What should I consider when buying a body protector for riding?
A body protector provides riders with all-around protection and significantly reduces the risk of life-threatening injuries to the spine, rib cage and internal organs. While the wearing of body protectors has been standard practice in eventing for years, there are no specific regulations regarding riding protection in the other disciplines. Riding is a high-risk sport – dealing with the horse as a flight animal can lead to unforeseen situations, such as sudden changes of pace, flight reactions, rearing or bucking. This applies to both competitive and leisure riding.
The more uncertain the risk of an accident in a sport is, the more thoroughly one should deal with the subject of safety. Who decides to buy a body protector, invests in the long term in the preservation of his health! To find the right body protector for your needs, you should keep safety standards and fit in mind when buying. We will guide you from the correct measuring to the fitting and explain which standards are relevant for your body protector.
What size do I need? Measuring guide for body protectors
An ideal fit is the most important requirement for body protectors in order to provide the best protection for the rider. To ensure that every rider finds a suitable body protector, there are various models in different sizes.
Before buying, you should determine the following measurements, which are relevant for size selection:
– Chest measurement: is measured at the fullest part of the chest
– Waist measurement: narrowest part of the torso, usually 2-3 cm above the navel
– Waist-shoulder-waist: is measured from the waist, over the shoulder to the waist
With the obtained measurements and our size chart for each body protector model, you can find out the right size. If the measurements differ, we advise you to choose the next size up. In most cases, slight deviations can be well compensated by the various adjustment options on the body protectors.
Horse riding body protectors for children
Please note that safety-relevant riding accessories such as body protectors, back protectors or riding hats must fit well and should therefore be purchased in the correct size, even if this means that, in the case of children, the safety riding vest must be replaced regularly due to growth! A body protector that is too large can lead to serious injuries to the cervical spine in the event of a fall, and there is also the risk of getting caught in the saddle with the back part.
Everything certified! Certified safety while riding
The body protectors in our range are all tested and certified with the following standards:
European test standard:
EN 13158
British test standard:
BETA 2018
Both test methods award their certifications in three protection classes from low to high, whereby we only offer level 3 for maximum protection (recommendation of the LPO for cross-country tests)
Level 1 = low protection
Level 2 = medium protection
Level 3 = high protection
Body Protectors under horse show conditions
In principle, articles for riding protection such as body protectors or back protectors are allowed in all types and classes of competitions. In the eventing and cross-country performance tests, a body protector is even mandatory. A body protector with the EN 13158 Level 3 standard is recommended here.
In the WBO, body protectors are mandatory in competitions with fixed jumps. In all other competitions the wearing of body protectors is allowed.
The fitting – what should I pay attention to when trying on the body protector?
You have already determined your body measurements and learned about the variety of models of our body protectors. To find the right model for you, you should now try on the body protector.
Each body protector has individual characteristics, especially in terms of cut and adjustment options. Therefore, not every model is suitable for every figure type. To find the ideal body protector that best suits your needs and body shape, you should try on several models.
So your body protector fits perfectly:
- The back part must end below the 7th cervical vertebra. This is more pronounced than the upper cervical vertebrae and is therefore easy to feel.
- The body protector should fit comfortably and not restrict movement too much. Nevertheless, the protector should fit close to the body.
- The hook-and-loop fasteners should close in such a way that they do not open by themselves in the event of a fall. The markings on the hook and loop fasteners must not be visible after fastening in order to ensure the protective function.
- There should still be three to four fingers of space between the saddle and the end of the back. Even when leaning back slightly, the body protector should not touch the saddle.
- The ribs should be completely covered. This is the case when the body protector ends about two fingers above the navel.
The German Equestrian Federation recommends the following test:
If you can do a forward roll with your back protector, the necessary freedom of movement is also guaranteed when riding.
Tips for the correct fit of body protectors
Important facts about using the body protector
Body protectors are a cost-intensive investment. Proper handling not only prolongs the life of the safety vest, but also ensures protection.
Therefore, please consider the following:
- Even if you have not experienced a fall with your body protector, have always stored it carefully, and there is no expiration date on protectors, we recommend that you purchase a new body protector after a few years. Due to signs of the wear and tear caused by aging, the material may no longer be able to properly cushion a fall.
- Body protectors must be worn close to the body. Thick sweaters or winter jackets should be worn over them.
- Do not store your body protector in the car, or in the stable! Body protectors should be stored at temperatures between 5 and 25°C.
- When cleaning your body protector, you should follow the washing instructions on the label. As a rule, it is not possible to wash safety vests in a washing machine. However, there is nothing to stop you brushing off dirt with a soft brush and using a little water and mild shampoo. Water-based wet wipes are also suitable for removing the dust film quickly and effectively.
- The protectors contributes to the safety of the rider, but can never provide one hundred percent protection! A professional training of rider and horse and the wearing of further riding protection reduces the additional risks.