To wear or not to wear a Body Protector

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Tronniehead

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Hi
Hi just wondered on people's thoughts on body protectors? Do you wear one or not? I currently am not but am thinking in investing? Also what are the best ones at a reasonable price to buy?
 
If you do a search on here there's lots of threads on here about them. There was one a few days ago actually. :) I wear one as I feel safer and they protect me, and I don't find mine (Racesafe) uncomfortable at all. :)
 
If your going to get one i advise Racesafe. Espically if you have the bigger boobs! Very comfy and you can still move in it.
 
Don't get HHOers started on that one! I started the thread from the link above, and regret it!!! Haha don't really, just got a lot of notifications!
Always wear one, always will. Rather get trampled through another layer, would help to save my life!!!
 
I wear one 99% of the time (can't remember the last time I didn't!) and always when riding my own mare as she's unpredictable. I'm lucky as I have a sticky seat and have only fallen off once in 7 years of daily riding, however the riding accident I was involved in was very nasty and I am so glad I was wearing my (racesafe) body protector when I had it. I've told this story a thousand times on here, but it really protected me from serious injury as all of me was broken and bruised, I was totally black and blue - my legs still are and it was over a year ago! - but the area covered by my BP didn't even have a scratch on it and was completely bruise free. I hate to think what state I'd be in if I hadn't have been wearing it, and it really made me realise how protective they are. I'd also recommend the racesafe, i've found it by far the lightest and comfiest x
 
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I always wear one out hacking and was wearing it this week when I was sent solo over a fence. I landed on my side but didn't feel a thing so yes they definitely work.
I don't notice I've got it on and it does not hinder my movements in any way. Mines an Airowear. So my vote would be, yes, wear one.
 
Mine is Airowear too and once I am on board I don't notice I am wearing it. I wear mine for hacking and jumping. My horse spooked once and fell ditching us both onto the tarmac road and I was completely unhurt.
 
I only wear mine XC.

The one time i fell in mine it completely ripped my skin apart across my back, while it winded me too.
It wasnt even a bad fall but i had the worst injurys ever! And i actually landed on my leg and arm so they hurt not my body, it was the protector!

Ive fallen so many times without it much worse with far less injuries. I know its an unpopular opinion but i only wear mine xc and ive really been put off them for general use.

Good investment for xc though :)
 
When i got back into riding aged nearly 40 I didn't have one for the 2 years I had lessons at a riding school, then got my own pony and after our first year where he tested the boundaries with napping a lot out hacking I got one and also as was doing a little bit of jumping. I wear it every time I ride - more because I am on my own, I am the only one that can earn a crust to keep house and horse and me together and don't have others that can step in to fill the breach if I am laid up injured for a long period of time. I also think of my two sisters who may have to pick up the pieces (literally or otherwise). Not that one small body protector is going to prevent an accident happening but it may lessen the extent of injury a little bit. Having come off 7 times or so across the last 9 years each time I've landed on my back or side it's definitely played its role. Was no good when I landed on my hip though :p
 
Make sure you get one to the highest protection level with a purple label. (The ones for Jockeys are the lowest protection level).

Level 1 (black label) provides the lowest level of protection that is only considered appropriate for licensed jockeys while racing.
Level 2 (brown label) offers a lower than normal level of protection so is considered suitable for low risk situations - not including jumping, riding on the roads, riding young or excitable horses or riding while inexperienced.
Level 3 (purple label) is considered appropriate for general riding, competitions including eventing and working with horses. Level 3 body protectors should prevent minor bruising that would have produced stiffness and pain, reduce soft tissue injuries and prevent a limited number of rib fractures.
 
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