August 1 2020 was the date that a new minimum standard for body protectors was introduced in New Zealand, both for pony club and Equestrian Sports NZ cross-country jumping.
Riders must now wear a body protector that carries the BETA (British Equestrian Trade Association) 2009 or 2018 Level 3 labels, or ASTM F1937. Any body protector with the the 2000 Level 1, 2 or 3 labels, and any earlier garments, are now obsolete, no longer effective, and must be replaced.
Although no body protector can prevent serious injury in all circumstances, they can definitely improve your chances of staying safe and reduce the severity of injuries, so it is important you wear one that fits well and is up to standard.
The Level 3 standard offers protection considered appropriate for normal riding, and should prevent minor bruising and rib fractures, and reduce soft tissue injury. Please note that if an air vest is also used, a Level 3 body protector should be worn underneath it.
When you’re looking for a new body protector, it’s not advisable to shop second-hand. And never cut or alter a body protector, or wear one that has been altered by anyone other than the manufacturer.
Always check your body protector for dents as soon as you can after a fall or a kick – the foam should expand back into shape after 30 minutes. Any dents that remain can indicate that the damaged area no longer offers the same absorption properties as before. Some manufacturers, however, can replace panels, so check with your local saddlery.
At any good saddlery shop, staff will have been trained to fit body protectors, and they can also offer advice on how to wash and care for your garment, as recommended by the manufacturer.
Most body protectors are made from two layers of heat-sensitive PVC foam, which is softened by body heat when it’s worn. Sometimes the foam is perforated to provide increased flexibility and air flow, and to reduce weight, and there is usually some kind of breathable mesh lining.
They are designed to absorb the high levels of energy that are created when you fall off, or are kicked or stood on by a horse.
There are a number of different styles available; zip-fronts are popular, and some manufacturers are now providing body protectors specially designed to fit more curvaceous women’s physiques.
Just like shopping for a helmet, it’s really important that you try a variety of styles on before you decide what suits you best.
Some body protectors may feel a bit stiff when you first put them on, but after about five minutes the heat from your body should have warmed the foam up and let it mould to your shape.
Wear light clothing underneath – heavy jackets are best worn over the top. Make sure that the fastenings are done up snugly, because a reasonably tight fit will ensure your body protector remains in place in an accident.
Fitting tips
Body protectors should be a close, firm fit without being uncomfortably tight, while worn over light clothing. They should fit all the way around your torso, and fit neatly over the shoulders, and just reach the top of your sternum (breastplate) at the front.
The bottom of the body protector should be at least 25mm (1-2 fingers’ width) below your ribcage.
At the back, the top of the body protector should fit to the prominent bone at the base of your neck (C7).
There must be a minimum gap of 7cm between the bottom edge of the body protector an the cantle of your saddle.
When to replace your body protector:
- If it’s more than five years old
- If you have outgrown it
- If you have had a serious fall and you can feel damage to the foam
