Body protectors are designed to effectively absorb impact from a fall or kick from a horse and are compulsory for some competitions. Airowear's range of body protectors are designed to allow all riders to have a perfectly fitted body protector right off the shelf, regardless of shape, size, age or gender. Read our tips and fitting guide to help you choose the right body protector for you...
Body Protector Fitting Guide - Choosing & Fitting Your Airowear Body ProtectorBody protectors are designed to effectively absorb impact from a fall or kick from a horse and are compulsory for some competitions. Airowear have designed their body protectors to allow every rider to get into a perfectly fitted body protector right off the shelf, regardless of shape, size, age or gender. The variety of styles and sizes available in the range ensures you can find the best model and size to suit your body type. Read our fitting guide below for advice on choosing the right body protector for you.
Step 1) Choose your type of body protector…Children’s Body Protectors Young rider’s body protectors are sized with approximate age ranges, with standard sizes for children whose chest and waist measurements are the same; short, regular, long and extra-long back lengths are also available for children who are between sizes.
Teen Body ProtectorsAirowear offer unique sizing within their body protector range for teenagers, providing a neat and comfortable fit. Their adjustable body protectors are also a good choice, designed to accommodate the growing teenager.
Women’s Body Protectors Shaping body protectors specifically to suit the shape of women’s bodies helps to offer a better level of protection. Airowear’s range includes body protectors with a wide range of features and back lengths to help suit all women, whether petite, plus-sized, curvy or tall. The chest measurement increases without altering the back length, comfortably accommodating the bust.
Men’s Body Protectors The range of men’s body protectors reflects typical features of a man’s body shape, offering a generous cut across the ribcage and tailoring over the shoulders. As the chest size increases, the back lengths can remain the same to keep the body protector proportionate.
Step 2) Choose the best body protector to suit your needs
When choosing the right body protector for you there’s a range of factors to consider. Price is important – body protectors are often an expensive but essential investment, so buy the best quality you can afford. When doing their job to protect you from serious injury, body protectors are also ensuring your quality of life by keeping you fit and able to carry on with your work and home life.
Also consider how much use your body protector will have. If you’re eventing weekly, or regularly ride fresh, young horses then it’s worth the investment of a top-of-the-range body protector, as the risk of you falling is greater. If you are riding cross country then a body protector that can be worn underneath an air jacket is a sensible choice.
Step 3) How to measure for your body protector
Your body protector should be fitted over light clothing – choose clothing that you are likely to ride in. Heavier garments (jackets and coats) are worn over the top.
1. Firstly, take the chest, back length, waist and waist-to-waist over-shoulder measurements (as shown in the diagram) – these measurements can then be used to select the corresponding size from within the size guide chart. When fitting a women’s body protector, a better fit may be achieved by choosing one size smaller than the actual chest measurement. 2. Before trying on the body protector, loosen the chest and waist straps. Once on, insert the thumbs into the armholes to bring the two panels together – this will make it easier to zip up the body protector. 3. Fasten the adjustable straps to achieve a snug but comfortable fit – if the body protector cannot be adjusted enough, a different size may be needed. 4. Adjust the shoulders so that the neckline lies flat against the body. If this cannot be achieved, a shorter back length may be needed. Double checking the fitIt’s best to check the back length by sitting on a saddle, ideally, the saddle you will be riding in. 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.
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