The best body protectors for horse riding are designed to absorb the shock impact caused by a fall, kick or being caught under your horse’s hooves. They can be used by all riders from the complete beginner to the elite. Body protectors are compulsory if you’re eventing at any level, training over fixed fences or competing in workers classes under BSPS rules.
More riders than ever before are opting to wear body protectors and the latest designs are more lightweight and flexible than they have been in the past. Body protectors for children are also increasingly common in riding schools and at Pony Club, where they are recommended for all riding, although they are only compulsory at Pony Club for both training and competing in cross-country riding and pony racing.
Wherever you choose to buy, we strongly recommend that you have your body protector fitted by a professional at a BETA-trained retailer as body protectors can’t be appropriately fitted by simply selecting your age or clothing size.
What standard do body protectors need to be?
There are three levels of protection – you should look for BETA level 3 (2018), which is the highest standard of protection for horse riding. If your governing body or organisation (for example, British Eventing) requires that you wear a body protector, this is the standard they’re looking for.
Until recently, there were two versions of this standard – 2009 (purple label) and 2018 (blue label). They have the same level of protection, but the 2009 version ceased manufacturing in 2018. Although you may still find these purple-labelled body protectors in stores and online, governing bodies and rider organisations, including The Pony Club and British Eventing, stopped accepting the purple label at the end of 2023, so now is the ideal time to check if your existing body protector needs an upgrade.
If you are looking to buy a new body protector, we recommend you check that it meets the 2018 version of the standard to ensure you’re able to wear it in the future, so look out for the blue label. Some products will look exactly the same and have the same name – it’s only the label that’s different.
All body protectors listed below conform to the latest BETA level 3 standard (2018).
How long do body protectors last?
You should replace your body protector at least every three to five years – after this time the impact absorption properties of the foam may have started to decline. If you have a heavy fall, check your body protector for dents immediately. The foam will return to its original shape within half an hour but a dent would suggest that this part of the body protector will have lot some absorption properties and you should, therefore, replace it.
Taking good care of your body protector means that it may last longer within the three to five year recommended lifespan, if it is not damaged in a fall. Avoid leaving it lying around at the yard or in the lorry where it might get damaged, or in your hot car or damp tack room, which is likely to cause it to deteriorate. When not in use, hang it up with the zips and/or Velcro fastened.
Best body protectors for horse riding
Charles Owen Kontor Body Protector
Standard: BETA level 3 (2018)
Colours: Black
Sizes: Child or adult, in a range of sizes and lengths
RRP: From £160 (child) or £275 (adult)
Reasons to buy: Looks great, easy to self-adjust
Reasons to avoid: Higher price point, but still competitive
This is the newest body protector on the market. It’s described as super-flexible and has a body-slimming style, which makes you look great and the body protector itself look less bulky. The design has outer blocks and inner panels that are filled with high-impact-absorbing foams, and it has adjustments at the chest, waist and shoulders for the perfect fit. It also has a bungee side fastening that makes it easy to adjust yourself, which is ideal if you ride alone.
Racesafe Motion3 Body Protector
Standard: BETA level 3 (2018)
Colours: Navy – custom covers are available separately
Sizes: Young rider or adult, in a range of sizes and lengths
RRP: From £184 (child) or £297 (adult)
Reasons to buy: Custom covers available for personalised look, mix-and-match front/back sizing
Reasons to avoid: Most expensive option in this guide
The Motion3 is Racesafe’s lightest and most breathable BETA level 3 body protector ever. It combines more than 120 hinged segments and innovative multi-foam technology to ensure that you’re comfortable as well as safe. The sizing has been redesigned for a perfect fit, providing more than 100 options. You can even mix and match lengths at the front and back, which is great if you’re not a typical shape.
If you’re looking for something that stands out on the cross-country course, Racesafe sell custom covers that go over your body protector in a wide range of colours and patterns – and you can add logos and text, too.
Champion Titanium Ti22 Body Protector
Standard: BETA level 3 (2018)
Colours: Black or gunmetal grey
Sizes: Infant, child, youth or adult, in a range of sizes and lengths
RRP: From £118.25 (child) or £248 (adult)
Reasons to buy: Competitive price against similar styles
Reasons to avoid: Lace-adjustable sides perhaps not as easy as bungee and toggle
This flexible segmented body protector from Champion is made of a military grade outer mesh and ultra-lightweight foam. It has a cool-feel antibacterial inner lining that helps it release heat and stay fresh. It’s unisex in fit so can be worn by all riders and has 100 flexible sections with clever hidden hinging technology so that it flexes and moves with you, making it comfortable and easy to move in.
