Sit in a chair or a saddle and run the tape measure from the base of the back of your neck to the base of your spine. Take the reading at a point about two to four inches above the seat to avoid interference of the back of the vest with the saddle during riding.
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How do I measure myself for a body protector?
How to measure for a body protector
- Step 1 – Waist. Measure the circumference of your waist by wrapping the measuring tape around your waist.
- Step 2 – Chest. Measure the circumference of your chest by wrapping the tape measure under your arms and around the widest part.
- Step 3 – Back length.
- Step 4 – Sizing.
How long should a body protector be?
There should be approximately a hands width between the saddle and the base of the body protector. At the front, the body protector should reach the breastbone at the top and cover the bottom rib by approximately 2.5cm at mid-chest, but should not cover the belly button.
Which safety vest is best for equestrian?
| Body Protector | Type |
|---|---|
| Tipperary Ride-Lite Multi-Discipline Safety Vest | Foam |
| Ovation Air Tech Vest | Air |
| Hit Air LV Equestrian Light Weight Airbag Vest | Air |
| Intrepid International Kid’s Safety Supraflex Vest Protector | Foam |
How should a riding safety vest fit?
Correct Fit of Equestrian Safety Vests
A correctly fitted vest will fit snugly and cover the collarbone, ribcage and spine down to the tailbone. When the vest has been adjusted, you shouldn’t feel a big gap between your back or shoulders and the vest.
What is a Level 3 body protector?
Level 3 (brown label) is designed for use during all riding activities and is designed to prevent minor bruising that would have produced stiffness and pain whilst reducing soft tissue injuries. Horse riding body protector level 3 are widely used for all riding activities.
What is a Level 2 body protector?
Level 2 (orange label)
Body protectors certified to Level 2 provide a lower than normal level of protection that is only considered appropriate for use in low risk situations. These DO NOT include riding on roads or other hard surfaces, riding over jumps, riding young or excitable horses or riding while inexperienced.
What standard do body protectors need to be?
Make the most of your body protector
You should be wearing a garment bearing the current BETA 2009 or 2018 Standard. If you should have a heavy fall, your body protector should be checked immediately for dents.
Do equestrian safety vests expire?
Be sure to follow our storing and cleaning instructions to maintain your vest in good condition. Tipperary recommends you replace your vest no later than five to seven years from the date of purchase. Over time, use of the vest and exposure to outdoor conditions may cause the materials to degrade which may be unseen.
What is the most comfortable body protector for horse riding?
As voted for by the Your Horse magazine readers, here’s their pick of the best body protectors and why they rate them.
- Airowear Outlyne.
- Racesafe PROVENT 3.0.
- Racesafe RS2010.
- Rodney Powell Superflex Contour.
- 11 pairs of riding tights tested for fit, comfort and performance in the saddle, plus value for money.
Why do horseback riders wear vests?
The vest absorbs the impact of hitting the ground and distributes the effects of the shock. While it might not prevent limb fractures, it protects from rib fractures, spinal cord, and inner parts injuries. A horse riding safety vest can be used for dressage, cross-country, or competitions.
Do horse riding body protectors work?
No body protector can prevent serious injury in every situation, but they can increase your chances of staying alive and reduce the severity of injuries.
How do equestrian air vests work?
The vests have a lanyard that attaches to the saddle. When a rider parts ways with the saddle, the lanyard triggers the activation device, which punctures an air canister, instantly inflating the vest before the rider hits the ground.
How do you measure for a Tipperary vest?
Measure from the base of the neck to chair. Subtract 2 inches or 5 cm from that measurement which will ensure the vest does not interfere with the saddle while riding. Each time you put on your Eventer Series vest, make sure the laces are loose to prevent undue stress on the zipper.
Do cross country vests expire?
It is important to check your vest frequently for rips, tears, or wear to maintain optimum protection. Similar to your helmet, manufacturers replacing your safety vest every 5-7 years.
How long are safety vests good for?
Six months is the average lifespan for a hi vis safety vest that gets worn every day, according to the Federal Highway Administration’s research.
What does an eventing vest do?
The eventing world made it mandatory to wear a protective safety vest for the cross-country phase in 1996. These body protectors are made with dense foam that absorb some of the impact of the fall to help shield the spine, ribs, and internal organs.
Are Tipperary vests certified?
Vests. The following Tipperary vests are SEI certified: Eventer Pro to the ASTM F1937 standard for horse sports and horseback riding. Competitor to the ASTM F2681 standard for racing (eg.
What level body protector do you need for cross country?
BETA 2009 Level standard 3
Cross-country riding within the Pony Club, British Eventing, British Riding Clubs and British Horse Society-registered riding schools and exams require riders to wear body protectors that meet BETA 2009 Level standard 3.
How often should you replace your body protector?
BETA recommend body protectors are replaced every 3-5 years. Nearly all organisations, no longer allow you to compete in a body protector that is older than 2009 or 2018 BETA level 3. Find out more about safety standards.
Can you wear a body protector in dressage?
You are able to wear a body protector or an air jacket if you wish to, provided it is in a conservative, muted colour.