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?

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.

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

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

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.

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)

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.

Love my provent made by racesafe.

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!

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!

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

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 .

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.

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 :)