Body Protectors: Protective vests and air vests for riders

Body Protectors: protection for your back

Body protectors complement the riding hat and are worn especially for jumping, eventing and cross country riding. Many riders also use them on young horses or when hacking out. We stock flexible segmented back protectors, body protector vests with a zip, body protectors for adults and children as well as air vests with matching replacement canisters and lanyards for quick refitting after a fall.

Body protector vest or flexible back protector

A body protector vest covers the back, chest and sides and closes with a zip at the front. It is widely used for cross country and jumping. Flexible back protectors consist of individual plates or segments that adapt to your back and are held in place with straps at the shoulders and hips. They are less bulky and comfortable in dressage too. What matters is that the protector reaches from the neck to just above the tailbone and does not knock against the saddle when you sit.

Air vests

An air vest is connected to the saddle by a lanyard. If the rider parts company with the horse in a fall, the lanyard triggers and a CO2 canister inflates the vest in a fraction of a second. After it has been triggered you replace the canister, which is why matching spare canisters are available. Many riders wear the air vest over a body protector. Check before every ride that the lanyard and canister are fitted correctly.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find the right size body protector?
Sitting down, measure from the prominent bone at the base of your neck to the seat, as this is the most important length. Chest and waist measurements come next. Ideally try the protector on in the saddle, as it must not be pushed up when you sit.

Can I carry on riding after my air vest has gone off?
Only once you have replaced the canister, because without a new one the vest will not inflate again. After a fall, have yourself and your horse checked over briefly as well. You can usually replace the canister yourself.

Do I need to replace a body protector after a fall?
That depends on the material and the fall. Many foams recover after an impact, but you should replace protectors that are visibly damaged or deformed. Inspect your body protector carefully after every fall.