Why You Need A Body Protector?
This is rather a mute point, and the majority those that ride horses, especially those that have ridden for a number of years, will be under no illusion that it can be dangerous, and no matter how experienced you are, there is always the potential for a nasty fall.
Horse and the environments around them can be unpredictable. Wearing a high quality and to standard horse riding body protector can greatly reduce your risk of sever injury in the event of an accident or fall.
Study Shows That Wearing A Body Protector Can Reduce Injury Severity
A study in 2018, by BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine showed that not only did wearing a vest during cross country training or competition resulted in a decrease in reported injuries, it also showed a decrease in the severity of injuries.
The study was conducted in the United States between 2011 and 2017 with 718 participants. It was found that the relative risk of injury was reduced by 56%.
How Body Body Protectors Work?
Most body protectors consist of two levels of PVC nitrile foam. Generally they are light, and can mold to the riders body due to the sensitivity to heat. For the best fit, the protector should fit close to the torso, and should not move or slide over the body.
Most protectors also have adjustable elements to ensure the fit snugly. The rigidity of the protector protects the torso in the event of a fall and support skeletal structure and internal organs.
