For many, the body protector is already part of the standard equipment when riding. A body protector is indispensable for eventing in particular, but it also ensures safety during jumping training, cross-country rides or when breaking in young horses. Falls are part of everyday life in equestrian sport, regardless of riding experience, but with a riding helmet and a body or back protector you can ensure your safety.
Both types of safety equipment are made of synthetic foam and are otherwise very similar. A back protector protects the rider's sensitive spine, while a body protector also covers the chest area. Therefore, in some ways, a body protector is slightly more restrictive than a back protector. The protective function of both back and body protectors is divided into levels and both comply with a safety standard. The thicker the material, the higher the protection. However, thick padding can be perceived as restrictive by some. Since the back length is not adjustable, you should make sure that the body protector fits well and does not restrict you when riding. This means that the body protector should not rest on the saddle at the back. To ensure that the body protector is comfortable, many models are breathable or made of water-repellent materials. Furthermore, they have various adjustment options so that you can adapt the body protector to your needs perfectly. In our shop you will find many different innovative, lightweight and high-quality body protectors that do not only offer excellent safety features, but also stand out due to their functionality and style. In addition to our own brand, we also carry products from Zandona and Komperdell.
Your body protector must fit perfectly. Too big and it'll be too loose to fulfil its purpose, while an overly tight body protector will be uncomfortable and restrict your movements.
Modern body protectors have different adjustment options in both the shoulder and chest area, as well as on the sides or even on the back. You can use the size chart to select the vest according to your body size and adjust it to fit you properly. The body protector must fit snugly in order to protect you well.
If you are looking for an equestrian body protector, you will quickly realise that there are three different levels: Level I, Level II and Level III. These levels correspond to the protective function that the body protector can perform. Level I is the lowest level of protection, these safety vests are light and thin. They only provide basic protection.
Level II safety vests have a little more padding and are not too bulky, but they do not offer significant protection either.
The Level III body protector offers the most protection, with lots of padding and inserts to protect the back and chest even in the event of a fall from the horse.
The back protector, as its name suggests, only protects the rider's back. The back protector has padding and inserts on the back, thus it protects the spine all the way down to the lower back. It also protects the back from sharp objects or kicks after a fall.
The body protector, on the other hand, offers full body protection, as it is also padded on the sides and front. It therefore offers a higher level of protection, regardless of how you fall. Whether you choose a back protector or a body protector will depend on your personal risk assessment and your needs.
