Now Reading
Guide for Experienced Riders: Choosing the Right Body Protector

Guide for Experienced Riders: Choosing the Right Body Protector

equestrian body protector

If you’ve been riding for a while—whether you’re regularly jumping, doing cross-country, schooling young horses, or competing—you’re likely looking for more from your body protector. This guide is for riders who already understand the basics and want a balance between safety, flexibility, and performance.

According to Kathryn and Meghan from RB Equestrian“Your body protector must cover your bottom rib—if that’s protected, so are your vital organs like the liver, kidneys, and lungs. It should sit snugly over your shoulders without gaps, and align at the top with the bony point at the base of your neck—the C7 vertebra. When seated, you want around four fingers’ clearance above the saddle to ensure full protection without interference.”

They add, “Even if you didn’t buy your body protector from us, we’re always happy to check the fit for you. It’s essential to make sure it’s still doing its job.”

In This Guide

Why You Might Need to Upgrade

Courtesy of RB Equestrian

Over time, body protectors lose effectiveness. Foam degrades, safety standards improve, and what used to feel comfortable might now feel bulky or restrictive. If it’s been more than 5 years since you bought your current protector, or you’ve changed disciplines or moved up a level, it’s worth reassessing what you wear.

Priorities for Experienced Riders

Your needs shift as you ride more actively. You may be jumping higher, riding faster, or working with greener horses. At this stage, you’re looking for:

See Also
Horse Jumping

1. Protection that meets your activity level

  • BETA Level 3 remains the standard for general riding and eventing.
  • If you’re riding cross-country or young horses, maximum impact protection is important.
  • For showjumping or schooling, you might want something lighter and more flexible.

2. Freedom of movement

  • You don’t want your protector to hold you back during transitions, jumping, or galloping.
  • Look for segmented foam designs or hybrid systems that flex with your body.

3. Weight and breathability

  • Lighter models reduce fatigue and feel less intrusive during long rides or warm weather.
  • Ventilation and breathable linings help regulate heat during clinics, lessons, or shows.

Foam, Air, or Hybrid?

Foam Protectors

  • Always active—no inflation needed.
  • Offer consistent, reliable protection.
  • Good for riders who want simple, low-maintenance safety.

Air Vests

  • Inflate when they detect a fall (via a lanyard attached to the saddle).
  • Often used over a foam protector or as a secondary layer.
  • Add extra spine and neck protection, but require rearming after activation.

Hybrid Use

  • Common in eventing: wear a Level 3 foam vest under an air vest for full coverage and competition compliance.
  • Be sure both pieces fit properly and don’t restrict each other.

Models to Look At

Depending on your needs and budget, here are some commonly recommended options:

  • Racesafe ProVent 3.0 – Lightweight foam vest with good breathability and close fit
  • Airowear Outlyne (Advanced fit) – Shaped designs for men, women, and youth with movement panels
  • Champion Titanium Ti22 – Slimline but sturdy, suitable for cross-country
  • Hit-Air Vest (H-System or Advantage) – Air vest to layer over foam protector, common in eventing

Fit Tips at This Level

  • Aim for a snug, secure fit—but you should be able to move freely in all gaits.
  • When standing, it should sit just above your pelvis and not touch the back of your saddle when you ride.
  • Shoulder and side straps should hold the vest steady, with no gaps at the ribs or spine.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • Check rules if you’re competing—most eventing competitions require foam vests (air vests alone are not allowed).
  • Always carry a spare air canister if you’re using an air vest.
  • Replace your protector if it’s been in a serious fall or more than 5 years old, even if it looks fine.

At this level, your riding is more demanding—and so is your gear. Choose a body protector that keeps up with your pace, fits properly, and suits the way you ride now—not how you rode five years ago. Performance and protection can go together, as long as you keep fit and function as your top priorities. read more guides on how to choose the best equestrian gear.

What's Your Reaction?
Excited
1
Happy
0
In Love
0
Not Sure
0
Silly
0
View Comments (0)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

© 2019 HorsebackLife Magazine - All Rights Reserved.

Scroll To Top