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DD's new riding school won't let her having jumping lessons without a body protector. I went to look in our local Countrywide and the cheapest one was just under a hundred pounds.

You can get them online cheaper but is that a good idea? What brands are OK?

I'm going to watch this thread with interest. DD (9) needs a new body protector and I was a bit at the price. Also a keen internet shopper, so hoping you get some answers

Nothing wrong with getting a bargain on the internet, but I think it's best to have body protectors properly fitted, much like hats. Could your dd try on a few different makes in a shop to get some idea of what suits her first? Then you would be in a much better position to shop around online.

DD loves her Rodney Powell. So easy for her to put on with zip up the front and back panels to change size as she grows. We had it professionally fitted (from a choice of makes) at Burghley and very pleased with it (now 18 months old). You can buy them new on Ebay for about 65 pounds.

I've got an Outlyne which I'm really pleased with as it's more flexible than some of the others. I've seen quite a few youngsters wearing them too.

I want a racesafe, so comfortable, but what I have is a secondhand lump of concrete in large child's size which was about £10

I have one of these : www.decathlon.co.uk/adult-black-body-protector-id_8126234.html

Its really comfortable and very sturdy. I won't get on a horse without it.

If a body protector doesn't fit properly then there's really no point in wearing it and it won't be comfortable so I think you have to have them professionally fitted. It's one of those things I just wouldn't economise on.

Gd has just had to have a new one as she is now the proud owner of a pair of breasts, but her last one lasted for 2 years so the £100 it cost was not bad in terms of cost per wear. She's also just got a Point Two (thanks Gran!) for the more adventurous stuff (hunting, xc etc) and although it was shockingly expensive I'm glad she's wearing it.

Ooh are we doing links? photo of me in my Outlyne

Thankyou everyone.

Off to try some different ones on tomorrow. Sadly unless I can find something good and properly fitted for significantly less than 100 squids, she won't be getting one just now. It wasn't an expense I was prepared for just yet....

I think it is one of those things that you just can't scrimp on, like hats. As the DC of DD's pony club says 'Hats are cheap compared to the cost of a new head'. I guess you could also say back protectors are cheap compared to the cost of a new back.

I would second the internet search but please bear in mind that the smaller tack shops are really struggling and going for a free fitting to then go off and get something for much less on the internet is a piss take imo.

Gosh Pixel - you absolute fox.

I love my outlyne too. Is it worth maybe going to a local shop to see what size she needs and then scouting around on ebay or even just looking for shops that are having a sale? I think the children's sizes are around about £80 new...

I have an Airowear too. Very comfy, you forget you are wearing it. DD is not going anywhere near a pony (when the time comes, she's only 7.5 months old!!) without a BP. I appreciate the cost can be substantial but it's an essential piece of safety kit for me.

My local tack shop has a second hand rail, and will fit one for you. Dds was £25.
They aren't that hard to fit. They usually have markings on the adjustable bits outlining adequate settings. They mustn't ride up when you are in the saddle, and mustn't make contact with the back of the saddle or your hat. It has to cover your bottom rib, and fit snugly all over.
If I was buying a new one for her, it would be a Race safe. I had a Rodney Powell and it was the most uncomfortable thing I have ever worn! Dd has one, she likes it!

I did get mine from a shop. After the nice lady had spent ages making sure I got the right one I'd have felt mean if I didn't buy it! It was a reasonable price though, maybe not quite as cheap as I'd seen on the internet but still compared with others I'd seen, not too bad, and as it was a significant amount of money to me (the most I've spent on a piece of riding kit in my life) I wanted to make sure it was absolutely right.

Btw, thanks Callisto. I've been doing the shred you know.

Just seen this in case anyone is interested.

Interesting reading about BP.I am currently reading about the history of a very famous hunting area,and it is absolutely astounding how many men were killed in hunting accidents-in fact it is rare to come across one who wasn't.Of course this is way before the time of helmets and body protectors,but it does make you realise how many lives they save.