Racesafe ProVent 3.0 Body Protector
Standard: BETA level 3 (2018)
Colours: Black – custom covers are available separately
Sizes: Child or adult, in a range of sizes and lengths
RRP: From £169 (child) or £272 (adult)
Reasons to buy: Custom covers available for personalised look, lightweight
Reasons to avoid: Less size options than Racesafe’s newer Motion3
Racesafe’s most popular body protector is very lightweight (0.95kg for adult size) and breathable – although this has now been surpassed by the Motion3. The ProVent 3.0 is a popular style and has been updated over time for an improved fit and the versatility to fit all shapes and sizes of rider – there are 80 size options to find your perfect fit. It hass independently hinged sections and elasticated adjustments that offer increased movement and comfort.
It might not be Racesafe’s newest model, but it’s still a highly sought after option that’s proven its worth over many years. If you’re looking for top-tier technology and comfort at a slightly lower price point, this would be a solid choice. Plus, it has the added bonus of the custom covers to blend seamlessly with your favourite cross-country colours.
Charles Owen Airowear Outlyne Body Protector
Standard: BETA level 3 (2018)
Colours: Black/graphite, can be customised
Sizes: Kids’, teens’, ladies’ or men’s, in a range of sizes and lengths
RRP: From £140 (child) or £229 (adult)
Reasons to buy: Gender-specific sizing
Reasons to avoid: Bulkier look than the segmented designs
This Charles Owen body protector offers a gender-specific size range so that you can find a tailored fit for your body type, which maximises protection while allowing unrestricted movement. It can be customised to match your cross-country colours – although there are not nearly as many options as there are with the Racesafe covers. The newer Outlyne II (available on Amazon) offers a more stylish and modern look.
The women’s Outlyne moulds to the curves of a female body and is structured across the chest to maximise comfort, while the men’s is cut more generously across the shoulders and rib cage. The teen sizes pull in at the waist and are darted at the front to provide a close fit for the young rider, and the kids’ sizes have adjustable chest, waist and shoulder fastenings for the growing rider, which means it will last them as long as possible.
Mackey Equi-Sential Flexi Body Protector
Standard: BETA level 3 (2018)
Colours: Black
Sizes: Child XS–XL, adult S–XL
RRP: From £107.75 (child) or £143.50 (adult)
Reasons to buy: Flexible segments at lower price point
Reasons to avoid: Not the most modern look
This block structure body protector is designed to maximise movability and adapt to the body’s shape. The width and length can be easily adjusted by touch-tape fastener at the shoulder and waist, but the zip fastening means you lower the risk of the Velcro deteriorating with regular use. The outer cover is made of dirt-repellent polyester that can be cleaned with a damp cloth to keep it looking smart.
Rhinegold Pro Comfort Body Protector
Standard: BETA level 3 (2018)
Colours: Black
Sizes: Child S–XL or adult S–XL
RRP: £69.50 (child) or £108.95 (adult)
Reasons to buy: Low price point
Reasons to avoid: No zip
This features smaller segments of padding than other body protectors that are the bulkier non-segmented style, which aims to give a more comfortable feel with greater flexibility and movement. It doesn’t have a zip fastening, which does make it a little more difficult to put on and there’s an increased risk of the Velcro deteriorating with regular use. It has an elasticated and adjustable clip-in waist strap that helps you get a good fit.
Whitaker Pro Body Protector
Standard: BETA level 3 (2018)
Colours: Black
Sizes: Child XS–L, adult S–L
RRP: £100 (child) or £125 (adult)
Reasons to buy: Lower price point
Reasons to avoid: No length variations
This body protector features articulated and anatomically shaped panels that conform to the body thanks to your body heat. It has shoulder and waist straps that offer adjustability with an easy-to-use method, and fastens at the front with a zip.
Harry Hall Hi Flex Women’s Body Protector
Standard: BETA level 3 (2018)
Colours: Black
Sizes: Adult S–L
RRP: £129.95
Reasons to buy: Designed for feminine shape
Reasons to avoid: Not many size variations, no zip
This body protector has been specifically designed to fit a feminine shape. It doesn’t have a zip fastening, which does make it a little more difficult to put on and there’s an increased risk of the Velcro deteriorating with regular use, but it has an elasticated and adjustable waist strap that helps you get a good fit. It has a part-quilted air mesh outer with reflective sections and a soft, anti-pill nylon lining. The shoulder tabs are rubberised and hardwearing to ensure it lasts a long time.
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