Back & Body Protectors

Racesafe body protectors offer the latest technology with a superb range of styles to suit all disciplines of riding, so matter what you do from hacking out to racing or eventing, they have a model to match your requirements.

Stubben back protectors consist of thermo-elastic foams which respond to your body heat making them comfortable to wear whilst also dissipating an impact over the whole area, thus reducing risk of spinal injury.

Whitaker have launched a new PRO body protector available in small, medium and large. Certified to EN 13158-2009 European level 3 (BETA Level 3 Standard) it has anatomically shaped panels made from a lightweight foam with ventilation.

Safety is of paramount importance especially in young inexperienced riders or competitive riders, so equip yourself properly for any eventuality.

• Why bother with a body protector? 

  • Unfortunately horses are all unpredictable and even the most "bombproof" can spook or start over something which is not even close to them ( you must have seen your own horse staring into the distance at something invisible to us ) When many feet in the air, a fall will mean it's almost certain to hurt but the better protected you are the more likely you won't suffer a major injury. Always wear an approved helmet and body protector.Whether you’re planning to go eventing, about to back a young horse or just go out hacking, consideration should always be given to body protection.Designed to absorb impact from a fall or kick from a horse, body protectors are compulsory for some competitions. But an increasing number of riders report feeling more confident - and therefore riding more positively - when wearing one in everyday situations from hacking to schooling over fences.Another reason many more riders are opting for body protection is that modern garments are more flexible and lightweight than their predecessors. They are quick and easy to put on - and don’t necessarily cost as much as you may think.A good fit is the key to comfort and safety.

• How can I check the approval of any safety item? 

  • Go to BETA - UK.ORG

• How often should I replace my body protector? 

  • Body protectors should be replaced at least every three to five years, after which the impact absorption properties of the foam may have started to decline.Garments bearing the now obsolete Level 5 or 7, Class 1, 2 or 3 labels and BETA 2000 Level 1, 2 or 3 will no longer be effective and should be replaced. 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. The foam will expand back to its original shape within 30 minutes; but if a dent is showing on examination, then it’s likely that this part of the garment has lost its impact absorption properties and should be replaced.Hidden damage that a body protector may have sustained is also a good reason for avoiding second-hand garments or those with unknown histories. Taking good care of your body protector means that it will last longer within the three to five year recommended lifespan. So don’t leave it lying around at the yard or in the lorry to be chewed and trodden on. Spending too much time in a hot car or damp tackroom won’t do it any good either.When not in use, body protectors should be hung on a clothes hanger. Doing up zips ensures they keep their shape, while closing Velcro fastenings will help prevent them becoming clogged with horse hair and hay particles.Most body protectors are made from heat sensitive PVC nitrile foam, which is why they feel increasingly comfortable as they soften and mould to the wearer’s body. So try storing your protector in a warm (but not artificially hot) environment to ensure it’s nice and flexible for that early morning ride.

• What do I need for eventing? 

  • For the cross-country phase, British Eventing and British Riding Clubs require you to wear a Level 3 body protector, certified to either the BETA 2009 or BETA 2018 standards. If an Air Jacket is used for the cross-country phase, it must be worn over (not instead of) a permitted body protector.

• What do I need for racing? 

  • For race riding in Britain, Ireland and most of Europe, Jockeys are required to wear a body protector certified to a minimum of Level 2 (EN13158:2009/2018). For exercising and working in racing, most yards require a level 3 (EN13158:2009/2018) body protector to be worn.A BETA 2009 (Level 3) or BETA 2018 (Level 3) body protector must be worn for Pony Racing.

• What do I need for showjumping? 

  • For many countries in Europe, Junior riders are required to wear BETA 2009/2018 (Level 3) body protectors for showjumping. For other riders they are optional protection.

• What do I need for Pony Club? 

  • The Pony Club makes the use of body protectors compulsory for all cross country riding and Pony Racing whether it be training or competing. If a Body protector is worn for any Pony Club activity it must meet BETA 2009/18 (Level 3) standard.

• What about hacking out or driving? 

  • For hacking and general safety on horseback, we recommend a Level 3 body protector, certified to either the BETA 2009 or BETA 2018 standards ( level 3 ) For driving, Body Protectors are generally compulsory for Marathons and must be suitably certified.