Body Protector

[kusha]

Hi

Have been back riding for about 6 months now after 20+year break. A few years ago a friend asked me if I would like to go out on a hack with her and because I had not ridden for so long (the horse I was riding was 17.2, but very safe) she suggested that I would maybe like to borrow her BP to give me some confidence. I gave it try and to be honest I hated it - if anything I felt less confident/ in control.

I learnt to ride in the days where no one wore protectors :eek::eek:.

However since I have started back I notice that the majority of riders at my RS do wear them. I am really enjoying my lessons and hope to be starting some jumping soon. The memory I have of the BP I wore is putting me off buying one - although at the back of my mind I think it is probably a good idea. It is an expensive purchase if it is going to sit in the boot of my car.

The other reason is also becasue my 9 & 10 year daughters have just started lessons. One of them has been given a friends one that had been outgrown so she has worn that and my other daughter wants one. I am not planning on buying them one for a few weeks in case they decide they don't like riding, but if they keep it up will insist that they wear one. I feel if they can get used to it right from the start then they won't know any different. They have both pointed out that I don't wear one!!

Is anyone else in this position of returning riding and having to decide to wear a BP? If you have started to wear one did it take a while for you to get used to it or was it not really a problem? :confused:

[Beebop]

I have to admit that I hate them and rarely wear mine but it's not a sensible thing to do and I'm making the effort to wear it more! After a while they do mould to your shape and become more comfortable, your friends would be her shape and would have felt even more peculiar because of this. If you get one wear it round the house for a bit to get used to it, just don't answer the door with it on! :D

As for your daughters I would want them both in BPs right from the start, I would have a look round for another outgrown one as there is always the possibility that they could come off and it could make the difference between injury and injured pride.

[Skib]

It is dangerous to wear a badly fitting body protector.

If you borrowed one and it did not fit properly, it is hardly surprising that it was uncomfortable. You shouldnt be aware of wearing a bp while you are on a horse.

And even a BP that feels relatively OK may not fit properly. At my first RS I was sold a bp, which my second school made me replace because it was too big round the neck and shoulders and might ride up if I fell.

Both for your children and yourself, you should try various brands and buy bps that fit you and stay snugly in place. I know it is a bore because I have done it for my OH and grand daughter as well as for myself.
After that, it is up to you whether you wear it.

[kusha]

Another thing that concerns me a bit is the fact that my weight fluctuates. I have to admit to being a bit of a yo yo dieter. Not healthy I know but fact. I vary between a size 12 and 14 on the top but tend to stay about a 10 on the bottom so I know that it is my upper half that my weight goes on and off. At the moment I am heavier so if I was to buy a BP then 'drop a dress size' so to speak - would this affect the fit of my protector? :o

[kturner]

most have velcro or straps that you can expand and contract for your size. mine has velcro so i can put it as tight as i want.

For me and my children, and now neighbours daughter, a body protector is vital. I dont let them get on wihtout it no matter how much they complain.

This happened to my daughter 2 weeks after getting her pony. He spooked at a truck and she landed up underneath him, tangled in the lunge line with the pony stepping all over her chest. She had one on and didnt even get a bruise or red mark.

Just think what would happen if you or your children fell off, and you didnt have one, the weight of the pony or horse would crush your ribs, which could in turn puncture your lungs, heart, kidneys, liver, spleen and anything else in there!!!! That would be a REAL EMERGENCY situation.

Of course you normally get thrown further away, and it you go over the front they will normally jump you or go round, but what if you got stuck in your stirrups and went for a gallop under the horse. Mine doesnt have shoes, but most do, and that could do quite a lot of damage as well!!!!

BODY PROTECTORS WERE MADE FOR A REASON. THE REASONS ABOVE. DONT TAKE A CHANCE WITH YOUR OR YOUR CHILDRENS LIVES.

I saw my child being trampled, and although those 5 minutes seemed an eternity can you imagine how i felt. If they dont have one on and get injured, it is YOUR fault, sorry to rub it in, but you are the adult here. They wont have the sense to think of dangers. What about getting thrown onto a car bonnet or into a tree. Not trying to put you off riding, but to keep you safe.

Sorry to sound a pain.

[kturner]

Lets do a pole of how many riders have fallen on jumps on there side and broken ribs? Not me!

[Skib]

Kusha,
I vary like you between 12 and 14 on top.
And the sad answer is that if you are on the borderline between sizes in a bp, loosing or gaining weight could make a difference, depending on the brand. I weigh only a few pounds more than when I started riding and the Champion Cobra body protector which I liked very much, doesnt fit me well enough now.

It isnt just the bust and waist size. If you put on inches round your breast that may raise the front of the bp, so it is not longer quite long enough to cover your bottom ribs.

If you look at the manufacturers' websites you will get instructions of how they should fit. And if you know in advance that you may either put on weight or lose weight, you can take that into account in choosing. Airowear especially do so many sizes, and are more adjustable.

