Fitting Body Protectors

Like riding hats the effectiveness of a Body Protector depends on the correct one for the job being chosen, and on ensuring that the fit of the garment is correct. 

Most riding organisations will accept garments conforming to level 2 or 3, but purchasers should contact the relevant riding organisation if in doubt.

The Revised BETA Standard is recommended by the British Horse Society, British Horse Trials Association, BHS Riding Clubs and the Pony Club.

Selecting the most suitable Class/Level

The most appropriate class/level of protection, taking relevant factors into consideration, may not always be the highest class/level available if the hazards are not severe. A child with a low body weight could be as well protected in a fall in a Level 2 garment as a heavy adult in a Level 3 garment. There is no difference between light children and heavy adults when they are kicked by a horse. The nature of the hazards and the level of risk must be determined. 

Body protectors offer some protection from impacts suffered as a consequence of falling from a horse. Impacts may be against soft or hard ground, or objects such as trees, vehicles, posts and rails. Fallen riders may also be kicked or trodden on by a horse. Injuries cannot be entirely prevented by any protective clothing but should be reduced in severity. 

Injuries will not be prevented by a body protector in accidents involving severe torsion, flexion, extension or crushing of the body. Spinal protection is not provided by a body protector.

FITTING

Ensure that you are wearing the correct size of body protector and that it is adjusted to give a close fit to the torso, and that no RED VELCRO is exposed at the shoulder or waist closures. If RED VELCRO is visible the protector is too small or is incorrectly fastened.

Fitting is of paramount importance and a visit to a properly trained retailer is recommended, for example anyone displaying the BETA Safety course attendance certificate. 

How to select the correct size 

Begin by taking the following measurements: (See Diagram on Right

• waist
• chest
• waist to waist (taking the tape measure from the front waist, up over the chest and shoulder and down the back to the waist).

Use the size chart in the user instructions (attached to all new BETA Standard garments) to find the correct size. If the measurements are at the top or bottom of a size range, try to find the two closest sizes to establish which is more comfortable.

Manufacturers offer a special sizes service or even made-to-measure body protectors. If one cannot be found that fits and is comfortable, it is possible to order one that will fit and is comfortable.

Points to check on fitting

The body protector should be tried on over light clothing. Check that is comfortable to wear in all simulated riding positions. The garment should fit securely and reasonably tightly to avoid movement during activity and to ensure that it is in place in the event of an accident.

Put on the selected body protector. Adjust it to a snug fit. Use the shoulder closures to make fine adjustments to the fit around the shoulders. Do up the second flap of the shoulder closure. Pull the waist flaps of the back panel forward and press them onto the Velcro of the front panel. Tighten one then the other to get a tight fit. Adjust the length of the waist strap and do it up. Ensure that all hook fastening at each closure is in contact with loop material. Check the overall fit is snug, and that no RED VELCRO is exposed. If it is the protector is too small. Try the next larger size.

Women may find the use of a larger size of front panel than back panel enables a more comfortable fit to be achieved. Panels from adjacent sizes are compatible

In garments where the shoulder protector is separate, you may find that the garment can be adjusted at the shoulder. 

SHOULDER PROTECTORS (SP's)

Riders often suffer injuries to other parts of the body when falling on the shoulder. The new Standard is designed to test against a fall on the point of the shoulder which is stronger than the rib cage and a different shape. It is a separate Standard for that reason. BP's may incorporate a SP as an integral part of the garment, but the SP will still be subject to a different test. Where Shoulder Protectors are an integral part of the garment, they should never be removed as by doing so the benefits of the garment are substantially reduced.

INSTRUCTIONS

The manufacturer is required to provide instructions with each garment giving details on fitting, care, washing etc. In addition, BETA Standard BP's and SP's carry a BETA coloured label and a BETA swing ticket. One Swing ticket will cover both BP's and SP's.

Fitting Body Protectors

Take three measurement as shown on the diagram and select the nearest size from the sizing chart.

Dimension A: Chest girth
Dimension B: Waist girth
Dimension C: Waist to waist length measured over the shoulder