FAQ about body protectors & back protectors

1. What should I look for when buying a body protector / back protector for my child?

When buying body protectors/ back protectors for children, the same recommendations apply as for adults. The right fit and a comfortable feel should be the main considerations when buying, but also the handling, such as easy fastening options, or even additional protection aspects, such as additional chest or rib protection on a back protector vest, can help in the decision-making process. Whether your child needs a body protector or a back protector is sufficient should be decided by weighing the risks and benefits. If your child hacks frequently or competes in showjumping or eventing competitions, maximum protection should be provided with a body protector. For the first riding experiences in the secured riding arena, a back protector can also contribute to a higher sense of safety and offer sufficient protection.

2. None of the back protectors / body protectors fit me. What can I do?

As a rule, every rider can find suitable riding protection. Our body protectors and back protectors are available in a variety of sizes. In addition, safety vests and protectors can be flexibly adjusted to the respective figure type thanks to numerous adjustment options.

Our tip: in the field of body protectors, the Panel Fit vests are especially recommended for curvy figure types. Due to the movable panel elements, the vest adapts better to the body and thus enables an optimal fit even with slight deviations from the size chart.

3. Is a cheap safety vest for riding as safe as the expensive models?

Speaking for the riding body protectors in our range: Yes.

All our body protectors and back protectors in our range comply with the safety guidelines and are marked with the respective currently applicable test standard.

These are:

–> for body protectors: EN 13158 as well as BETA 2009, each level 3, which offer the maximum protection.

–> for back protectors: EN 1621-2

4. Does a used body protector/ back protector protect just as well when riding?

The offer usually sounds tempting: Used riding accessories are usually sold at a fraction of the original price on online platforms. For riding protection items such as riding hats, body protectors and back protectors, we generally advise against buying used goods. The actual condition of used body protectors or back protectors can only be guessed from photos and a short description. In addition, questions often remain unanswered, such as: Did the previous owner ride with it with no accidents? Has the protector been stored and cared for correctly?

For optimal protection, a body protector/back protector must fit ideally. Usually, several models have to be tried on to find the perfect body protector / back protector. Also, the comfortable fit and handling must be evaluated individually. Another point in favour of buying a new body protector/ back protector is the two-year warranty period, which makes complaints possible in the event of a material defect.

5. I had a fall with the body protector. Do I have to replace it?

As a rule, replacement is not necessary after a fall. The body protectors and back protectors in our range are made of foam elements that absorb shock and, unlike the hard shell construction of a riding helmet, do not break. Nevertheless, you should examine your protector more closely after a fall. If the material has been damaged by the impact of a sharp object or components have been damaged by the fall, a replacement is urgently necessary, as the protection can no longer be fully guaranteed.

6. How do I care for the body protector? Can I wash it?

Please always follow the specific washing instructions on the label of your body protector or back protector. If the foam parts are firmly incorporated, it is not possible to clean them in the washing machine.

We recommend removing coarse soiling with a soft brush; a dampened cloth and a little mild shampoo can also be used to remove stains. Aggressive chemical cleaning agents should be kept away from the protective foam elements in particular, as they could have a negative effect on the foam material.

The foam elements of the Airowear safety vests can be completely removed so that the vest can be cleaned without problems.

7. Should I wear my body protector under or over my jacket when riding?

Protective riding clothing must be worn close to the body. As a guide, you should wear a maximum of two thin layers of clothing underneath, e.g. an undershirt and a thin long-sleeved shirt. Fleece jackets and thick sweaters should already be worn over the body protection / back protector. Jackets always belong over the riding protector.

8. What protects better when riding? A body protector or a back protector?

A body protector provides a larger area of protection because the shock-absorbing foam elements are placed on the back, as well as on the front and sides. In this way, a body protector protects both the spine, including the shoulder area, and the chest and rib area, including the internal organs.

The protective effect of a back protector is limited only to the spine and, depending on the model, shoulder area. Some back protectors are also equipped with a light chest and rib protection – however, this is in no way to be compared with the pronounced padding of a safety vest and is not certified according to a standard, but only intended as additional protection.

9. Can I also wear a motorcycle or ski back protector while riding?

We do not recommend it. In each of the three sports, the equipment used, the environment, and also the body posture play a significant role when it comes to the use of a back protector. In motorcycling, for example, there is a risk of hitting the hard asphalt at high speeds or sliding along a long stretch of hard ground. Therefore a motorcycle protector is usually equipped with a hard shell that resembles the shell of a crustacean. Also, much higher forces act on the body at higher speeds, so the risk of accidents must also be weighed against the restriction of freedom of movement.

Back protectors for skiing are usually cut somewhat longer, since the area around the coccyx in particular is not restricted by other equipment. In equestrian sports, the length of the back protector is limited by the position of the saddle. If a coccyx protector is present on the back protector for riders, it consists of a free-moving additional foam element.

10. I have heard that wearing a body protector/back protector can also be dangerous when riding. Is this true?

Wearing a body protector/back protector can only be dangerous if you do not pay attention to an optimal fit when you buy it. If the body protector or back protector is too big, you could get caught in the saddle during a fall. If the body protector/ back protector shifts during movement, the protective effect could also not be effective. In addition, the impact of the riding protector with the saddle can also lead to cervical vertebrae injuries. Please always pay attention to the correct fit when buying your riding protective clothing. You can find out what you should look out for in our guide.

11. Are there any legal requirements regarding whether or when a body protector / back protector must be worn when riding?

There is no legal requirement to wear a body protector or back protector when riding in Germany. According to the LPO (as of January 2019), body protectors, back protectors and airbag vests are permitted. In eventing and cross-country a protective vest is mandatory (protectors also required in the front area of the upper body). Recommended is a protective vest according to the European Standard „EN 13158“, Level 3.

According to WBO (as of 2018), a body protector is mandatory in all competitions with fixed jumps. In all other competitions it is generally allowed.

12. I have never had a fall with my body protector/protector. Do I still have to replace it?

After a few years, all materials wear out – even with proper care and storage – and full protection can no longer be guaranteed. Please replace your body protector/ back protector after a few years. In the case of body protectors or back protectors for children, regular replacement is necessary due to growth.

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