If you’re a horseback rider who takes your safety seriously, then this article is for you. You need to use the right gear while on your horse, and that includes the best body protector for horse riding.
The challenge is that with so many different types of body protectors available now, it’s hard to know which one works the best.
There are so many factors to take into consideration when it comes to selecting protective gear. You want something that will offer maximum protection and comfort, but at an affordable price. However, don’t let any of the factors discourage you, because we’ve done all the research to make sure you end up with the perfect product.
Attributes of a Good Body Protector for Horse Riding
- Great coverage and protection without being too restrictive or heavy on the body
- The fabric should be comfortable, protective, and easy to wash
- Easy to move around in while riding
Who Exactly Wears a Body Protector?
Whether you’re new to horseback riding or an experienced rider, it’s important that you always wear a body protector when in the saddle. This will protect your vital organs and bones from any severe injuries while out on the trails or in training.
The Build of a Body Protector
- Shoulder Protectors: The shoulders are one of the most common areas of injury for equestrians. These injuries can be avoided with proper use and implementation of shoulder protectors in order to safeguard the scapulars and the ends of the collar bones.
- Outer Material: The outer material is covered with foam to ensure it remains clean and protected.
- Inner Material: The newest innovation in body protectors uses two levels of heat-sensitive, soft, and moldable PVC foam. The flexible material can respond to the wearer’s physique while still providing them with maximum protection.
- Weight: The body protector is made of hard, lightweight material. The weight of the body protector varies depending on your size and height.
- Fastenings: There are three types of fastenings: zippers, buckles that slide along a strap, and a looped material like Velcro and buttons.
- Lining: The lining is made from abreathablemesh in order to allow easy passage of air.
Best Body Protector for Horse Riding: Top 5
1. UNISTRENGH Equestrian Vest Professional Safety EVA Horse Riding Vest
The size fits most and allows for a custom fit with adjustable laces on each side and front zipper closures to make it easy to take on or off.
This vest is long in the back and short in the front. It offers full coverage all the way from your rib cage to the top of your hips. It also offers heavy protection in the spinal area to reduce your risk of injury.
With the UNISTRENGH Equestrian Vest, you’ll be able to ride with confidence and stay comfortable at the same time.
This vest is made out of a durable EVA material that will protect your body no matter if it’s from bruises or cuts. Due to the flexibility of the fabric, this vest actually moves with you while riding instead of restricting your movements as heavier vests tend to do.
The UNISTRENGH Equestrian Vest also has a breathable mesh to allow air circulation, so you don’t have to worry about getting too hot throughout the day. This vest also comes with an adjustable waist tie for added comfort and security.
Product Features
- Brand: UNISTRENGTH
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large
- Material:Made from Polyester, EVA
Pros
- Flexible and durable EVA material
- Protects you from bruises and cuts
- Easy to adjust
- Breathable mesh design
Cons
- Poor zipper quality
2. JIUCHEN Horse Riding Vest, Equestrian Body Protector
The JIUCHEN Horse Riding Vest Equestrian Body Protector is made of a soft, pliable, extended polyester padding material that reduces impact.
This Equestrian Body Protector is extremely comfortable and can be worn for hours without feeling any discomfort.
This body protector can be worn for any horseback riding activity, including trail riding, jumping, cross country schooling, barrel racing, endurance riding, hunting, or taking your kids out on pony rides.
This horse riding vest body is designed to fit you comfortably and offers good protection without looking bulky and interfering with your movements.
The JIUCHEN Horse Riding Vest Equestrian Body Protector has a tailbone protector included in the design to offer additional protection if you were to land on your backside after falling off of your horse.
Product Features
- Brand: JIUCHEN
- Sizes: Range of sizes
- Material: EVA
Pros
- Affordable price
- Made with high-quality materials
- Easy to adjust
- Available in both adult and children sizes
- Extra tailbone protection
Cons
- May be somewhat loose on smaller wearers
3. MonkeyJack Safety EVA Padded Breathable Horse Riding Equestrian Vest Protective Gear
If you want something comfortable, then you should seriously consider this protective vest. It’s also a good option for any of the smaller riders out there.
The MonkeyJack vest features an ergonomic design with breathable fabric. It’s made of high-quality material that’s safe for women and men of all ages. It’s even great on those hot summer days!
It’s made from durable EVA material, so you don’t have to worry about any wear and tear, even on long rides.
