Body protector?

Question

When are you meant to start wearing a body protector in horse riding?

Answer 1

You CAN wear one at any time. Its an especially good idea when riding over jumps or rough terrain, when riding a new or green horse, or for a new rider.

You MUST wear one for cross country schooling or competition. Wearing one during shows is required by the USEA rules, and wearing one for schooling is required by pretty much all course owners.

Answer 2

I've heard of people wearing them when they ride cross country, or if they're riding in a field, since the ground is harder than in a ring, and the body protector could help cushion their fall. =) Hope this helps!

Answer 3

You see a lot of cross-country riders wearing them, since they do a pretty extreme sport in some circumstances. Some people use them with greenies, but personally, I've never worn one. I guess it wouldn't be a bad idea, but I think that the most important thing is a helmet, and after that you can pick and choose what protection you want to wear.

Answer 4

It's really your choice. You don't ever haveee to wear one if you don't want to. I know some people who wear body protectors in western pleasure and some that don't when they jump.

Answer 5

The only time you really wear one(for english at least) is in the cross country portion of eventing. You wear it because you can be going at fairly high speeds, out of sight of any help at all, over rough terrain, jumping, and when you land from a fall, you won't poke a hole through yourself with a stick or part of a jump. It's used to protect your body from a hard landing, especially because of what you may land on. Cross country jumps are built with rocks, tree trunks, etc. and generally do not come down easily.

Answer 6

idk what you mean by 'meant to start'. i only have heard of wearing one while riding a green horse or when you just want to feel safer

Answer 7

jumping, if you are uncomfortable with any riding skill, on a green horse, or a horse that has a tendency to spook