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Body or Back Protectors are foam filled vest type garments which are worn over the top of clothes and either over or under a jacket 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 prospective injury.
Body protectors consist of a separate front and back panel fastened with velcro fittings over the shoulders and on each side to ensure a tight fit. Any body protector must be adjusted to fit securely and reasonably tightly around the body with no red velcro exposed on the fastenings and 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 2000.
There are 3 different categories of Body Protector indicated by the colour of the label, offering differing levels of protection:
- Level 1: Black label
Offers the lowest level of protection and only considered appropriate for licenced jockeys.
- Level 2: Brown label
Offers medium protection and is 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
Offers the most protection and is 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.
Many manufacturer's will supply custom fitted body protectors, and some women may find that a larger front panel to back panel is needed to give a more comfortable fit.
The table below gives standard measurements for body protector sizes.
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