Eventers use them, because if you ever seen the objects they jump you'd understand. Like 3 foot diameter tree trunks, (I am sure it is petrified wood too). My daughter did 3 day eventing and she had to use one. I used it myself when getting on my spooky mare the first couple of times, and I will probably use it on her on my first few trail rides. It Protects your vital organs like a helmet does your head. Protects ribs, kidneys, spleen, heart, ya know those necessary things. I'm sure you'll have more protection with it in a fall than without. It cant' protect you from everything, but if you got stepped on, drug, kicked, fell on rocks. logs, hard ground etc., it would take the impact. Just like a helmet can't protect you from a broken neck or a facial kick. There are some injuries there is nothing you can do with "armor". For those riding lessons, a trained horse, a secure saddle and rider alertness can make more of a difference. But there is always a risk, and we all have to face that. I have a horse used to spook and spin, usually doesn't do that anymore, but I won't ride him in an English saddle on a trail because I need a more secure saddle for the "unexpected". I also never ride without a helmet , something I do for my kids. There is always the consideration of switching horses if you health and life are at stake also. Occasionally that crosses my mind. Hope you heal soon, and just take it a step at a time. Laurie and Rascal the spinner. ----- Original Message ----- From: Deblyons54@xxxxxxx Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2002 10:53 AM To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [RC] Body protectors I suffered a fairly severe spinal fracture this summer in a riding fall. Horse spooked, did a fast 180 spin that I was not at all ready for, and landed on my back. I purchased a body jacket for next spring. (Hopefully my post traumatic stress will be reduced by then). I purchased the one with the highest protection. It's like wearing a vest made from thick plywood, plus it says on the package insert that it does not protect against, torsion injuries, spinal injuries, etc., etc. What exactly are they good for? I was hoping that this vest would prevent or minimize trauma to my back in a fall but I'm not sure if it prevents against a lot of anything. Would appreciate any feedback.
Deb
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