Body protector are commonplace in the equestrian world. Some people use them, some don`t but they are seen widely at shows and competitions. They are compulsory for cross country competitions and advisable for show jumping. They are not used as much for showing, dressage and general hacking but I always like to see children kitted out with one. Body protectors (some call them back protectors) are designed to help protect you in the event of a fall. They will protect you if the horse tramples on you, will cushion your fall and protect against stones and other objects should you land on one. They will not prevent injury, they will not prevent broken bones but what they will do is minimise injury, help protect internal organs and also act as a psychological aid for nervous riders.
Air o wear body protectors are widely available with different styles and colours to suit every rider. They are available in child sizes, mens and there is one for a shorter body length to protect shorter bodies. There are 3 levels of body protector 1,2 and 3, the airowear seems to be available in level 3, this is the highest level available. These are Beta level standards. It would be essential to have level 3 for cross country. Airowear body protectors are perforated and lightweight, the foam inserts moud to the body when in use, they are easy to adjust at the body and waist and have removable mesh fabric covers for improved ventilation.
When buying a body protector:-
DON`T................
buy an old second hand one, you never know what damage it has sustained or if standards have changed since then.
buy a cheap one to save money especially if jumping, it will be false economy if you need to buy an other one to upgrade the standard later on.
buy one without trying it on.
ALWAYS...............
buy new unless you know it has had very little use (I would still recommend to always buy new).
buy one with the Beta standard that you require, if jumping you will need a Beta standard 3, I would recommend buying a 3 anyway as they are lightweight and not too restrictive.
try it on before you buy, sit down in riding position to make sure that you have enough room to move and are not restricted.
I have been riding in my airowear body protector for a number of years and have been very pleased with it. I am not ready to replace it yet but when I do I will replace it with another airowear. I feel more confident when jumping with it as I know I will have more protection should I fall. It does not restrict me at all when jumping, I am able to stretch over the jump. I had a previous body protector of a different make, it didn`t fit very well, I was constantly having to adjust it. The airowear, once adjusted stays in place and is comfortable.
The ventilation on the airowear is quite good, it is not too hot, I wear it on hot days showjumping. The only disadvantage is when you take it off, if wearing it over your shirt, the shirt is soaking wet so it must make you sweat. You would need to take a spare top with you for when you take it off. Some people wear it over the jacket so it would not make them sweat then, it doesn`t if I wear it over a fleece. This is not a criticism of the airowear, this happens with any body protector, the airowear is better with the ventilation.
Horse riding may be considered a high risk sport. There is more risk if jumping and when you go higher up the levels. No matter how good a rider you are, there is always a chance of falling off. It may be possible to ride for years and not fall off, but there is always that chance. I only tend to wear my airowear for jumping, riding in big groups and riding novice or sharp horses. Although they are comfortabe, they are not as comfortable as not having one on at all. It is the riders decision whether to wear one but is there a price for safety? Mine cost about £70 at the time (they are a bit more now) and it was worth every penny.
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Price
£75
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