Advice on which back protector to buy.

[oldschooler]

Following a nasty fall husband has decided I need to use a body protector, and must agree I do not want a repeat of what I am suffering now. Has anyone got any suggestions of a body protector to suit an older lady who is only 5 feet 2 inches tall, quite petite but not flat chested. To be used for hacking, dressage, with just a very minimum of pole work. My show jumping and cross country days are now over. Rather a mine field so want to buy the best I can.

[ikklecob]

I'm 5'1 at a push and I have a racesafe. It is the most comfy I have worn. Had it made as it needed to be short in the back. Spoke to them on the phone and they were helpful.

[gillwales]

My suggestion is to got to a large stockist and try on has many as you can. Pick the one that fits you best and that you find the most comfortable as that is the one you will put on, you can have the most expensive and safest on the market but unless you put it on it will not work, and lets face it if we find something uncomfortable or restrictive we will not reach for it everytime we got for a ride.

[maxandpaddy]

If you can get one that is comfy and fits well another vote for Racesafe ...my daughter has one, they're pricey but worth it and not heavy or awkward to ride in, they soften to your bodies shape after a while xx the jockeys use them xx

[hack]

Another vote for racesafe, I use one for hunting and jumping.

I refused to wear one for years after a fall wearing a different style body protector which hurt my ribs. But the racesafe is so comfy, plus I'm short in the body, so being able to get it shorter in the back is fab.

Tip: go to a store, work out the size you need, then order from eBay (Treehouse colours I think) saves about £20-30.

[oldschooler]

Oct 20, 2017 6:23:05 GMT hack said:

Another vote for racesafe, I use one for hunting and jumping.

I refused to wear one for years after a fall wearing a different style body protector which hurt my ribs. But the racesafe is so comfy, plus I'm short in the body, so being able to get it shorter in the back is fab.

Tip: go to a store, work out the size you need, then order from eBay (Treehouse colours I think) saves about £20-30.

Thanks for all the advice. Will certainly go and try some on, cannot for a few weeks due to my injuries, but that was my intention. Am wondering whether one of the inflatable ones would be good. Have had Racesafe mentioned but another that has come up very positively is Dainese (I think that is how it is spelt.) Anyone any reports on these as I know they are major in the motorcycle world and have branched into equine. Will be off riding for at least 5 weeks so plenty of time.

[heidi1]

My daughter has Dainese and is now on her second one having outgrown her first. She says it is really comfortable and it is also the only one I've ever been able to get her to wear without a major argument! It gives the protection without rigidity as it as that feeling of not being able to move with the horse that she hated with all previous ones.

[oldschooler]

Oct 22, 2017 20:34:04 GMT heidi1 said:

My daughter has Dainese and is now on her second one having outgrown her first. She says it is really comfortable and it is also the only one I've ever been able to get her to wear without a major argument! It gives the protection without rigidity as it as that feeling of not being able to move with the horse that she hated with all previous ones.

This is typical of the positive reactions I have heard. The problem seems to be finding an outlet where I can go and try on. Only places I seem to find is a Mptorbike outlet at Wolverhampton, and a saddler at Moss near Doncaster. Both these are within travelling distance to compare with Racesafe etc. Where did your daughter buy hers from?

[heidi1]

First one was bought from a local saddler but they don't stock them anymore so her new one was an online purchase. I measured her and then compared with their size guide and it was accurate in how it came up size wise. Even on-line, they're not always the easiest to track down as seem to sell out really quickly so Google was vital! If you do look for one online, make sure you search for the Balios 3 as they also do one that is just a back protector with no protection side or front that some of the kids use for SJ as slim enough to wear under a show jacket. Hope that's helpful

[oldschooler]

Oct 23, 2017 19:29:59 GMT heidi1 said:

First one was bought from a local saddler but they don't stock them anymore so her new one was an online purchase. I measured her and then compared with their size guide and it was accurate in how it came up size wise. Even on-line, they're not always the easiest to track down as seem to sell out really quickly so Google was vital! If you do look for one online, make sure you search for the Balios 3 as they also do one that is just a back protector with no protection side or front that some of the kids use for SJ as slim enough to wear under a show jacket. Hope that's helpful

Thanks for your advice. They do seem to be tricky to find in the flesh. Have seen that there are 2 types, so good to know the name of the full body protector, thanks for this. I know they are more expensive than the more "normal" ones, but think it will be worth paying more to get a good one. Was very lucky with my recent fall, although hospitalised for 4 days could have been much worse. Has made me realise I need to look after myself now.