The importance of a body protector at all times

Pigeon said:
So sorry to hear about your friend. :( Hope she recovers very soon!

Is this the horse that bolted last time?

I personally would never wear a BP, they're cumbersome and for me, take away the joy and fluidity of riding. I hate wearing gloves and waterproofs too. Horses are dangerous. You could be wearing a BP, hat, steel toecaps, gloves, NFL style body armour etc, and get your neck stepped on. The only thing that will eliminate the risk is not getting in the saddle.

Eta the worst injury I've ever had was from falling out of bed (yeah, I know) and a bp would have prevented those injuries. Maybe I should be wearing one when I sleep...
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You don't? :eek3:
 
Just for balance, mine is an airowear outlyne, reasonably new (as I couldn't breathe in my very old one and that doesn't help half way round an xc course!) and it is the most cumbersome, straight-jacketish thing I've ever known. (and yes, it does fit fine...)
 
I had an outlyne as well-awful. no quite as awful as the cobra I used to have. also had a race safe which was better, still sold it-still don't want to be hacking and backing i one.
 
I wear one at work because it is compulsory. In the one serious fall I had there was before the times of compulsory wearing and it wouldn't really have done much for me to be honest. I have had worse injuries from clipping.

I never wear one at home, I like my freedom of movement. As a kid I insisted on wearing my new bp for a lesson before xc at the weekend, pony decked me and kicked me in the knee taking out a chip of bone. The only other major fall I have had at home I landed on my head so again - bp wouldn't have helped in the slightest, in fact it would have hindered my getting wrapped around a fence post which ultimately saved my life as I was KO'd at the time and skiing along the ground at high speed towards a deep burn so I probably would have drowned otherwise. The best bit? The fall was from a Shetland pony who absolutely torpedoed me!
 
Wagtail said:
No finger wagging at all. I feel morally bound to let people know about an accident that would have been a lot less severe had she been wearing her BP. I really don't care if people wish to do otherwise. If it saves just one person from severe injury, it would be worth posting the thread. Personally, I don't find them at all restricting if they are suited to your shape and fitted correctly. But I respect people having different views. It's your life and your body.
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As I said in my first post, the "it would have been so much worse had she not have been wearing a body protector" is lost on me because that is simply speculation.

I just think it is sad that so many people advocate you wear them for everything to do with horses - I got bitten on the waist by a grumpy yearling last week but I don't feel the need to advocate extra safety gear for the couple of times a year I'm not quick enough.
 
those so adamantly for (and if you feel that its necessary to wear one then you absolutely should-freedom of choice and all that) should perhaps read the 'ladies of a certain age' thread. I've always worn a hat (even in the 70s) but if it gets to the point its thought that we always wear a BP even in a school *just in case*, well I'll give up personally.
 
Wagtail said:
I am looking to buy a new one as I've had my current one over 15 years. Any recommendations for non restrictive, comfortable ones?
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I have an airowear outline and really recommend it. Designed for ladies, and after a couple of mine forget it's there. Took my saddle with me to try on to make sure it wouldn't catch on the back of the saddle. When I came off in it didn't feel a thing-despite hitting the ground pretty hard. caught on camera so you can see I still manage to roll with the fall and I wasn't even winded. I know they don't stop everything, but in the average fall you might pull something and be stiff after-I'm happy to avoid that as well as reduce the risk of serious injury.

I don't wear it in the school as I feel I have to draw a line somewhere-if I don't trust the horse or my balance I will wear it, so new horses, jumping and anything fast, as that is more out of my comfort zone.
 
I find them far too restrictive. If I'm riding a bucker, then I'd rather ride without one, I feel far safer. They restrict flexibility to be able to 'go' with the horse if said horse decides to throw in a buck, spin, rear etc. Granted they do REDUCE risk of injury, they can also INCREASE risk of injury. I wear one on new horses and for Cross Country and that's it.

As for just wearing an air jacket - I think that's just the same as wearing nothing. A lot of air jackets have flaws - for example, some that have the pop up neck protection, don't have protection over the upper back, they may also not go off (hence why they aren't BETA approved). If you were to land on a stick, an air jacket wont protect you from the stick puncturing your body part - this is, after all, what BPs are made for. Air jackets are a good idea, but only when worn with a BP imo
 
I do for fast work, and on a youngster, my daughter who is 3 wears one all the time, rather she grew up used to wearing one, than getting used to it later on
 
I wear mine and air jacket all the time no matter what I am doing

I never used to though, thought it uncomfy, hot blah blah blah

The reason I do now, two very nasty accidents. One even with BP and air jacket on I still burst discs in back and ripped my pelvis apart

I think often it takes a nasty fall to make you realise and no matter how much you bleat on to those who don't where protection they will never take heed until it's happened to them.
 