One needs to replace a body protector every three or four years anyway.

[kusha]

skib

Maybe I should just cut out the chocolate and curries for good and that way I'll stay the same size.

On saying that I'm about to go and make some truffles for my mum for mothers day - I wonder how many will be left for her by tomorrow?? :o

[Drifted]

I broke ribs last year when being bucked off and landing on pommel, very painful. Needless to say I wasn't wearing a BP. Got measured up for one after, an Airowear with a front zip, my weight fluctuates, especially the top half but has velcro adjustments. Don't like wearing it though, and tend not to in the school, also getting off horsey can be awkward as cant't get it fully off from the saddle, even though it is comfortable I feel that it makes me ride a bit stiff I think they are a brilliant idea just wish they were a bit more flexible to wear.

[LindaAd]

[QUOTE=Skib;1603073

One needs to replace a body protector every three or four years anyway.[/QUOTE]

Doesn't that depend on how much you wear it? Or do they wear themselves out sitting in the cupboard?:rolleyes:

[mistysmum]

this happened to me. I landed on the wing. 4 broken ribs, collar bone, arm and bruised spleen. protectors at all times please.
;)MM

[Snowyboy]

My little one ended up on the floor

The pony stood on her - he tried to avoid her but he couldn't completely despite his best efforts

Everyone was screaming (as they do when tiny tots end up on the floor with a pony stepping on them!)

Under her fleece she had on her BP

Not a mark on her

no tears


did its job - brilliantly

[kturner]

Thanks girls for helping to get the point across. :)

[Skib]

Interesting question Linda

I dont know why they need replacing, except of course the cover may wear through. You need to look at the websites. But I suspect that, as with hats it is to do with the aging of the foam?
That it becomes more rigid and, if you wear it will become progressively compressed.

I dont know what happens if you just leave a bp unworn. Nor about modern foams. But I do know that the fillings of the foam mattresses and foam filled furniture we bought ca 1966 turned to dust after 20 years. Not something that happened to traditional upholstery.

[kusha]

Hi

Was in a couple of shops today trying on BP's. The one that seemed to be the best fit was a rodney powell that zipped up the front. Only problem was that I don't think that I could have managed the zip myself and after having it on for about 10 mins my chest was a bit sore. Is that normal?

[*GroovyGallop*]

Hi

Was in a couple of shops today trying on BP's. The one that seemed to be the best fit was a rodney powell that zipped up the front. Only problem was that I don't think that I could have managed the zip myself and after having it on for about 10 mins my chest was a bit sore. Is that normal?

Yess, :) this is normal, I have a Champion Cobra which is simlar to a Rodney powel, (has a zip up the front anyway), I can't do it myself unless i loosen the laces at the side so its more 'roomy' and then tighten them again when its on. Its still a struggle to get the zip up, but i wouldn't ever ride without it now. Not sure about your chest being abit sore though? Could be because its new and not worn in - although i've never experienced this before... Try a few Body Protectors and see which you prefur and which you find most comfortable. Popular ones on here at the Racesafe 2000: http://www.bluepony.co.uk/images/rs2000.jpg

And the champion cobra, i have this and i definetly reccomend it: http://www.equicare.co.uk/ImagesItems/Large/509.jpg

Both are quite expencive as the have the foam panels in which don't restrict movement and are more 'flexable.'

[Skib]

Doesnt sound right.
You are supposed to slacken them off before attempting to do up the zip. There is a warning on the airoware one that you will risk damaging the zip unless you undo the velcro first.

It shouldnt hurt the bust area, no. If you choose one that laces up the sides, the lacing tightens the waist and the bust area at the same time - possibly originally designed with men in mind? Fine for flat chested women too.

I guess that is why I find my aerowear one is comfier than my old Cobra. Because it adjusts independently at both waist and bust.

[nelsonsmum]

do they make them for ladies with larger chests? I have looked in loads of tack shops and they all seem to be made for men or pre teens. I am a 34E bra size.

[Stella2]

I used to wear one and if I still did, it would be a Racesafe as they tend to be very comfortable (but be careful not to catch some of a boob between the little panels :eek: ). That said, although you may find that the majority of RS riders wear them, the majority of riders who have their own horse don't (unless the North East is unlike the rest of the country). They were designed to offer some protection to riders jumping (therefore up out of the saddle) and not for flatwork. If they are not long enough to bump on the saddle enough to push them up the neck a bit in flatwork, they are not long enough to protect the Coxyx (sp). They also don't protect against the most likely bits of us to be inured (limbs, head, neck, pelvis).

Given all of the above, I don't wear one. I do know of two people (out of dozens and dozens) who do, both are scared to death when on their horses (not making any point, just an observation).

