Do you wear a body protector?

[iveburntthetoast]

I had ponies as a child many years ago when body protectors weren’t a thing. I restarted lessons a couple of years ago after DD1 starting riding. I make her wear a body protector, but haven’t myself. I’ve tried some a few times, but they’re just so claustrophobic, I can’t stand it.

I tried some on again yesterday, but I couldn’t cope wearing it. The woman said it fitted properly, but I couldn’t breath fully. Do others wear a body protector for day-to-day riding? I don’t compete, but do jump in lessons and ride a fairly strong horse who isn’t a novice ride.

The riding school has cross county and SJ competitions in the summer and I’d like to have a go again, but then I think I’d have to wear one.

I wear one all the time! Epilepsy plus a youngster means I never know what could happen!
I have a Harry hall .. it’s pink, black and silver and is the most comfortable I have ever worn x

I have a racesafe which I bought to only do xc in. A few people have said I should wear it jumping as well so I did for the first time last week. Lucky I did as I came off, foot stuck it stirrup and landed on a rock. Pony then kicked me on her way over the top. I’ll be wearing mine for all jumping from now on. I have fairly big boobs and find the racesafe very comfortable.

I wear mine every time I ride! I broke my back and neck 6 years ago, so it's not worth the risk. Might save your life!

I wore my new BP (racesafe) in my lesson last week. It was surprisingly comfortable (altjough very warm). I actually rode better than without one—I think because I felt a bit safer & the instructor commented that I seemed to be riding more confidently.

PS. I was in no way doing riskier stuff—but I’ve been nervous wehn jumping recently and I think the Racesafe helped with the nerves and let me concentrate on the riding.

Wear my Airowear one for everything except lessons and that's only because they hide my back position and I ride straighter without. It gives me a smidge extra confidence to push my sharp TB forwards when I'm on my own or sometimes I ride with the handbrake on. It's bulky and probably the equivalent of wearing a nappy when you have your period but I couldn't give a shit what anyone thinks when it keeps me a bit safer. Even if that's a placebo.