Body or Back Protectors are foam filled vest type garments that are worn over the top of clothes and either over or under a jacket and are designed to give protection to the back and chest area of the rider should the rider fall or be kicked.
Injuries cannot be entirely prevented by wearing a body protector but a body protector can reduce the severity of any impact on the body and prospective injury. The wearing of a body protector is compulsory at some competitive events.
Any body protector must be adjusted to fit securely and reasonably tightly around the body. For body protectors with velcro fastenings no red velcro should be exposed on the fastenings and the body protector should not move whilst riding. Although the body protector may seem stiff and uncomfortable at first the foam moulds itself to the rider's body shape over time to become more comfortable.
Second hand body protectors should be avoided as if these have been subject to a fall or kick the protection they offer can be diminished even if they look in tact. Any Body Protector that is dented after a fall, should be replaced immediately as the impact absorption properties are likely to be diminished.
Any body protector should be fastened tightly and correctly and should conform to the current safety standard which is BETA 2009.
There are 3 different categories of Body Protector indicated by the colour of the label, offering differing levels of protection:
- Level 1: Black label
Black label body protectors offer the lowest level of protection and only considered appropriate for licensed jockeys. - Level 2: Brown label
Brown label body protectors offer medium protection and are suitable for most low risk general riding (ie excluding riding on roads or other hard surfaces, over jumps, riding young or excitable horses, etc). - Level 3: Purple label
Purple label body protectors offer the most protection and are appropriate for normal horse riding, competitive horse riding and working with horses.
Body protectors should be replaced at least every 3-4 years as the foam padding may start to degrade.
Some body protectors include protective shoulder pads, or they may be available as an optional extra, offering protection to the rider's shoulder.
Body protectors come in a variety of sizes often with length variations. Sizes are determined by chest measurement, waist measurement and over the shoulder measurement (from the front of the waist, over the shoulder to the back of waist). Sizes can vary between manufacturers so always check an individual manufacturer's own size guide before buying a body protector.
