Backprotectors

Heydeldel

so, after a recent fall resulting in a broken bone, i decided it's time to invest in a good back protector!

I wasn't wearing one when I fell... stupid!

What do people recommend? I usually hate wearing them because they feel restrictive and bulky. I know this is a lame excuse though. I've only worn one when jumping or hunting etc, not for hacking and flat work.

Any one find any particular brand good?

marley123

Definately a short backed Racesafe, not bulky at all! & can fit nicely under show jacket etc... Ive a big bulky one @ moment but a racesafe one on order. I NEVER ride without one. Had a bad fall there couple wks ago & would have done damage had I not been wearing one.

mariannewims

I have a Reiver Elite and find it very comfortable.
Could be an idea to go to TRI or some of the big equestrian stores, they'll have a staff member trained to fit them properly and in the case of TRI anyway even have a plastic horse model with saddle so you can see how it'll feel when sitting in the saddle too!

Heydeldel

OK, great suggestions there. I know, I was so silly not to wear one. I've learned my lesson - big time!

Once my arm heals and I can move my arm a bit better I'll try some of the suggestions. I like the idea of a nice small. light one. Hate when they touch off the back of the saddle.

Cheers guys.

JillyQ

Im using the champion one at the moment. They are a bit bulky, but i find it ok. Like yourself i only decided to get one after a very bad fall. Hope you feel better soon.

Ah_Yeah

Bit more pricey, but the Point Two Air jackets are great, stellar reviews, and less bulky:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1370372/The-airbag-horse-riders-Jacket-inflates-tenth-second-save-equestrians-injuries-fall.html

http://www.point-two.co.uk/

Heydeldel

Loads of options there, thanks.

Really ,really do not want to go through this again. Have a hook plate in my shoulder now which will have to be removed in 3 months. Very annoying!

One thing about the back protectors though is that they give little coverage over the shoulders. Where I broke mine is the very tip of the clavicle so I'm not sure a protector would have saved it from breaking?

fits

Body protectors really act mostly as shock absorbers and to prevent damage to the soft internal organs. They are limited enough in protecting against spinal injury. Shoulders wouldn't really be protected by them either. The point 2 might be better in this regard.

That said, I normally wear one when I'm at home riding on my own. I have a racesafe and find it very good.
I don't wear one hunting, because they don't fit under a hunt coat and the hunt coat gives good protection on its own.

ilovemarmite

I think you can get shoulder pads like this http://www.triequestrian.ie/index.php/tri-equestrian-product-categories/for-the-horse/detail/44-body-protectors/youjoomla/1046-hows-rs-2000-shoulder-pads.html?sef=hcfpnot sure how much protection they give but they might be good if you will have a bit of a weakness in shouder.

convert

All NH jockeys have to have shoulder pads on their back protectors. They definitely do help, but collarbone injuries are still very common as most riders tend to fall on their shoulder, and, as fits said, backprotectors do help to absorb some of the shock, it's often not enough to stop such injuries.

Heydeldel

Good point about the internal organs. Yikes! Would hate to imagine what a serious injury to an organ must feel like.

Thanks for all the info. I have loads of choice now when I go to buy a quality back protector.

GeeGee21

If you haven't bought yet, the prices on equestian discount are really good...they have point two and body protectors - http://www.equestriandiscount.com/horse-riding-wear/safety-wear/?limit=all i ahven't tried their body protectors but i got a bridle and some wormers from them and i thought they were great value. have a fab season