Padded vests

[dancing-horse]

Im not sure of the proper name for these things, but I was wondering about them. I know they are used to protecrt your internal organs when you fall of jumping in show or cross country. I've heard that they are now required. This girl I know says they don't work and they aren't required, but my trainer said they are. So does anyone have them and are they just required for cross country or both, because Im thinking od doing eventing and I'd really like to get one of these vests. Does anyone know the prices they ususally range. Thank you!

[BlueSky]

Body protectors (that's their proper name ), are slightly controversial, particularly on this board. There are some people who love them, others who never wear them. Myself, I don't believe in them (except for serious XC) but don't be persuaded by me!

I really don't know whether they're mandatory or not in competitions... I know they're required for those BHS exams where you are riding on a XC course... I would think that you would need one definitely for XC, but not sure about SJ?

As for prices, I tihnk you can get them £50 upwards... At least they're prices I saw when I was doing my research on them!

[Mighty_Atom]

I wear a body protecter and once i was out hackin and they was this big hill and my horse started goin down it. I got crushed between the saddle and a tree last contact with my reins so hanged on 2 the tree. I could feel my body protecter sqeezing into me but im sure it saved my life. My horse carried on goin and they was my hanging in a tree like a monkey. MY friend had 2 jump of her pony and catch me.

I never ride without my bodyprotector unles it a showing show.

[Tinkerbell]

I believe that they're mandatory for XC but I've never seen one worn by professional show jumpers. They will absorb the impact of a fall, but not crushing.

Someone I worked with was talking about her brother developing a body 'roll cage' to protect against crushing injuries. Don't know how far that's progressed since I spoke to her.

My friend wont ride without one. If you're serious about eventing, I'd make the investment.

[galadriel]

In the US, body protectors are required for cross-country jumping elements of competitions.

The body protector's main function is to prevent the torso from twisting in a fall; impact combined with twist in the spine can cause terrible back injuries.

The body protector can also help absorb impact. I saw a horse trip & pretty much somersault; the rider flipped over in the air and landed on her back on a large log (the next jump). Rider was wearing a body protector; after catching their breath, rider and horse continued on and finished the course. They can help.

They certainly can't prevent all injuries, but they can lessen the effect of an impact.

[riding_star05]

At local horse trials(quebec, canada), they are not mandatory, although EVERYBODY wears one anyways in the XC. but only little kids wear them in the SJ. the price is $100+ CND

[canadianbeaver]

Where can you get one for about 100? I was on the greenhawk website and they were way more than that!

[amylou_84]

do you think its worth gettin a body protector just for lessons? i think it might make me a little more confident in jumping.

amy

[Showjumper]

I usually wear mine. However in the last fall when I was wearing it, I hit the ground and it spun round and whacked me in the teeth.

So I stopped wearing it.

Two weeks ago, I fell off a friend's horse, not wearing it. I sustained huge grazes to the front and back off my collarbone, bruised my back and cracked a rib. I really wish I'd worn it, because even now, my rib and shoulder hurt if I move suddenly. A knock in the teeth would have been far preferable.

As soon as the rib is healed, I will be putting it back on, and readjusting it until it's not going to spin. If I'm not happy, I will go out and buy a new one.

[amylou_84]

my mum is very nice and said she would buy me one, depending on the price though. i wish there was a place i could rent one to see if i feel comfortable riding in one, instead of buying it and not wearing it. my other concern is that im at the stage of my cantering that i have to practice and practice to get a good seat. i dont want the body protector to disrupt my position. iv been told that i tend to canter with my whole upper body rather than just my hips/pelvis. who knows, maybe the protecter will help keep me still
showjumper - did any of your teeth get knocked out?

amy

[Showjumper]

Nope teeth are all fine It didn't particularly hurt, being knocked in the teeth by it, but it was annoying...

[kedwards]

I just bought my first vest, as they are required for cross-country phases here, and I just started my first attempts at eventing.

Personally, I'd say that you should do whatever you feel most comfortable with. If you plan to do some cross-country work anyway, it would be a good idea to get it. After you wear it, you can decide whether you want to reserve it just for certain types of riding.

I found mine fairly comfortable for it's intended use, but honestly, I wouldn't want to wear it for flat work.

[Janette]

At my daughter's riding school, body protectors are recommended for general lessons and especially jumping lessons. The chief instructor wears her's whilst out hacking, complete with shoulder pads. If that's not a recommendation, then I don't know what is.