Show Ring/Dressage Ring question....

[Michelle73]

I've not been in the show ring for about 18 years. This year if the rain stops it looks like I might get my boy and I out for the first time!!!

My question is do you wear your body protector in the show ring? Is it allowed? I'm talking about local shows and unaffiliated dressage. THANK YOU. Probably a silly question!!!

 

[pocket]

Hi, as a rule not many people would wear a back protector for showing or dressage, however, thats not to say that you should not. If you have had a bad fall/accident then it would not be a bad thing.

For local events this will be fine, but if you are showing say a hunter and the judge is expected to ride the horse, they may question the need for armour? This in turn may put you and your horse down the que.

Good luck, I might be joining you in the use of back protection, I have just been involved in an RTA and have some fractured ribs and my horse is not being ridden at the moment, just lunged.......... Worried!

 

[Michelle73]

Thanks. The horse is a saint but I wear the body protector for my confidence thats all (that just in case factor!) We wouldn't be doing hunter classes because he's got way too much hair!!! Just basic beginners dressage and family horse etc anything that unregistered fat hairy cobs can do! Although I should stop calling him fat coz he's actually very fit!!!

 

[dozzie]

I dont think you should worry about it. At the end of the day its your back!

Ive seen people wearing body protectors in dressage, obviously at low level, And often you can appreciate why!!!

I dont wear one as I dont need to and I find them uncomfortable, but when my mare was being very difficult I would have done, if I had had the courage to compete her at all

.

Personally I dont think anyone should be put down for wearing a body protector.

The only thing I could see it affecting is your Rider position marks if it makes you look a bit cumbersome if you know what I mean! They dont do a lot for elegance

and can make you look a bit hunched in the saddle sometimes. Unless of course you are someone like Carl Hester!

Take your horse out and do some dressage and you may eventually have the confidence to try without the body armour! Especially if hes a good boy!

Also, if you get a body protector the same colour as your jacket it wont matter if its over or under. Its just whats most comfy for you.

 

[Michelle73]

Thanks. I'll probably end up without the BP eventually but just need to get out there first. I haven't ridden without one for over a year now and just can't imagine not wearing it!!!

Anyway, the current one is Lilac! So will probably have to go under the jacket I think!!!! At least I can wear it.

He really is a good boy and I'm not going to say it because otherwise it will happen but you know what I'm thinking when I say I probably don't need to wear a BP anymore.