Best body protectors…& other kit qs

[Blinkingbatshit]

Hi all, Dd12 is now riding 4x a week and I need to get her properly kitted out…first thing is to buy our own body protector - which brands should I be looking at? Also are the cheap riding boots/ jodhpurs at Decathlon decent or will I end up wishing I’d bought better?!…Thanks in advance from a totally out of touch parent!!

[backinthebox]

I always take my kids to be fitted for a back protector. The brand doesn’t matter as much as having a good fit and it being comfortable. Buy one with the latest turquoise label, as it is the most up to date standard and will last longer. Any competition which requires a back protector will ask to check it to make sure it is up to date. WRT boots, I’ve always bought mine ordinary jodhpur boots and a pair of chaps, as when their feet grow it’s not as expensive to just upgrade short boots. DD has a pair of long boots for competition now though too. For hi viz both DD and I have a neon running tshirt for warmer days and a running jacket for winter. You can buy cheap tabards or waistcoats but they are boxy and don’t have pockets. Running stuff is cheaper than anything that says ‘horse’ on it, and generally fits better too.

[lastqueenofscotland]

Yep I’d want to check the hat fit and if it is to current regs.
Massive vote for race safe here too

[Pleasedontdothat]

Have you had the hat fit checked? Plus if it’s more than a couple of years old it should probably be replaced. You can get junior skull caps which meet the latest safety standards for £60-70.

High viz is good in low light situations but reflective material is best when it’s actually dark - generally we just put a cheap cycling gilet over the top when going out hacking in winter.

[Blinkingbatshit]

Thanks very much for the advice @Josettegrey and @Pleasedontdothat ! Will have a look at racesafe (& hopefully not have to wait too long). Yes, have our own hat - handmedown from her brother. Will check out the tights, thanks. Realised last night as walked down to fields with her that high vis is essential too…may try to find a coat that incorporates it…any other ideas?

[Pleasedontdothat]

Has she got her own hat? My priority list when my dd started riding several times a week was hat, short boots and chaps, gloves, riding tights, body protector

When she started competing (and when her feet had stopped growing) we splashed out on a pair of long boots - Ariat heritage contours as they have enough size variations to fit a very slim, tall teenager. She only wears them for competitions and lessons and looks after them well and they’re still going strong six years later so although they were expensive they’ve been worth it.

The decathlon jodhpurs are fine but if she’s doing a lot of riding, she may be more comfortable in riding tights - my dd loves these ones from EqCouture.

I’d second the recommendation for a racesafe protector but you may have to wait a while - my dd’s been on a waiting list for a new one for a few weeks now as apparently there’s a shortage

[Josettegrey]

Can highly recommend racesafe. Both my daughter and I have the provent 3. Boots wise my daughter always wears Hy boots