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Do you use a body protector - if so, when?

  • No, I never wear a body protector

    Votes: 3 37.5%
  • Yes, I always wear a body protector

    Votes: 2 25.0%
  • I always wear a body protector when jumping

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • I wear a body protector when on a 'difficult' horse

    Votes: 2 25.0%
  • I wear a body protector when jumping big (pls indicate height!)

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • I wear a body protector when riding X-country

    Votes: 3 37.5%
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Body Protectors

3K views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  SusanH 
#1 ·
Hi All

Yes - I've done a search on this topic and found really useful information re body protector brands and recommendations. But I'm a nerd and I love the numbers.

Here's the story - I've been riding for years now - mainly dressage focused, but have recently started jumping more. Now its nothing big yet - and I've already replaced my 5+ years old helmet, but I'm interested in hearing what peoples opinion on body protectors is...

I'm posting a poll and imterested in hearing when people use body protectors and how useful you all think they are. If you answer and have time, I'd love for you to post your opinion, but if you're in a rush, even just a poll response would be fantastic!!!

Thanks in advance :)
 
#2 ·
I came off my horse when she tripped and bruised my ribs really badly. I was in a lot of pain for a few weeks. So I decided to look into safety vests. I know they're mainly used in eventing, though I have seen a few people wearing them at endurance rides (usually the people with crazy horses), but figured worst case, it'd be uncomfortable and I'd decide not to wear it, and I'd be no worse off than before, but best case, it might help if I did fall while wearing it.

I bought a knock-off, which isn't endorsed by whatever safety board, so I wouldn't be able to wear mine in a competition that required them, but I only trail ride or do endurance, and am only hoping to lessen bruises if I fall off at the trot, not save my life if I fall off while galloping over fixed obstacles. It's like the Tipperary ones, though--small-ish foam pieces sewn between layers of spandex-type fabric, with laces on the sides for adjustment.

I got it in the summer, and one of the first few rides I wore it was on the 4th of July when it was over 100 degrees in the shade. My friend asked if it was hot or uncomfortable in the heat while we were riding along, and I realized that just like the helmet, I didn't really notice it WHILE riding. I gotta tell you, though, also like the helmet, I'm ready to take it off once I'm off the horse! It's weird how that works...

But yeah, I wear it every time just in case, because I know I'm unlucky enough that the time I don't wear it will be the time I fall off and there's a big rock right where I land. But I also know that I can just decide not to wear it if I want to, no one's making me wear it.
 
#3 ·
My family bought me a vest after my bad fall, many many broken ribs, punctured lung, broken collar bone, shoulder blade, wrist, bashed up knee, concussion...

When I first trembled my way back in the saddle I did not wear the thing, but my trainer and I decided I would put it on and do one ride, then I could honestly say that I had worn it. Well that was it, put it on, and wear it EVERY RIDE now. Initially I loved it, not because of the safety, but it hides the knockersaplenty doing their own thing when I sit the trot:oops:

However I did take a fall last summer, onto hard ground, off of a 16.2hh horse, and did not have any damage, I don't think I will ride without my vest again.....

Oh, for the record, Airowear Outlyne, one of the few 'off the shelf' options for the bigger girl
 
#4 ·
I voted for during XC riding (when I used to do eventing competitions -I currently don't compete in eventing due to time/finances but do wear one to do XC clinics). I also voted for "difficult" horses - although for me this really means that when I get a random auction pony or am starting a youngster I will wear one for the first couple of rides.
 
#6 ·
I used to wear one all the time.

I got my new (first!!!) horse in November and I (probably dumbly!) trust the combination of how solid he is and how my riding has come along.. So I stopped wearing it. :)

However, we just do flat/dressage. If we ever did jumping I'd probably put it back on.
 
#7 ·
I am a beginner and fell off a lesson horse trying to work the canter on a lunge line. Broke at least three ribs, and cracked a few vertebrae and transverse processes in the fall, and was carted away in the ambulance. It's been a month since that accident (as of this writing). I'm still really sore, but looking forward to getting back in the saddle soon.


Anyway, this was not my first fall, I'm sure this will not be the last fall I take, but I'd very much like to avoid this much "damage" again if possible. So, I have been looking at, and researching body protectors. I've been leaning towards Airowear Outlyne, as it claims to be "for a woman's body", but I was also considering the Charles Owen JL9. Both have very good reviews (online.) I've been quite UNimpressed with the various "Tiperrary" options, so, I'm not even considering that.


Like Golden Horse, I have the "knockersaplenty" going on. So, I very much appreciate her comments on the subject, which make me lean even more towards the Outlyne.


Does anyone have an experience that would suggest that the Outlyne might/would protect from MORE broken ribs in a fall?
 
#8 ·
I always wear my body protector. I got my first one for my birthday one year when I was a child and got myself into the routine of wearing it, now it just feels odd if I'm not wearing it and I suppose it gives me a bit of comfort. At the riding school where I keep my boy they have a body protector policy where you have to ride in one. If you don't have your own then there is plenty to borrow! I think it's a good idea! Although I feel like mine needs replacing as it is a airowear2000 or something like that and I think the new ones are airowear2009.
 
#9 ·
I love my Rodney Powell ! They take a ton of measurements and there are lots of colors and options to choose from ! Well worth the couple hundred dollars.
 
#10 ·
Someone somewhere mentioned that they got the Airowear Outlyne quite cheaply on eBay.
Whoever you are, thank you!
The purchase price from a vendor in the UK was more than $100 less than any of the US places. Shipping decreased the savings somewhat, but it was well worth buying it that way. Brand new, "with tags".
I ordered it today (June 20), and they claim I'll have it around the 30th.
My ribs are starting to feel "normal" again, so I suspect I'll have it by the time I can ride again.
 
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