Body protector for DD?

[DontCallMeBaby]

DD is nearly 9, has been riding for a year. We've just switched schools to one which is (a) less of a shambles and (b) has an indoor school so we don't get rained/snowed off on a regular basis, and so if she carries on into next winter we won't end up with a break because it's too dark to ride after school! At the new school body protectors seem much more of the Done Thing, and that, combined with her continuing to ride after a bit of a hiatus, has made me think I should consider getting her one.

I've had a bit of a mooch about here and it looks like they're a bit of an MN Done Thing too.

I've got the basics from research - standards to look for etc, but wondered if anyone had any good personal advice for me? I need to find a decent tack shop in Gloucestershire for her to have a try on of stuff - she doesn't fit neatly into the sizes as far as I can tell (surely plenty of children at this age still have waists the same size as their chests?!)

I don't need to persuade DH of their usefulness, he's just decidedly 'meh', and it'll fall to me to go and find her one anyway, but any good anecdata would be welcome anyway ...

[clarycat]

I didn't realise how beneficial it would be to take my girls for a body protector fitting. I was all ready to buy off the Internet. The lady sat them on a saddle, so the BD's weren't too long in the back, and did the initial tightening. We bought Powell BD's. The lady also helped a bit with ensuring there was little bit of growing room (for £75 each I was grateful although they were not the most expensive BD's).

Sorry I can't help you with the Gloucestershire area!

[Lovesswimming]

My 9 year old has a racesafe (we all have) she's had it 2 years and I had it fitted by treehouse (at a show) but my friend had her sons fitted at a shop. I've also had it rechecked as she's obviously grown. Still fits :-) not cheapest but easy to wear no arguments about it .

[dikkertjedap]

My dd has an air-o-wear. It was fitted in a shop near Aylesbury. Due to being very slim and tall, they needed to make specific adjustments to get a good fit, so she had hers custom made by air-o-wear. Did take about three weeks but it is reassuring to know that it has a perfect fit.

[dikkertjedap]

The air-o-wear is quite stiff so we put it on the central heating to get flexible before wearing. I have heard that the racesafe is comfortable without having to warm up.

[CMOTDibbler]

Fox Saddlery are very good DCMB - on the road past Gotherington, very patient in finding the right fit. For a bigger range and a bit further Horseatack at Droitwich have a v good range (and an electric horse you get to try on)

[DontCallMeBaby]

Oh, this is definitely one for real life shopping rather than online! And some expert advice too - I fitted DD's hat myself in Go Outdoors, and while it's not unsafe, it's a bit snug and leaves an imprint on her head after half an hour. Oops.

While I like the sound of an electric horse I think we'll give Fox a go - there's a nice pub out that way as well, I think? Next Saturday is beginning to take shape!

[loachey]

Having just bought a body protector for myself, I did some research and my understanding of the racesafe is that it's only recommended for jockeys? I bought the airowear and it's stiff when I first put it on but it soon softens up and i find it fine to ride in. Just a little hot really. I had mine fitted in-store.

[lovebeansontoast]

I have a Racesafe, and its fabulous. I wear mine every time I ride and honestly don't notice I'm wearing it. I don't understand the "only recommended for jockeys" reference? I would have thought that if it's good enough for a race riding jockey it's good enough for your average rider (or child)?[hmmm]

The only issue I'd have for a growing child is they're expensive. But what price safety? I've had mine 5 years in any case, so the cost has spread by now.

Mine was fitted by Ingatestone saddlery, but Essex is a bit far from Gloucestershire.

[Lovesswimming]

racesafe, not just for jockeys, they have a line for jockeys but they are clearly a different standard. my 9 year old has had hers over 2 years and it still fits, so I think you would get your moneys worth

[Moby68]

Definditely one for real shoppong. Badly fitted protector not only uncomfortable but won't do the job.
It's difficult with these things, once they are invented one feels obliged to kit out the kids.
Of course in our day we hats essentially made from cardboard and elastic chin straps ....

[Callisto]

There is a tack shop (not Sydey Free) in Cirencester, just down from Boots, where I get DD fitted for hats and body protectors. The lady there is brilliant. Can't remember the make she has atm, but it cost around £90. It should last a couple of years as it can be adjusted and I look on these things as essential so the cost isn't really an issue.

[DontCallMeBaby]

lovebeans actually, having been googling around, the standard for jockeys IS lower/less safe than for normal riders - I can only guess it's because of the weight restrictions.

Hm, Cirencester is tempting, assuming Jack's cafe is still there and still does mahoosive slices of cake

[Butkin]

DD is 10 in 2 weeks (thin and tall) and she loves her Rodney Powell. We got it fitted at Burghley 18 months ago and it still fits well because you can alter the velcro pads across the back. She particularly likes that it is a zip up front so easy for her to put on herself.

She has ridden in BPs since she was 2 and - other than in the show ring - wouldn't get on one without. I'm amazed there are still schools where they are not (like hats) compulsory.

[Lovesswimming]

Just to clear up the jockey standard issue, there are 2 standards, racesafe do both standards, if you have a racesafe it will be the correct standard unless u specifically asked for the jockey one. No one fitting u a body protector should give u the wrong one (they look different as well)
So don't worry it will have the correct protection label