Back protectors

[ChoudeBruxelles]

I've recently started riding again after about 12 years. I have been doing small jumps but want to get a back protector before doing any bigger jumps.

Any recommendations for good back protectors for jumping?

[iveburntthetoast]

I'll be watching this closely! I've also just got back into riding. I tried a few body protectors on but they felt so claustrophobic, I couldn't stand to have them on. DD1 wears one, as so many of the children. However, very few of the adults wear them in lessons--maybe I'm not the only one who finds fhem awkward? I think I must have a short body as all the ones I tried on were too long at the back.

[Auntiedahlia]

I had one fitted to me a couple of years ago. Cost about £150. Have I ever worn it? Nope.

[ChoudeBruxelles]

I don't normally wearing them for flat work, hacks but I'm glad I had a borrowed one on this morning when I was bounced off when the horse decided to jump the 2' pole like it was 5' and I landed on my back.

I just found the borrowed one really bulky and restrictive

[bandito]

I really like my racesafe as the foam is in little squares, so it's very flexible and light. I used to have a rodney powell with a three part back which was really stiff. That said though, I have managed to break ribs and fracture a vertebrate wearing a back protector, both times whilst schooling on the flat . Half my friends reckon that I would have been much worse off without it and half reckon it was part of the problem - I will never know. I'd still never ride without one though and would recommend racesafe for comfort.

[kitkat321]

I had an airowear outlyne bp but sold it when I sold my horse - have started hacking out a friends horse and I feel naked without it.

I never wore it schooling or show jumping - just for hacking or XC.

It really molded to your shape once it heated up but could be a bit stiff initially.

An alternative is one of those air vests if you don't like the bulk of a bp (and you aren't doing any cross country)

[mrslaughan]

I don't wear one as I don't jump. Both my kids have the race safe pro vent now and they are fantastic . Don't restrict movement and really comfy (important as I would struggle to get them to wear them) .

My husband has a dainese - it just covers his back and is lighter weight and less bulky than the racesafe BUT he came off and broke a rib as he landed awkwardly. It was actually his elbow on his rib cage under his armpit that did the damage (hope that makes sense)- if he had been wearing a racesafe like the kids that wouldn't have happened.

[IsItTimeForGinYet]

Love my provent made by racesafe.

[Moanranger]

I have now gone over to wearing an air jacket. I came off hunting a few years ago & it inflated & was brill. I somersaulted off Dhoss day before yesterday when he decided to stand off a small cross pole & I wasn't wearing any sort of back protector. Am very lucky I came to no harm, (just sore) but as of yesterday I am always jumping with as air jacket. Having experienced a fall with one, I can commend them. Not cheap, though!

[clatteringhooves]

The airowear outlyne, if properly fitted, molds to your body shape. It's the most comfortable one I've found. My super fussy dd wears one happily as well!

[smerlin]

Same as PP- I have airowear outlyne and is only stiff for the first five minutes but once it is warm, I don't notice it.

Do need to dismount with enough clearance to not get hooked on the saddle though

[plominoagain]

I have a point two air jacket . Wear it all the time , hacking , dressage , all the time , not just for jumping . And the time it really saved my bacon was out hacking less than ten minutes from home , when my horse slipped and fell on the road , and landed on me . Bit of a pain if you forget to unclip before dismounting , and also keeping a few spare canisters about , but worth their weight . Expensive , but I paid in instalments .

[Eve]

you need to go to a saddlery shop with a good selection and get one fitted.

No point doing recommendations as different types suit different body shapes.

[thetemptationofchocolate]

Yes, go and try them otherwise you could end up with the wrong one for your shape.
They are much better than they used to be and have a big advantage if you are busty - they are better than any sports bra for keeping your bosoms under control :)