The return of the back protector debate!

[pistolpete]

So lovely Connie did a cheeky buck with me the other day and I had a mortality check! He didn’t get me off but just think I really should up the safety ante a bit.
Please comment if you routinely wear a BP that feels comfy and adds safety. I should add I only hack bit for long rides and needs to be comfy in walk!

 

[Fieldlife]

Me racesafe provent. I wear it for all hacking after my horse has fallen over with me.

I find it cool and comfortable. I dont wear a sports bra when wearing it which is a pro for me.

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Racesafe Provent 3 for me. I only wear for hacking and tbh I forget that I have it on. I think the key thing is get it fitted properly and ideally somewhere there's a saddle to sit on to check you're happy with the back length.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Yes, me. A Racesafe Provent 3.

I know that I keep trotting out this photo from late May this year, but along with my choice of riding hat and trekking centre it shows off my BP.

I’ve had it for years, but decided relatively recently that it was much more use on my person if I’m hurtling towards the ground than hung up in the boot room at home.

Only disadvantage is that it does get uncomfortably hot on a 2 hour trek in 25°C + temps. Otherwise it’s very easy to wear. Having easily adjustable lacing at the sides means that I can wear it straight over a thin top, like my Ariat Sunstopper here, or over a lightweight fleece as well.

 

[AandK]

I have a champion Ti22. I admit I don't wear it often BUT I wore it last weekend (XC schooling) for the first time in about 5yrs and I didn't notice I was wearing it, it's very comfy! It's a 2009 purple label, so I need to get a 2018 version BP and I will be getting the same one.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Another vote for the Racesafe Provent 3, I wear mine each time I ride.
Updated from the older version around Easter, the old one is in the horsebox just in case I forget current one....

 

[Sprogladite01]

I've got a racesafe provent 3 which I wear any time I'm in the saddle, but am considering switching to a champion Ti22 as it flips up at the back every time I've come off (4 times in the last 12 months - baby horse is testing me lol). Some of the falls have been quite dramatic - I got chucked out of the arena for one of them! - but still, the same spot on my lower back has been whacked each time. Interesting thread as the racesafe was fitted to me so I'm pretty sure I have the right size etc...

 

[2ndtimearound]

I have a Champion ti22 too (in fact, I’m on my second one having just replaced my first one due to its age). I wear it whenever I ride, except when it gets over 25C, at which point I have to ditch it or I overheat.

 

[Crazy_cat_lady]

I don't ride anymore but when I did I used the racesafe provent 3 and didn't notice I was wearing it a lot of the time

I wore a BP everytime I rode. I still have it even though I haven't ridden in 2.5 years

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

I prefer my air jacket to a BP. I feel it would do more for me in the event of a fall than the BP would. However my fav BPs are airowear. I will have to update mine for when we try XC

 

[Bobthecob15]

Myself and a few of the ladies at my yard over 40 wear our air jacket all the time, no body protector under it unless I’m jumping.

I have a racesafe body protector which is good, the air jacket is more comfortable for me though and I can wear it over big coats in winter…it’s just easier for me than the body protector

 

[pistolpete]

Thank you everyone. I am considering an equi dry too. Need to go shopping! Bank robbery first anyone

 

[humblepie]

Another race safe. Always wear hacking and schooling at home.

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

If my memory serves me right and you are within driving distance of West Sussex, there is a shop based at my yard that is also a safety centre and the lady that runs it fits all safety gear as a speciality, plus then you can also try it on and sit in a saddle with it. If you are drop me a PM and I'll give you the details

I wear an air jacket which I will continue to do for less safe activities but for local hacking and schooling I am getting rather aggrieved that it's not only quite big and bulky, but also that it ruins all of my photos by making me look really unkempt and wide and massive - but then I think what an idiot to use something that isn't as protective because you're annoyed that it's a bit uncomfy and bulky! I have been mulling over a racesafe but it looks like I just need to pull the plus and go for it! The ideal would be a racesafe fitting air jacket, but I'm not sure they exist!