[kusha]

found some info on a new bp on web today. Called Kan Teq it is designed for women. At a price though - can't find out where to buy them in the stores near me though. Even then not sure I would be keen to pay the price :eek::eek:

[puzzles]

I'm a 28/30 F :-O I can't actually breathe sometimes, in mine - it's so stiff, and tight aroudn the bust area!

x

[kusha]

I'm a 30/32 F and that's not that unusual a size. Was going to invest in a good sports bra but don't think I'll bother if I get a BP. From what it felt like today it would be a waste of time - the bouncy bits are going nowhere!!:p

[puzzles]

Most common size is 34 F apparently ... makes me feel better :-)
x

[kusha]

There's been a what knickers for riding thread - should start a what bra!! :rolleyes:

[Skib]

they are not long enough to protect the Coxyx (sp).

Correct. Any bp has to be clear of the saddle, regardless of whether you are doing flat work or not. A bp does not protect all parts of your body nor can it save you if the horse falls on top of you. But it can moderate an every day average crash, believe me. That's why I now wear a bp all the time.

Yes, there are some places where I feel I am out of the ordinary. But a recent revelation at a specialist dressage school is how many of the riders wear a corset-like back support. My RI there was glad to discover I was wearing a bp under my fleece. Possibly it gives similar support.

I dont jump. I dont ride horses that scare me. Let us not confuse cause and effect. Many people only start to wear a bp after they have been hurt and become nervous. I took my precautions in advance.

For each of us there is the free choice, unless RS or competition rules state otherwise. But take your decision on proper grounds. These regular threads on body protectors too often include posts from people who dont wear them because they have a bp that does not fit as it should, or who misunderstand both the benefits and limitations of wearing one.

[Stella2]

I agree with you Skib. I was just putting my opinion as it differs from the others thus far and I thought it would contribute to the debate.

I stopped wearing my BP (which did fit well) after I badly injured my arm in a fall where I hit a wall! I must confess that in my next fall I broke a couple of ribs which probably would have remained intact with a BP on!! I just reached a stage where the restriction in movement (which is there even in a well fitting one) left me preferring not to wear one, since the majority of bits of me would not be protected by it anyway.

If I decide to jump I may wear one then.

[Skib]

the restriction in movement (which is there even in a well fitting one

I guess the jury is still out on this. I gather British Eventing has it under discussion.
Because obviously a bp does reduce spinal twist. But whether a modern properly fitted bp restricts any movement necessary to riding seems doubtful.

Could you be precise as to what is hampering you? And why?

The only restriction I feel is that it's hard to turn round to talk to a rider riding behind me, or see traffic behind me. But when I mentioned this in a lesson, my RI said that I was being ridiculous and taught me to turn round -like a polo player might.

[sancho]

As a racesafe wearer I find these are much more confortable than the more robust, non forming to your own shape types.

I feel naked without one now! The same feeling in a car when you dont have your belt on now! Wouldnt have stopped me breaking my shoulder and didnt stop my daughter breaking her collar bone!:o:p

Have fallen flat on my back tho and dont think I would have got up quite so quickly had I not been wearing one!

[kusha]

Hi

Still not managed to find a Body protector to fit. The Rodney Powell small was too small and the medium too big (zipped version), Derby House own make had same problem, Aerowear small was too big and the x small fitted except the shoulders. Tried the Aerowear Zippa small which was not bad but still seemed a bit big, no XS in stock. Managed to track down a Racesafe zipped one but the small is too small and shop had no medium.

Derby house had new catalogue in shop and they are going to be stocking Woofwear ones - think I read something about them on the net the other day saying that people had been injured wearing them - but can't find it again.

Does anyone know stockists of Racesafe or Zippa near me or heard anything about woofwear? :(

[coverblown]

[QUOTE=kturner1@tiscal;1602955]Lets do a POLL of how many riders have fallen on jumps on there side and broken ribs? QUOTE]

Not me either but I do know someone who fell off and went sideways into a jump and pierced her side. She now ALWAYS wears a protector.

Personally I have on days and off days. I know I ought to wear it but sometimes i dont. I'm looking for a more comfortable one, but even that probably won't let me wear it during dressage compys.

A.

[pink-pony101]

never wear mine except when my mum actually decides what i'm doing is dangerous (jumping) and what happens if pony chucks me off so the one time i dont weae it because i wasnt actually going to jump- i set up a tiny cross pole, pony decides to take off about 3 strides too early i went flying and came down with a thud!!!

[zippytys]

Derby House have got a body Protector on sale at the mo at a very good price. Not sure on the quality or safety level etc but heres the link...

http://www.derbyhouse.co.uk/prodshow.asp?id=779&cat=384&scats=384,384

[ejk6@msn.com]

They can be uncomfortable but I would not ride without mine, even for flat work. My pony has had me off in the school and believe me I was very grateful for my BP.

You need to go to a reputable place to buy one where they have people trained to fit them and you will soon get used to it.

As has been mentioned, don't be tempted to buy one second hand (you would not do the same with your riding hat) as it really does need to be fitted properly.

When I first started wearing mine people at my yard were sometimes a little dismissive, and coupled with my high vis gear they thought it very funny. Suddenly lots more people are wearing both!!!!!