It is such a tricky one.....I am getting older and have Osteoarthritis so have to look after my bones, but I do find BP's sooo restrictive. I cannot ride one side of a horse wearing one! I think I need to shop around and try some newer less heavy ones...

I always wear one XC but not jumping in a school which is a bit daft when you think about it....hmm time for a rethink!
 
I don't wear a BP, and wouldn't unless I have to. I also find them restrictive and I feel that they can give a false sense of security. A bit like Motherofchickens really, I grew up when the only thing between you and the ground was a velvet peaked hat with an elastic string, if you chose to wear one at all.
 
Daytona said:
I think often it takes a nasty fall to make you realise and no matter how much you bleat on to those who don't where protection they will never take heed until it's happened to them.
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See this is the kind of ignorant viewpoint which annoys me about BPs. I don't wear one all the time, despite having had bad accidents, because I do not see them as a necessary bit of kit every time I get on a horse - fair enough you do, but don't condemn everyone who doesn't share your viewpoint as ignorant
 
I think there is a logic to wearing one and can see how an accident can make you decide to wear one.

I do find them awful to wear, especially in slower paces, as they catch on the back of the saddle. I also think that in the bad falls I have had they wouldn't have done anything as I have fallen on shoulders or hips etc (sideways), so areas that wouldn't have been protected. I also feel stiffer and restricted in them, so don't like them.

I do think that it is probably safer to wear one though and I should try more!
 
Honey08 said:
I think there is a logic to wearing one and can see how an accident can make you decide to wear one.

I do find them awful to wear, especially in slower paces, as they catch on the back of the saddle. I also think that in the bad falls I have had they wouldn't have done anything as I have fallen on shoulders or hips etc (sideways), so areas that wouldn't have been protected. I also feel stiffer and restricted in them, so don't like them.

I do think that it is probably safer to wear one though and I should try more!
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If it's catching the back of the saddle I would get the fit checked? Doesn't sound right.
 
Daytona said:
I wear mine and air jacket all the time no matter what I am doing

I never used to though, thought it uncomfy, hot blah blah blah

The reason I do now, two very nasty accidents. One even with BP and air jacket on I still burst discs in back and ripped my pelvis apart

I think often it takes a nasty fall to make you realise and no matter how much you bleat on to those who don't where protection they will never take heed until it's happened to them.
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No they won't. I never wore one for schooling. I never saw the need as I thought it would be a soft landing. Even when a horse reared with me and nearly fell back onto the fence with me. However, seeing how disabled my friend is now and the deep gash across her ribcage from where she landed on the fence, I know her injuries would not have been half as bad had she been wearing a BP. Thankfully, she will be okay, but it will be a few months before she is able to ride again. She is still on crutches.
 
RunToEarth said:
See this is the kind of ignorant viewpoint which annoys me about BPs.
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Why exactly is what she said ignorant? Why should it annoy you? I find it very puzzling that you are getting annoyed about this. If you don't like to wear a BP, that is your business. That does not annoy me in the slightest. But to start calling people ignorant, I think is way over the top.
 
I don't get any particular false sense of security from wearing one and it does not encourage me to take any more risk than I would without it. I just know that if I do fall and land on my back or side that the part covered by the BP will have a soft landing.

One observation I would make though is that I think there is a perception from some people I've encountered that if I'm wearing a BP that I must be either very nervous or not a confident rider.
 
Honey08 said:
I think there is a logic to wearing one and can see how an accident can make you decide to wear one.

I do find them awful to wear, especially in slower paces, as they catch on the back of the saddle. I also think that in the bad falls I have had they wouldn't have done anything as I have fallen on shoulders or hips etc (sideways), so areas that wouldn't have been protected. I also feel stiffer and restricted in them, so don't like them.

I do think that it is probably safer to wear one though and I should try more!
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Honestly, the newer types do not catch on the saddle. My aerowear one tucks into the small of my back and it is impossible for it to catch on the saddle. I did try a different brand though and that one probably would have. I think if people get the one that is right for their body shape, there shouldn't be a problem.
 
TrasaM said:
I don't get any particular false sense of security from wearing one and it does not encourage me to take any more risk than I would without it. I just know that if I do fall and land on my back or side that the part covered by the BP will have a soft landing.

One observation I would make though is that I think there is a perception from some people I've encountered that if I'm wearing a BP that I must be either very nervous or not a confident rider.
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I think that is very true. A lot of the dislike of the things is about image. I can say that from experience in jumping BS that I wanted to wear one but didn't because I felt it looked novicey. I've grown up a bit now though and really couldn't care less what others think of me. I value my body.
 
