A body protector is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment a rider can own. It is designed for the moment every rider hopes will never happen: a fall.
But when was the last time you checked your body protector?
Many riders regularly replace their riding helmet, but a body protector is often forgotten. The outside may still look perfectly fine, while the protective materials inside can slowly change over time. Safety standards develop, materials improve and your body can change, meaning your current body protector may no longer offer the same protection or comfort as when you first bought it.
A quick safety check can help you understand whether your body protector is still suitable for you.
Is your body protector meeting the current safety standards?
In Europe, two main safety standards are recognised for equestrian body protectors: the CE standard EN 13158:2018 and the BETA 2018 standard.
Within both standards, there are three different protection levels. The highest level, Level 3, is the only level accepted for all riding activities, including eventing.
Over the years, these safety standards have been updated several times:
EN 13158:2000 – BETA 2000
This was the standard used from 2000 until 2009.
Body protectors carrying this label are now significantly older and should be carefully assessed before continued use.
EN 13158:2009 – BETA 2009
This standard was introduced in 2009 and was used until 2018.
While these protectors were approved under the requirements at the time, they are based on an older version of the safety standard.
EN 13158:2018 – BETA 2018
Since 2018, the current safety standard is EN 13158:2018 – BETA 2018.
A certified Level 3 body protector under this standard carries the turquoise Level 3 label.
When choosing a new body protector, always look for the latest certification and check the requirements of your own discipline or federation.
1. How old is your body protector?
The protective foam inside a body protector is carefully designed to absorb and distribute impact during a fall. However, these materials naturally age over time.
After around five years, it is recommended to carefully assess the condition of your body protector. The speed at which the foam quality decreases depends on several factors, including:
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How often the body protector is worn
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How it has been stored
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Whether it has been involved in falls or heavy impacts
A body protector that has been used regularly for many years may still look good from the outside, but the materials inside may no longer perform at their original level.
Manufacturers are also continuously improving their designs. Newer body protectors are developed with updated materials that offer improved protection, comfort, flexibility and freedom of movement.
2. Does your body protector still have the right certification?
Take a moment to check the label inside your body protector.
Does it show EN 13158:2018 or BETA 2018 Level 3? Then your protector meets the latest generation of safety requirements.
If your body protector still carries an older EN 13158:2009 or BETA 2009 label, it is worth considering whether it is still the right choice for your riding activities.
A protector with an EN 13158:2000 or BETA 2000 label should be replaced. Besides being based on an outdated safety standard, the age of the protective materials is an important factor to consider.
Safety equipment should always be something you can rely on, especially when you need it most.
3. Does your body protector still fit like it should?
Even the most advanced body protector can only work properly when it fits correctly.
A body protector should cover the important areas of your body while allowing you to move freely in the saddle. It should feel secure without restricting your riding position.
Check the following points:
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Are your ribs fully covered?
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Can you move comfortably while riding, including leaning backwards?
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Does the back of the protector interfere with the saddle?
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Does it stay securely in place without moving?
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Does it fit close to your body, almost like a second skin?
A body protector that is too loose may move during a fall. One that is too tight can restrict movement and quickly become uncomfortable.
This is especially important for young riders. If a body protector feels uncomfortable, there is a greater chance that it will not be worn consistently.
Finding the right fit makes a significant difference. Brands such as Racesafe offer body protectors in a wide range of sizes and fits.
The Racesafe HX3 is available in 45 standard sizes, while the Racesafe Motion 3 is available in 72 standard sizes, helping riders with different body shapes find a suitable fit.
A professional fitting at a specialist equestrian retailer can help you find the right model and size.
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4. Has your body protector been involved in a fall?
A body protector is designed to absorb impact, but every impact can affect the protective materials inside.
After a heavy fall, always inspect your body protector carefully.
Look for:
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Visible damage or tears
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Damaged fastenings
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Areas where the foam remains compressed
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Changes in the shape or structure of the protector
After a significant impact, the foam should return to its original shape. If it does not recover properly, the body protector may no longer provide the protection it was designed for.
Remember that damage is not always visible from the outside. When in doubt after a serious fall, it is always better to have your body protector checked or replace it.
How should you store your body protector?
Proper storage can help maintain the quality of your body protector for longer.
When you are not wearing it, store your body protector:
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Hanging up rather than folded or compressed
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At room temperature
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Away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
Leaving your body protector behind the window of a horse truck or car on a warm day is not recommended. Heat and prolonged sunlight can affect the protective foam.
Taking good care of your body protector helps ensure it remains reliable when you need it.
Your safety equipment deserves regular attention
Your body protector is there for the moments you cannot predict. That is why it is important to regularly check its age, certification, fit and condition.
A protector that looks good on the outside is not automatically still performing at its best.
Take a few minutes to check your current body protector. Is it still the right size? Does it meet the latest safety standard? Has it experienced any heavy impacts?
If you are unsure, professional advice and fitting from an equestrian specialist can help you make the right choice.
Because the best body protector is not only one that protects you during a fall — it is one you trust enough to wear every single time you ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a body protector last?
A body protector does not have one fixed expiry date, but after around five years it is recommended to carefully assess its condition. Factors such as storage, frequency of use and falls can affect the lifespan of the protective materials.
When should I replace my body protector after a fall?
After a significant fall or heavy impact, your body protector should always be checked. If the foam remains compressed, the protector is damaged or you have doubts about its condition, replacement is recommended.
What is the safest level for a body protector?
Level 3 is the highest protection level within the EN 13158 and BETA standards. This is the level accepted for all riding activities, including eventing.
How do I know if my body protector fits correctly?
A correctly fitted body protector should sit close to your body, cover your ribs and stay securely in place while allowing you to move naturally in the saddle.
Can an old body protector still look fine but be unsafe?
Yes. The outside of a body protector can remain in good condition while the protective foam inside gradually changes over time. This is why age, certification and history of use are all important factors to consider.
Can heat damage a body protector?
Yes. Extreme temperatures and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can affect the protective foam. Store your body protector at room temperature and avoid leaving it in a hot car or horse truck.
