Stimulating Ideas On Acquiring The Best Body Protectors
Horse riding is not overly dangerous, but there are definitely risks involved. These risks can be minimised if you are prepared. You can certainly increase your odds of coming through an accident without serious injury if you wear the right clothing and buy the appropriate gear or tack. Toward the top of your list should be the purchase of a horse riding body protector, and it’s irrelevant what type of horse riding you are planning, as your protection should be paramount no matter how casual you may be.
The more headstrong among us may want to compromise when it comes to our protection here, but we should never be tempted to go our own way whenever it comes to horse riding safety. There may be a tendency to shy away from what might be seen as “excess” protection on the part of young adults in particular, but the risks involved with horse riding should never be underestimated. Look for a body protector that has been sanctioned and approved and is also functional while being comfortable. If you find that the item you have chosen is uncomfortable all the time, not only will you fail to enjoy your horse riding activities, but you will be tempted to leave the protector at home the next time !
There are three different types of body protectors, designed and manufactured for use in particular situations or within certain types of competition. By and large, they have various levels of protection and the most appropriate for almost all circumstances is the “purple” label body protector. This is advised for most competitions and for day-to-day horse riding and the purple body protector will certainly help to prevent minor injuries and possibly some fractures in the event of an accident. The next level of protection is categorised by the “brown” label and should never be used for riding on roadways or hard surfaces, or for jumping your horse. The “black” protector is mostly only used by jockeys taking part in top-flight competition.
Manufacturers have to produce body protectors according to rigorous standards enforced by the European Union under the BETA 2000 Standard. Body protectors should fit snugly and care should be taken to measure. When you go to select the protector, make sure you are wearing tight fitting clothing and don’t worry, as you can always wear outerwear over these items in cold weather. To measure correctly, go from the front beltline over the shoulder to the back beltline and then also around the waist and the chest. Fitting a body protector is almost as involved as being fitted for a good suit, but you should pay careful attention here as we can determine that there’s more at stake!
Do not be tempted to lend your body protector to anybody else and look after it well. Quite apart from the fact that it is unlikely to fit another person correctly and therefore safely, you never know whether the item will come into contact with anything when it is out of your sight and thus its usability compromised. If you do happen to come into contact with something when wearing your body protector, you will not always be able to see if any damage has been sustained, so just as you would with a racing hat you should change this item promptly. Remember that this is your first line of defence, together with your racing hat, should anything untoward happen.