Problems getting off in a body protector

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WestCoast

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Since it saves my bacon earlier this year I'm stuck wearing my aerowear outlyne when I ride. It's actually pretty comfortable when it warms up, but I have an issue getting off.

Basically I have a nice deep Albion GP saddle with big knee rolls and when I get off it catches on the saddle and will bang on my windpipe. It's slightly better if I undo it first which isn't ideal. I'm old and stiff and Bree isn't tiny, so ideally I'd like to be able to get off quite close and lower myself a little, but this means I have to push well away as I get off if that make sense.

Anyone else experience this?

Paula
 
It sounds like you haven't got it on tight enough or that it doesn't fit you properly? It shouldn't move & catch you on the windpipe, could be even more of an issue if you came off. :-(
 
Yes this happens to me also - have the same BP - I'm getting on a bit and am short waisted and big busted and pull it as tight as I can but still it catches - on the third time of wearing the bottom of the zip broke and had to be sent back and a new one put in. Getting off leg round the front is very dangerous and I ride a youngster so can't always get off energetically - I am now thinking of getting an air jacket.
 
LOL - Ive the same saddle & same problem as you!!! appart from back protector got stuck on saddle when I was dismounting! Have to do a pretty dramatic dismount now to ensure doesnt happen!

Paulag said:
Since it saves my bacon earlier this year I'm stuck wearing my aerowear outlyne when I ride. It's actually pretty comfortable when it warms up, but I have an issue getting off.

Basically I have a nice deep Albion GP saddle with big knee rolls and when I get off it catches on the saddle and will bang on my windpipe. It's slightly better if I undo it first which isn't ideal. I'm old and stiff and Bree isn't tiny, so ideally I'd like to be able to get off quite close and lower myself a little, but this means I have to push well away as I get off if that make sense.

Anyone else experience this?

Paula
Click to expand...
 
I successfully went around XC course for the first time.

Then got caught up on the saddle when dismounting and ended up falling backwards onto my back at the horse's feet.

I was led there in front of people - like a turtle, unable to get up.

And the horse stood there, sighed and looked embarrassed :rolleyes:.
 
I will try tightening it, but it's pretty snug already - it's a struggle to zip up when it's cold. I did get a bruise on my windpipe when I came off so have tightened the arm holes. It's definately the saddle, but that I am not replacing. It's the best thing ever.

Paula
 
this happens to me, although I rarely wear a body protector now. I used to leave one foot in the stirrup, bring right leg over then do some dramatic jump away from the horse and saddle!
 
If your knees aren't up to a more athletic dismount then try turning yourself sideways a bit before you lower yourself down.

Personally I swing my leg over, then sort of hover before pushing away with my arms and jumping clear. This avoids getting caught on the saddle or scratching the saddle on the way down. But you can sort of turn yourself so you are facing the same direction as the horse and slither down, which might help.
 
Mine is a little awkward but I'm managing ok. Mine is done up very tightly so it cannot ride up very much when I slide off. Undo the side straps before you try to zip it up as well then tighten once the zip is done up. :) pleased to hear you are back on board Bree. :)
 
I wear a body protector every time I ride (most days) following 3 spinal surgeries. I do fasten mine fairly tightly and had mine fitted when I bought it so it was the correct length. Just wondering if the back length is correct for you as they do make a short length one.
 
I'm sniggering with Patterdale etc too!
Seriously, if its doing that when you plan to dismount, I'd be worried about what would happen in a fall. Especially if its catching on your windpipe of all places. Go & get the fit checked, not all brands suit everyone.
 
That happens to me too, whacks me on the chin and very nearly knocks me flying backwards! I just have to remember to push myself a bit more clear of the horse rather than slide down the side! I do need a new BP though as it is a bit old school!
 
Sadly poor hairy horse has a sore mouth and so I won't be riding for a free days. But I will fiddle with the fit. It was fitted when I got it. To be honest, if you catch the bottom of something like that it's difficult to see how it wouldn't ride up.

Paula
 
mandwhy said:
That happens to me too, whacks me on the chin and very nearly knocks me flying backwards! I just have to remember to push myself a bit more clear of the horse rather than slide down the side! I do need a new BP though as it is a bit old school!
Click to expand...

I have similar prob - mine bops me on the chin only on dismounting - tho have sucessfully tested it out in falling off v quickly - twice in last 7 weeks! :o
Neither time has it bopped me & am v grateful for what its done to save me extensive chest injury on the 1st occasion!

To add, am also geri-hatric ;) rider with some experience........

To get off, I have developed an odd 'body roll' to land next to horse. Can't explain it but horse was suprised the 1st time & now just sigh's as I do a combi of new-rider/gymnast roll & flick as I get off, still dismounting in usual manner with leg over rear end :)

OP, hope you get it sorted out, would be bothered if mine hit me in windpipe tho! :eek:
 
I took a ride on a borrowed pony today. I tightened it right up and didn't have any problems. However dismounting from a lovely, calm 14 hh pony isn't quite the same as a 16hh snorty dragon. I suspect I did have it a bit loose though.

Pedantic - I can get my leg over just fine thank you ;)

Paula
 
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