers (we went at a non busy time) but I have always had a wide rib cage and narrow shoulders. We couldnt prevent it riding up, so the top of the back of the bp hit the back of my neck.

I failed to get to the shipping village at the London horse show last Christmas, but may try to get to Windsor if it happens.

 

[pistolpete]

I may have had too much on underneath and I was too warm as it acts like another layer of clothing so will hope that helps. It is the motion.

 

[Kunoichi73]

I may have had too much on underneath and I was too warm as it acts like another layer of clothing so will hope that helps. It is the motion.

I usually wear mine over a base layer but under my jacket. Not sure I'm going to be able to do that with the shoulder protectors on it though.

 

[Kaylum]

Did they put you on a saddle when fitting it?

 

[pistolpete]

Did they put you on a saddle when fitting it?

Yes.

 

[pistolpete]

Lucky enough to be riding again tomorrow so will try it over a t shirt and cross my fingers it’s comfier.

 

[Fieldlife]

I wear racesafe ladies hacking and I can forget I’m wearing it.

Mine is short backed.

Before this shop persuaded me to buy one that was too long. Interfered with back of saddle & I disliked it. Needs to be comfy imo, or you’ll avoid wearing it.

 

[Fieldlife]

Lucky enough to be riding again tomorrow so will try it over a t shirt and cross my fingers it’s comfier.

I wear teeshirt, long sleeved thermals, BP, coat on top, then hiviz vest.

 

[pistolpete]

Well Bertie body protector came out again today I still don’t love it but uncomfy in different places so hopefully bedding in slowly. How long until I don’t notice it? Such a relief when I take it off!

 

[Fieldlife]

Well Bertie body protector came out again today I still don’t love it but uncomfy in different places so hopefully bedding in slowly. How long until I don’t notice it? Such a relief when I take it off!

I don’t think it will improve. IME the right fitting modern one should be comfortable straight away.

 

[Skib]

Such a relief when I take it off!

That doesnt sound right to me. Are you doing it up too tight?
Yes, a bp can feel stiff and restrictive when you first put it on, especially in winter. But after 10 minutes or so the foam should warm up and be flexible so you dont really know you are wearing it.

 

[pistolpete]

That doesnt sound right to me. Are you doing it up too tight?
Yes, a bp can feel stiff and restrictive when you first put it on, especially in winter. But after 10 minutes or so the foam should warm up and be flexible so you dont really know you are wearing it.

I wish!

 

[pistolpete]

I don’t think it’s on too tight. It’s just so bulky. I’m a fusspot! Wish I’d gone for a new air jacket now!

 

[Skib]

An air jacket can fail. One needs a bp . Believe me. I fell regularly hacking from an RS and was never hurt nor needing A&E. With my bp it was like falling on a mattress, even the occasional fall on tarmac

 

[Dave's Mam]

An air jacket can fail. One needs a bp . Believe me. I fell regularly hacking from an RS and was never hurt nor needing A&E. With my bp it was like falling on a mattress, even the occasional fall on tarmac

I broke 6 ribs wearing a BP, I didn't in my air vest. Best practice would be to wear both, but for what I do, I feel my Point 2 does me well.

 

[Widgeon]

I broke 6 ribs wearing a BP, I didn't in my air vest. Best practice would be to wear both, but for what I do, I feel my Point 2 does me well.

Same here. For what I do (lots of long hacks - out all day in the summer), an air vest works well. And it quite literally saved my neck (and ribs) when I was knocked out in a horrible "fall"* a couple of years ago.

*I didn't "fall", I was bucked off at a gallop onto stubble, wasn't I darling horse. Yes I was.

 

[Skib]

I dont think we are allowed air vests at my sharing yard. We are not allowed to be (physically) attached to the horse. OH's air vest is hanging up behind a bedroom door with its cannister, but I think it should be thrown away as it is past its use by date.

 

[pistolpete]

I officially hate it but just hoping it will be better when the weather is warmer. Although I have to say it’s very warm so doubt that will make much sense. Clutching at straws!

 

[Fieldlife]

I officially hate it but just hoping it will be better when the weather is warmer. Although I have to say it’s very warm so doubt that will make much sense. Clutching at straws!

Find one that is comfortable. Don’t think you have right size and shape.

 

[Widgeon]

I officially hate it but just hoping it will be better when the weather is warmer. Although I have to say it’s very warm so doubt that will make much sense. Clutching at straws!

Can you sell it and find a different make? I always used to find BPs worse in summer, to be honest.

 

[Catbird]

I officially hate it but just hoping it will be better when the weather is warmer. Although I have to say it’s very warm so doubt that will make much sense. Clutching at straws!

I used to find it bulky but don't notice it at all now. I just wear it over a baselayer as get too warm with a jumper which means it can be tricky to work out what to wear so my arms don't freeze but i don't get too hot! Have got some cycling arm warmers to try this week to see if that helps
Hopefully for the price you paid, it'll get more comfy for you