Yes you two are probably right, I should try other makes. I need to look at the big boobs body protector thread - I could be in a too big body protector due to them!
 
Wagtail said:
Why exactly is what she said ignorant? Why should it annoy you? I find it very puzzling that you are getting annoyed about this. If you don't like to wear a BP, that is your business. That does not annoy me in the slightest. But to start calling people ignorant, I think is way over the top.
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The "you can't possibly understand why it is so important to wear one unless you have had a serious accident" argument. It is a condescending and silly way to belittle people's opinions on the matter. I have had a bad accident and still feel that the level of protection they offer is limited, I still find them restrictive and I still don't wear them every day, in spite of my accident.
 
Wagtail said:
I think that is very true. A lot of the dislike of the things is about image. I can say that from experience in jumping BS that I wanted to wear one but didn't because I felt it looked novicey. I've grown up a bit now though and really couldn't care less what others think of me. I value my body.
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totally agree. I’ve had a few raised eyebrows that I wanted an airjacket given all I want to do these days is happy hack. However when I spoke to treehouse (who were very helpful) they said most injuries are in the leisure rider/happy hacker bracket. I may look like a total plonker plodding about the countryside in a BP and/or airjacket but I dont care. I have a toddler at home who relies on me 100% and no family around to help with childcare so I need to minimise risk as much as I can.
 
RunToEarth said:
The "you can't possibly understand why it is so important to wear one unless you have had a serious accident" argument. It is a condescending and silly way to belittle people's opinions on the matter. I have had a bad accident and still feel that the level of protection they offer is limited, I still find them restrictive and I still don't wear them every day, in spite of my accident.
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I really don't think the comment was meant in a condescending way at all. It was said through personal experience. So it is not ignorant or condescending. It MAY however be inaccurate in some cases, as you yourself has proved. But it is not ignorant.
 
NeverSayNever said:
totally agree. I’ve had a few raised eyebrows that I wanted an airjacket given all I want to do these days is happy hack. However when I spoke to treehouse (who were very helpful) they said most injuries are in the leisure rider/happy hacker bracket. I may look like a total plonker plodding about the countryside in a BP and/or airjacket but I dont care. I have a toddler at home who relies on me 100% and no family around to help with childcare so I need to minimise risk as much as I can.
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I think often people with children, especially young ones are far more cautious about taking risks than those who don't. I know my nerve was far less than it used to be after I had children, and I do wonder if it is instinctual. Of course there will be exceptions to this! (Disclaimer put in in case anyone thinks I am being condescending).
 
I think like everything it is an assessment of risk.

I feel no need to wear one on Frank having owned him for 9 years, I might feel differently if I bought a new horse (and I think the incident was with a relatively new horse to the rider??) Mum is the same with her mare, we have both worn them less as time has gone on.
 
ester said:
I think like everything it is an assessment of risk.

I feel no need to wear one on Frank having owned him for 9 years, I might feel differently if I bought a new horse (and I think the incident was with a relatively new horse to the rider??) Mum is the same with her mare, we have both worn them less as time has gone on.
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Yes, that is true. At present I don't have a horse that I know really well (don't have my own ridden horse at all!). I expect that once I have backed my filly and if she proves to be really predictable and safe, that I would probably stop wearing it in the school, even though really I feel that I shouldn't.
 
Riding is about assessing risk .
As I drive about I see people hacking about or a small shows they have all the safety kit on but there positions are appalling their saddle are too straight cut to allow them to develop safe good positions when jumping , they are hacking with there stirrups to long etc etc .
These are the big things that improve safety that get overlooked and yes I do think safety kit can give some poor riders a false sense of security .
The best way to avoid injury form riding is simply not to do it all the rest is personal risk assessment something we all do all the time.
 
RunToEarth said:
The "you can't possibly understand why it is so important to wear one unless you have had a serious accident" argument. It is a condescending and silly way to belittle people's opinions on the matter. I have had a bad accident and still feel that the level of protection they offer is limited, I still find them restrictive and I still don't wear them every day, in spite of my accident.
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I very much agree that no, a bad accident won't necessarily make you want a bp. I've had bad falls, and been hospitalised on a couple of occasions - for me, I've had injuries caused by my BP, including injuring my neck (I was xrayed while still unconscious as they suspected my BP had caused my neck to break - thankfully it wasn't but it was torn) and lower back, and despite some bad falls I still view whether I wear my bp or not as an assessment of what I'm doing - there are injury risks associated with BPs too.
 
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