How to Measure for a Body Protector How to Measure for a Body ProtectorUse of a body protector is mandatory for event riders in the cross country phase of a horse trial, but this equipment can be an asset to any rider in any ride. Because a body protector must fit closely to your torso, it should be fitted over the type of clothing you'll ride in. Most riders wear one over a shirt or jersey, with heavier outerwear or an inflatable vest worn on top. However, if you intend to wear your body protector over heavier clothing, be sure to measure for and try it while wearing that garment.
Various manufacturers ask for slightly different measurements on their size charts: chest, waist and length. However, the chest measurement is most important no matter what brand of body protector you wish to try. This is because most body protectors allow the length to be adjusted through tabs at the shoulders, and most can be adjusted at the waist, too.
To take accurate measurements, use a soft fabric tape measure as follows:
- Run the tape measure around the widest point of your chest; make it snug, but not tight, and level.
- Run the tape measure around your natural waist, snugly, but not tightly.
- Some manufacturers require a measurement of the length of your spine. Sit in a chair or a saddle and have a helper run the tape measure from the base of the back of your neck to the base of your spine. Take the reading at a point about two to four inches above the seat to avoid interference of the back of the vest with the saddle during riding.
- Some manufacturers ask for a measurement that runs from the front of your natural waist, over your shoulder, to the back of your waist.
- Compare your measurements with the manufacturer's size chart for the body protector you would like to try. Choose the size that most closely matches your measurements. If your measurements fall between a size range provided by a manufacturer, choose the size smaller; again because body protectors should fit snugly.
Fit Tips for Body Protectors Tips for Checking the Fit of Your Body ProtectorDifferent body protectors will fit you differently depending on the style and manufacturer. Achieving the best fit for you is most important. You may have to experiment with different brands or styles to find the most suitable body protector for you to use. Be sure to consult a knowledgeable trainer if you have any concerns about fit.
- Before putting on the body protector, loosen all closures and flex the body protector. With it on, fasten the chest and waist closures to achieve a snug fit. Make sure you have room left within the fasteners for further tightening or loosening. If your body protector is at the end of the range of its ability to be tightened or loosened, consider trying another size or type of vest.
Note: Some body protectors will warm up and begin to conform to your body as you wear them. If this is the case with your body protector, be sure to readjust the closures ten to twenty minutes after putting it on.
- With the body protector fit securely around your chest and waist, check the front length. The body protector should reach to your breastbone and cover your bottom rib. The shoulders and neckline of the body protector should lie flat against your body; if this fit cannot be achieved -if the vest pulls away from your body- then you may need to try a shorter length. Some styles allow you to adjust the length of the protector through tabs at the shoulders.
- Check the back length by sitting in a saddle and simulating all of your riding positions. You should have approximately two to four inches between the saddle and the base of the body protector in the back. If the body protector comes in contact with the saddle, it could push upwards near your neck or interfere with your riding.
Protective Vest Disclaimer
Protective Vests
**Protective Vest Notice, Disclaimer & Warning
All equestrian sports are dangerous and involve the risk of serious injury or death. A properly fitted protective vest or body protector may offer protection against some injuries. However, protective vests and body protectors do not all conform to a uniform set of safety standards. Protective vests and body protectors offering more protection may be capable of being designed and/or may not e presently available. It is the sole responsibility of the purchaser (or in the case of minors, the parent, or other responsible adult) to select an appropriate protective vest or body protector that is well suited to the rider's level of expertise and riding discipline and to ensure it is properly fitted. Dover Saddlery neither specifies nor recommends any particular protective vest or body protector and undertakes no responsibility or liability therewith.
CAUTION: Dover Saddlery disclaims any responsibility for injuries or death incurred while wearing any of the protective vests offered for sale. Representations regarding testing results, equipment ratings, product specifications, ASTM and/or SEI standards, and the adequacy of all such standards and designations are made solely by the product's manufacturer. Dover Saddlery does not warrant or confirm the representations of the manufacturers. Dover Saddlery makes no representations expressed or implied regarding the fitness of these products for any particular purpose nor the extent to which the products protect riders from injury or death. By purchasing any of the protective vests offered for sale and using it in an equestrian sport, the purchaser AGREES FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY TO ASSUME ALL RISKS RELATED TO EQUESTRIAN SPORTS, including the risk of personal injury, damage, death or property damage. Further, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the purchaser does release Dover Saddlery from any and all responsibility or legal liability related to purchaser's participation in equestrian activities.
Our Guarantee 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
The Easiest and Best Guarantee in The Business
Shop with 100% confidence at Dover Saddlery. If something doesn’t fit you or your horse, return your original purchase within a year, and we’ll make it right with a refund, exchange or replacement.
Our experience as riders and horse owners ourselves is that in most situations a year’s time is fair enough to evaluate proper fit and function. PLUS: For manufacturer’s defects, we’ll extend the manufacturer’s warranty to a maximum of 24 months, regardless of their individual policies. (AND: Manufacturer warranties longer than 24 months will be honored and supported by us as well up to the length of those warranties).
Exceptions: Safety items such as helmets and protective vests may only be returned within 30 days, with their original tags intact. Saddles and riding boots may be returned within the one year period, but are subject to a prorated refund based on usage. Used saddles may be returned for 30 days only. For everyone’s protection, treats and vet meds which have been opened are not returnable, and returned blankets must clean and free of debris.
Special Conditions
To protect all customers and ensure that every return or exchange is handled fairly, we may require a receipt or decline a return in these situations:
• Item was not purchased directly from Dover Saddlery. (It was purchased at a used tack sale or from a retailer or online seller other than Dover Saddlery.)
• Item is missing a label or has been defaced.
• No receipt and no valid identification in our stores.
• Item is wet, dirty or contaminated, or until it has been cleaned. (For health and safety reasons, we cannot accept returns on used, defective or poorly fitting blankets if they are UNWASHED.)
• Item has been lost, stolen, damaged, or misused.
• On rare occasions, based on the nature of prior transactions.
• Supplements have been opened or used.
• Multiple returns of the same item.
• Personalized items may not be returned unless defective.
Security Guarantee
Dover Saddlery understands your concerns regarding online security. We share in your concerns and therefore work hard with experts in the field to maintain a highly secure ordering environment. Along with our comment to security, we offer you a Secure Order Guarantee - this gives you 100% protection for your credit card transactions on Doversaddlery.com.
Our Secure Order Guarantee means that you will never have to pay any money related to unauthorized charges to your credit card account, as long as those charges are a direct result from a transaction on Doversaddlery.com.
How it works: If you experience credit card fraud, the Fair Credit Act specifies that your credit card company can hold you liable for no more than $50.00 in fraudulent charges to your account. Our Secure Order Guarantee will reimburse you for any amount up to $50.00 billed to you by your credit card company for unauthorized charges to your account, if those charges result from an order you placed with Doversaddlery.com. For this protection you must promptly notify your credit card company of fraudulent charges and follow their procedures as outlined in your credit card agreement.
