Do I need to wear a body protector?
This is a question we are regularly asked at Forelock and Load. The simple answer is, we feel it is an important piece of horse rider safety equipment that should be considered by every rider and parent.
Body protectors are designed to offer protection against injuries caused by falling off your horse or a kick from a horse or pony. A body protector must be worn when riding cross country and for XC schooling and this is generally always enforced by the schooling/competition ground.
All of the body protectors we sell conform to the latest European Standard EN13158:2018 and are CE marked to show their compliance to the EU Regulation 2016/425. BETA is an internationally recognised quality assurance scheme. All of the body protectors we sell are within the three level BETA standard and EN13158 certification. This means that they have been tested and are deemed fit for purpose having been through stringent testing.
The research and development that has gone into the manufacturing of body protectors in recent years, has led to a lighter weight, more flexible and in turn more comfortable body protector than ever before. You can also customise your body protector with an array of bright colours to match in with your XC colours!
Body Protector Guidelines
We have written this previous blog, which will give you some more information on the body protector rules for different disciplines.
Back Protectors
There has been a move in recent years to lightweight back protectors which fit really discreetly under a show jacket. They are slimline and allow unlimited movement for the rider and have proved really popular with the younger riders. The gilet design offers spinal protection to the back and is not intended for cross country riding.
Air Jackets
Forelock and Load stock Point Two Air Jackets. The air jacket inflates upon activation via a CO2 canister that is attached to the front of the jacket. The air jacket is attached to the saddle with a lanyard and this triggers the CO2 capsule which fills the airbags within the vest. The airbag inflates in less than one-tenth of a second and will remain tight for around 20 seconds before slowly deflating. We recommend that you wear your body protector under your air jacket for maximum protection.
Forelock and Load Fitting Service
The fit of your body protector is critical in order to give you the best possible protection. They are designed to fit and protect the vital organs, whilst not inhibiting rider movement in the saddle. This is where it is important you are fitted by a trained professional. Not all body protectors fit the same and sometimes you need to try a few on to make sure you purchase the one that fits your body shape.
Our team of fully trained body protector fitters are available in store to give you a free body protector fitting. We make sure that the body protector you buy will be giving you the maximum amount of protection. We always try on several different types and brands of body protector for you to get a true feel for the one which will work best for you. We are also more than happy to check your current body protector to see how that fits and if any adjustments need to be made. We can also offer this service remotely if you require some help.
When you come in for your fitting, please wear your normal riding clothing so we can make sure we correctly fit you.
We also offer riding hat, riding boot and half chap fitting, along with bridle and bit fittings for your horse. You can have peace of mind that you and your horse or pony are kitted out comfortably for your next riding adventure.