 

[ihatework]

I only wear a body protector if I have to by rules (ie xc) and given I do t do that anymore then my BP is redundant. However I found racesafe the most wearable.

These days if I want a safety net I wear my hit air

 

[Jambarissa]

I've had every version of the racesafe but only the most recent one is comfortable for me, I really think they got it right there.

If you really can't face wearing a level 3 BP a level 2 is a lot more comfortable and at least offers some protection.

My air jacket didn't go off when my horse fell because I was still in the saddle. She went right over me and it only went off when she stood up. That's when I started wearing a BP.

 

[SussexbytheXmasTree]

I wear a Point Two air-jacket pretty much all the time when riding, have done for years. I also have a Racesafe Provent but I don’t seem to find it as comfortable as everyone else does it seems very bulky especially under my arms/ sides so I’ve only used it to go XC training.

 

[Skib]

I wear an airo-wear. However, it is important to make clear and especially for women that some bps lace up down the side. My first champion did that.

This may be a problem for women who would like one adjustment for bust and another fastening just below the ribs and above their waist. Airowear have two fastenings and they are velcro so easilly changed and changed individually rsather than one needing to open the whole thing.

For me the downside is that I have wide ribs and narrow shoulders. No body protector has ever fitted me properly. But as I am a hacker and not an eventer, there is no worry.

 

[SpotsandBays]

And one more vote for the Provent 3!

 

[Pedantic]

I always wear my BP with shoulder pads when riding, always have since breaking collar bone, feel naked without it

 

[pistolpete]

If my memory serves me right and you are within driving distance of West Sussex, there is a shop based at my yard that is also a safety centre and the lady that runs it fits all safety gear as a speciality, plus then you can also try it on and sit in a saddle with it. If you are drop me a PM and I'll give you the details

I wear an air jacket which I will continue to do for less safe activities but for local hacking and schooling I am getting rather aggrieved that it's not only quite big and bulky, but also that it ruins all of my photos by making me look really unkempt and wide and massive - but then I think what an idiot to use something that isn't as protective because you're annoyed that it's a bit uncomfy and bulky! I have been mulling over a racesafe but it looks like I just need to pull the plus and go for it! The ideal would be a racesafe fitting air jacket, but I'm not sure they exist!

Thank you will message you.

 

[canteron]

I have a racesafe lite - it is unbelievably comfortable and I am happy to wear it whenever I ride.
I am not so sure whether it is adequate, but I guess it’s better than nothing

 

[Flowerofthefen]

I ride in an air jacket all the time. I forgot it for the first time in 10 years the other day and felt very unsafe!!

 

[tda]

I did used to wear a racesafe bp, but how just wear a Hitair. I only bumble around mainly in walk

 

[KatieDM]

I have a Racesafe Provent 3 also, 2018 standard if it makes any odds. I don’t compete but regularly hack on a young horse. The measuring guide on their website worked out perfect for me, fit-wise, as I couldn’t find a local stockist to be measured. I came out smaller than I thought I would be, but they’re meant to be snug obviously. I ordered the corresponding size from Naylors.

 

[snowangel5]

Race safe BP

 

[blodwyn1]

I have a hit air and a champion ti 20 I was wearing just the body protector when I had a fall off my new pony and I was really bruised where the body protector finished under my ribs so I have gone back to wearing the hit air which I think gives me better protection. I can't manage both together as I can't move!

 

[EmmaC78]

I wear the racesafe provent as well. Very comfortable.

 

[Reacher]

If the champion is the one that looks identical to the racesafe, that’s the one I’ve got (had the racesafe previously). They are both very similar and lightweight.

 

[SO1]

Mine is very old and not v comfortable. I only used to wear it with Homey on sponsored rides. I expect the back might be a bit long for me.

However with Bert as he is young I always wear it hacking. I am thinking of getting a new modern one.

Are they something that if you know the right size that it is ok to buy second hand on ebay. My instructor is says her one is really comfortable and she is the same size as me so if I ask her she might let me try it on for size and then I can look at getting the same perhaps.