Body Protectors

Ride with Confidence in a High-Standard Equestrian Body Protector

A body protector is a vital piece of safety gear for any rider, offering essential protection to the torso in case of a fall or impact. Whether you’re schooling, hacking, jumping, or simply enjoying a leisurely ride, wearing a well-fitted horse riding body protector offers added protection to your upper body, including the chest and back, during a fall or unexpected movement.

Body protectors offer reassurance during all types of riding, from riding young or green horses, hacking on the road, or tackling more demanding disciplines like cross-country. That’s why investing in a reliable equestrian body protector is a smart decision for riders of all levels – including children, novices, and professionals alike.

What Are the Current Body Protector Standards?

To ensure your safety gear offers maximum protection, it’s important to choose a body protector that meets the latest safety standards. The BETA Level 3 2018 Standard is currently the highest recognised level for everyday riding and competing. This standard is required for many affiliated competitions and is widely regarded as the benchmark for serious riders.

Look for the distinctive black and turquoise BETA Level 3 label – it’s your assurance that the body protector has been tested to withstand impacts typically associated with riding accidents.

Choosing the Right Horse Riding Body Protector

When shopping for the best body protector, consider the following features:

• Certification: Always check for the latest body protector standards to ensure full compliance and protection.

• Fit: A well-fitting equestrian body protector should feel snug but allow freedom of movement through your shoulders and waist.

• Adjustability: Look for models with adjustable fastenings for a secure and tailored fit.

• Ventilation: Many modern designs, like the Racesafe body protector, include breathable panels to keep you cool during intense activity.

• Children’s options: Browse our full range of children’s body protectors for junior riders, designed to offer comfort and certified safety from an early age.

• Teen riders: For older children or growing riders, our teen body protectors bridge the gap between child and adult fits.

For competition riders, eventers, and those working regularly around horses, a Level 3 certified protector is considered the safest and most appropriate option.

Do I Need to Wear a Body Protector?

While not always mandatory, a horse riding body protector is strongly recommended whenever there’s a higher risk of falling or impact. This includes:

• Cross-country and eventing

• Riding unfamiliar or young horses

• Hacking on roads or open spaces

• Riding lessons and jumping sessions
  

Choosing to wear a body protector is a simple way to ride with added confidence and comfort. For complete rider safety, pair your body protector with a horse riding hat certified to current standards. And don’t forget the importance of correct footwear. Our collection of long riding boots offers support, grip, and protection in the saddle and around the yard.

Whether you're a daily rider, weekend hacker, or just getting started, choosing the right body protector helps you ride with confidence, comfort, and peace of mind. Explore our full range of certified safety wear to find the perfect fit for your discipline and riding style.