Body Protectors

What body protectors are available for riding?

The purpose of a body protector is to protect the torso from dangerous injuries. Unlike back protectors, which focus on protecting the spine, body protectors use foam inserts to protect the chest, internal organs, shoulder area and spine.
There are the following types of body protectors for riding:

• Classic body protectors with large foam panels.
• Body protectors with smaller foam panels for a more flexible fit

When should I wear a body protector when riding?

Wearing a body protector prevents life-threatening injuries in the areas of the rib cage and the spine. Taking this aspect into account, the use of a body protector also makes sense for recreational riders, even if a body protector only prevents painful bruises in the back area. Ultimately, each rider must decide for themselves how much residual risk they are willing to accept or what they are willing to invest in their own safety and health.
A body protector is appropriate in the following situations:

• When jumping
• When dealing with young and hot horses
• When riding as a beginner, child or anxious rider
• When hacking or hunting

How should a body protector fit properly?

The correct fit is crucial for the maximum protection that a body protector can offer. It should fit comfortably and offer sufficient freedom of movement. You can adjust the size of the body protector using the Velcro fastener on the side. Make sure that the red marks on the Velcro fasteners are covered when you close the body protector. If they are still visible, the body protector is too small and will not provide you with full protection.
A correctly fitted body protector leaves the 7th cervical vertebra free. Also, try the body protector on in the saddle or on a saddle block. When leaning back slightly, the body protector should not hit the rim of the saddle, which could cause the body protector to move.

What should I look for when buying a body protector?

When buying a body protector, make sure that in addition to the certified standards, it also has a correct fit. Body protectors must fit close to the body, which is why thick jumpers and riding jackets should be worn over them. Therefore, when trying on the body protector, make sure that you wear thinner clothing that you can wear underneath the body protector when riding in summer or winter.
The Velcro fastenings on the sides must close completely. In addition, the Velcro fasteners must close so well that they do not open by themselves in the event of a fall. It is recommended that you roll forward when trying on the body protector so that you have sufficient freedom of movement despite the body protector being close to your body.

Which body protector is suitable for children?

Children cannot yet correctly assess their abilities when riding, which is why wearing a body protector for children is recommended. The same principles apply as for adult body protectors when trying them on. In our shop you can buy children's body protectors in sizes from KXXS to KL. All our body protectors are certified with a safety label. All our body protectors are certified with the highest safety level.

What level of protection should the body protectors have?

To determine the level of protection of body protectors, there is BETA 2018 and a similar test procedure in Europe, EN 13158.
Both assign a level from 1 - 3, with level 1 body protectors meeting the lowest level of protection and level 3 body protectors meeting the highest level of protection.