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Protective Vests

20K views 52 replies 10 participants last post by  VanillaBean 
#1 ·
I'm looking to purchase a protective vest to use during cross-country. In the past, I always just borrowed other people's vests, but I haven't competed in an event since 2005, so I can't remember what brands their vests were. I am ONLY interested in purchasing something certified (so NO Tipperary). As far as sizing, I have a 34" chest & about a 26" waist, & I'm 5'5. I don't want to spend more than about $300. I'd really like to get a vest that comes in Navy (my trainer's colours are Navy & Yellow, & once I purchase my horse, our colours will be Navy & Baby Blue), but that's not a requirement. These are the vests that I'm looking at. Does anyone have any input on these, or recommendations for others?

Dover Saddlery | Adult's Charles Owen Body Protector .
Charles Owen Ultra-Lite Body Protector - $227.80 from Dover
It's also available with customised colour options for $299.90

Charles Owen JL9 Vest - Protective Vests from SmartPak Equine
Charles Owen JL9 Vest - $203.95 from SmartPak (black only) or $227.80 from Dover (navy)

I've heard in the past that Charles Owen vests are bulky & not as easy to move in - true or false?

Dover Saddlery | Airowear Outlyne Flexible Vest .
Airowear Outlyne Flexible Protective Riding Vest - $299.90 from Dover
I'm concerned that this will be a bit large, since the waist size for xs is 28-32". SmartPak lists an xxs size, but they don't have it in stock.

Rodney Powell Elite Series 6 Body Armour - Protective Vests from SmartPak Equine
Rodney Powell Elite Series 6 Body Armour
I LOVE how this can be completely customized to fit. My one concern is that 2 of the reviews on the website state that the vest can get a bit hot, & I live in FL. After customization (ladies style + small shoulder pads), the total price comes to $311.85 from SmartPak.
 
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#3 ·
The Rodney Powell vest is very popular - the Body Armour. I would love to save up to get that vest! I do believe, you can get that vest in custom colors!



I currently have the Intec Flex Rider vest. I really do like it, and it really does do its job and does it well. But I do want to bump up - and I've always eyed the Rodney Powell.

Now, the vest that has become ultimately popular - Training Level and up, is the Inflatable Vest. I see that thing EVERYWHERE now! Even the local Fox Hunters are wearing that thing, I think that's cool :)
 
#4 ·
An inflatable vest is DEFINITELY not in my budget right now! :P

I was kind of hoping you'd come on & say that the Rodney Powell's were awful so that I wouldn't have to spend that much money haha. I'm really leaning towards getting one though, I really really like the idea of the customised fit, & it doesn't look bulky at all. The order form on SmartPak let's you pick the colour, although I wish it let you have several different colours like the customisable Charles Owen does.
 
#9 ·
Yeah, it'll be a while before I'm up to that level. 5 years ago, I was schooling to begin Training level, but then I moved away from my trainer & my horse & only rode sporadically, so I get to start back up at BN again, until my muscle memory learns how to cooperate again!
 
#10 ·
I know how you feel. I had goals and plans of being at Training Level this year with Nelson, but something would always happen that got in the way - primarily Nelson's physical health.

The arthritus in his hock mostly, and his stifle locking. So we stayed at BN all 2010 season. But - we kicked **** at BN :P lol.

We'll see what 2011 brings.
 
#13 ·
Thanks. I was out of the country for a semester abroad when it happened, so that was not a very nice surprise to have to come home to. Unfortunately he was not legally mine, my trainer had basically just handed him over to me as my project horse when I was 16, after he'd spent 2 years just sitting around because his owner didn't have time to deal with a "crazy" horse anymore. So since I was out of the picture at the time, & my trainer had just moved from our barn due to a lot of unneeded drama (& hadn't been able to move Simon with her yet), the barn owner convinced his owner (who hadn't been out to see him in 6yrs) that he should just be put down after he was kicked in the pasture & injured his shoulder. It turned into a VERY ugly situation, & not something I'd wish upon anyone.
Hopefully your boy has MANY years left in him!
 
#15 ·
From what my trainer was told, he basically just had a hematoma. He would have been fine - even if he hadn't been riding sound afterwards, he would have been an extremely well-loved pasture ornament. He was pretty much put down out of spite, since my trainer loved him, & the barn owner was mad at my trainer for leaving & having a lot of clients follow her. Like I said...ugly situation.
 
#16 ·
That is absolutely disgusting - how can you live with yourself, after doing something like that. I don't think I could even be aquainted with someone who could do something along those lines.

Poor fellow :( I'm so sorry.

I will never, ever allow Nelson to leave my ownership. I promised him from day 1, that we were stuck together, forever.
 
#17 ·
I've completely cut ties with that barn & the head trainer. It devastated me to find out that she was that kind of person, since I started riding with her when I was 7, & she is a VERY well-respected trainer & rider. But I'm back with my trainer at a smaller private barn now, so life moves on.

Once I find my next horse (who I will actually OWN this time), I'm making him/her that same promise.
 
#22 ·
Yeah I wasn't too fond of he rodney Powell. Although better than Charles Owen. Not as good as airowear imo. I Am 90% sure it is a small. But if you are interested in the airowear I will look and let you know. I csn send you some more pictures too if Lu want. In case you don't have a tack store nearby hat sells it.
 
#26 ·
I found the Airowear in Navy (!!) from a UK site for $155.92 for the vest, $67 for the shoulder pads, & $48.36 for shipping ($271.28 total). Has anyone ever ordered stuff from the UK before? Would I have to pay import taxes, & if so, do you think I'd be better off just buying from an American retailer? It seems like such a good deal, I'm just afraid import fees would ruin that.
 
#29 ·
Q omg - to your story :( my heart goes out to you i am SO sorry!

as for vests - ty for this thread. i do a LOT of hunter paces and will apparently do a few fox hunts this year as well as eventing. i have the intec version of the tipperary which is very comfortable (and much MUCH better than my archaic flex rider circa 1995... ugh i'm old haha) but not certified. i've seen so many people on paces not wear vests that it just baffles me. i mean it's eventing - but longer and faster! anyway... now i'm looking at better options bc while the vest i have is some protection if i am doing 10+ paces/hunts and 3+ events with at least 2 full schooling days... yeah i'm thinking i should get a better one. gah!

let me know how you like yours!
 
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