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Horse Riding Body Protectors Buyers Guide & Sizing Guide

Riding is a high risk sport and no matter how careful we are, accidents do happen. Body protectors are foam filled vests and can be worn over the top of other clothing or under a jacket. They offer protection from the impact caused by a fall or kick and will give protection to the back and chest. Riding body protectors will not prevent injuries but they will limit the damage caused.  More often than not accidents happen whilst out hacking not just when competing so it is recommended to wear a body protector at all times.

It is advisable to not use second hand horse riding body protectors as the protection they offer will be decreased after either a fall or a kick, additionally if a fall or kick does happen and the body protector is damaged or dented in anyway it should be replaced immediately.

The horse riding body protector should be changed every 3-4 years regardless of whether it has been damaged or not as the foam insides may degrade over time.

Body Protectors have BETA standards at three levels of protection:

Level 1
Black Label - offers low level protection which is only considered appropriate for licensed jockeys.

Level 2
Brown Label - offers protection for low risk situations. These do NOT include riding on roads or other hard surfaces or riding over jumps.

Level 3
Purple Label - provides a level of protection suitable for normal horse riding and competitions.

Fitting Body Protectors

The effectiveness of a Horse Riding body protector depends on it being correct for the job and on ensuring that the fit of the garment is correct.

The body protector should be tried on over light clothing. Try to simulate all riding positions to make sure that you will be comfortable when mounted. The body protector should be a snug fit so that it doesn't move when you are wearing it and doesn't slip if you have a fall. When the body protector is fastened none of the red sections of the velcro should be exposed.

When choosing a body protector for a child do not be tempted to buy a size that they can grow into, an ill fitting riding body protector is the same as an ill fitting riding hat and could endanger their lives in the same way if they have a serious fall.

Take three measurements as shown on the diagram below and select the

nearest size from the sizing charts above.

Dimension A: Chest girth

Dimension B: Waist girth

Dimension C: Waist to waist length measured over the shoulder