One great thing about this body protective vest is that it’s very easy to wear and take off. It comes with a soft elastic band to give you added comfort if you’re wearing the vest for an extended period of time.
If you’re looking for a good-looking, yet durable body protector for your horse riding adventures, this MonkeyJack protector might be the one to buy!
Product Features
- Brand: MonkeyJack
- Sizes: Kids’ small to mens’ large
- Material: Eva
Pros
- Offers maximum protection
- Laced on the sides and zippered in the front for an easy fit
- Flexible and comfortable because of the scalloped front
- Very affordable price
Cons
- Sizes run small
- Poor zipper quality
4. Ovation Adult Comfort Flex Body Protector
Ovation Adult Comfort Flex is one of the most advanced protector vests. With a patented construction, their vest features comfortable, padded mesh panels and excellently constructed foam sections for maximum protection and mobility.
Ovation’s unique design allows free movement of the arms, shoulders, and chest, without sacrificing vital components like sternum plates or kidney pads. The Ovation Adult Comfort Flex Protector Vest is made of 100% polyester, has adjustable waist and shoulder straps for a custom fit, and comes in various sizes from x-small to large.
Ovation’s innovative design is constructed from a high-density foam center panel. It has padded mesh panels sewn into the edges of the kidney pads, which gives riders the comfort they need to stay focused while maximizing protection.
The Ovation Adult Comfort Flex Protector Vest is very lightweight, breathable, and has a waist strap that comes with an adjustable quick-release buckle for a custom fit.
Product Features
- Brand: Ovation
- Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large
- Material: 100% Polyester
Pros
- High-density center panel
- Designed for maximum mobility and protection
- Extremely durable
- SEI/ASTM certified
- Adjustable waist straps
- Very lightweight and breathable
Cons
- Most expensive on the list
- May be too heavy for smaller bodies
5. HILASON Adult Safety Equestrian Eventing Protective Protection Vest
The HILASON equestrian vest is ideal for both beginner and advanced riders and is a must-have for all horse riding enthusiasts. This body protector is made of high-quality breathable mesh material that allows maximum airflow and maximum comfort during riding.
HILASON’s special design provides maximum protection for the rider’s chest, shoulders, abdomen, lower back, and even the tailbone with extended padding.
The vest has adjustable straps to help you to tailor your vest to fit your physique, and it has a shorter front piece to aid your movement.
Product Features
- Brand: Hilason
- Sizes: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large
- Material: Eva
Pros
- Very durable
- Lightweight
- Available in different sizes
- Can be easily cleaned
- Extra tailbone protection
Cons
- Sizes may run large
Buyer’s Guide
Now that you’ve learned about the different body protectors for horse riding currently on the market, you need to decide which one to buy in order to guarantee maximum protection while riding your horse!
How to Check the Fit of Your Body Protector
When you’re looking for a protective vest, it’s important to find one that will fit your needs – and your body. Not every brand or style may work with your measurements and weight, so be sure to think about what kind of protection level best suits you when looking at different brands.
How Long Do Body Protectors Last?
It’s important to replace your body protector regularly because, over time, the foam may lose its ability to absorb impact. If you experience a heavy fall, make sure to check for any dents in your protection immediately. If you happen to find any dents, it’s best to get a new one.
To make your protective vest last longer, you should take proper care of it. One of the ways you can do this is by avoiding leaving the protector lying around in a yard or truck where they might get damaged. When not in use, hang them up so that the zippers and velcro are fastened together tightly.
Your body protector should last three to five years if it’s being taken care of properly.
How to Care for Your Body Protector
Horse riding body protectors have a general life span of three to five years. But, naturally, the absorbance and impact distribution of the foam will reduce considerably over time. Your body protector will last longer if you use the following care tips:
- Use a clean sponge in soapy warm water to clean your protector
- Hang in a warm and dry space
- Keep away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture
- Store away properly when not in use
- Always close the zippers to help maintain the shape of the body protector
- Close hook and loop fastenings to prevent hair, hay, and dirt from clogging them up
Conclusion
The best body protector for horse riding should have durable construction, be comfortable, and fit well. To find the right one, you should consider your needs as an equestrian in order to make a sound decision.
Many factors come into play when choosing such an important piece of protective gear like this. Remember to consider the overall fit, its durability, and your level of comfort before making up your mind and purchasing your body protector. We hope our review and guide helped in making your decision!