Racesafe Body Protector Size Guide: How to Get The Right Fit
When it comes to rider safety, body protectors are an essential piece of equipment. Whether you’re a young Pony Club member, an experienced eventer, or a weekend hacker, wearing a well-fitting body protector can significantly reduce the risk of injury in the event of a fall, however to perform its role effectively, your body protector must fit properly.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to measure for a Racesafe body protector, how to fit it correctly, and how to choose the right one for your riding needs. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your child, our Racesafe body protector size guide will help you feel confident in finding the right size and fit.
Why Does the Correct Body Protector Sizing Matter in Horse Riding?
A body protector is a vital part of any rider’s kit as it acts as a protective layer over the torso. It’s specifically designed to absorb the energy from an impact - such as a fall from a horse or a kick - thereby helping to reduce the severity of injuries to the spine, ribs, and internal organs. Most equestrian body protectors, including Racesafe models, are certified to BETA Level 3:2018, which is the highest safety standard for general riding and competitions.
Wearing the wrong size can compromise the performance of the body protector. If it’s too tight, it can restrict breathing, movement, and comfort, making it harder to focus while riding. If it’s too loose, it may shift during a fall and leave parts of your torso exposed. For young riders, in particular, wearing a correctly sized body protector is crucial to ensuring consistent protection as they grow and develop their skills in the saddle.
Tips on How to Measure for a Body Protector
Before choosing your body protector, it’s essential to measure accurately. Racesafe provides comprehensive sizing charts, but the key to using them effectively is to ensure you’re working from the right base measurements.
To get started, you’ll need
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Chest measurement - measure around the fullest part of your chest, under the arms.
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Waist measurement - measure around your natural waistline, not too tight or too loose.
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Back length - measure from the base of the neck (where your collar rests) down to the point where the back protector should stop, usually just above the tailbone when seated.
If you’re unsure, it can be helpful to take these measurements while sitting in a riding position or on a saddle to judge how the protector will sit.
Racesafe Body Protector Sizing Explained
Racesafe body protector sizing is designed to be both flexible and inclusive. They offer standard sizes as well as Short and Tall fit variations to suit different body shapes and heights. Each model comes with detailed sizing charts that takes into account chest size, back length, and overall body proportions.
The Racesafe sizing chart typically includes a range of chest sizes (in inches or cm) alongside back length options. Sizes are grouped by:
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Young Rider / Child
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Adult
Each size also corresponds to a specific body length so riders can fine-tune their fit. These include
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Regular - the standard fit, designed for average torso length
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Short - ideal for riders with shorter backs, petite adults, or younger children
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Tall - designed for those with longer backs and rib cages or taller proportions
Many protectors feature adjustable panels, elasticated sides, or layered foam structures, which allow for small changes in size and make Racesafe ideal for growing riders or those needing more flexibility.
Which Racesafe Product is Right For You?
Racesafe offers a wide selection of body protectors, each with their own design features and fit profiles. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular models we sell here at Treehouse Sporting Colours:
Motion 3 & Motion 3 Young Rider
The Motion 3 is one of our best-sellers for a reason. It combines advanced segmented foam panels with breathable mesh for maximum flexibility and airflow. The Young Rider version offers the same benefits but is cut for small frames. It’s a great choice for Pony Club, eventing, and general riding.
HX3 & HX3 Young Rider
The HX3 is made of single panels and gives a smooth look and feel. Available in both adult and child sizes, it’s slightly less expensive than the Motion Body Protector and is streamlined, lightweight, and suitable for both daily riding and competition.
Motion Lite
One of the lightest body protectors on the market, the Motion Lite is perfect for warm-weather riding or long hours in the saddle as it only features a back pad with a stretch front. It’s not BETA certified, but it’s breathable, flexible, and ideal for both adult and young riders prioritising comfort when competing in dressage, showjumping, hacking, or training.
Motion Air
Designed to integrate with the Motion 3 Body Protector, the Motion Air provides a hybrid solution for adult and young riders who want the benefit of both impact protection and airbag deployment. Its cut and design complement most leading air vest brands too.
Racemotion 3 & 3 Pro
With both versions encompassing enhanced shaping and maximum adjustability, the Racemotion 3 is tested to BETA 3: 2018 and is a high-performance model that is designed for serious competitors. The Pro version adds premium detailing, additional ventilation, and a precision fit. As it’s slightly lighter, it makes it ideal for cross-country and professional use in racing yards or racing.
Racemotion 2.0
The Racemotion 2.0 is a classic and proven design and is tested to BETA 2: 2018. Durable, reliable, and offering excellent protection for everyday use or competition, it’s a body protector that is mostly used by professional jockeys due to its lighter weight.
Our Guide on How to Fit a Body Protector for Horse Riding
Fitting your Racesafe body protector correctly is just as important as choosing the right size. Here’s our fitting guide to ensure it offers maximum protection, comfort, and freedom of movement in the saddle:
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Shoulders - the protector should sit squarely on the shoulders without rising up towards the neck. Straps or fastening at the top should lie flat and not dig in.
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Chest and torso - it should cover the chest and ribs fully but still allow for deep breathing. There should also be no gaping or bunching at the front or underarms.
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Back length - when seated in a saddle, the back of the protector should not press into the cantle. The correct length allows for full movement without riding up.
Most of the Racesafe models we’ve highlighted are BETA Level 3:2018 certified, and you can look for the tag on the inside of the body protector for confirmation of this. It verifies the protector meets the highest safety standard for general riding, competitions, and Pony Club activities.
Shop our range of Racesafe body protectors today
Whether you’re choosing a child's body protector for the first time or upgrading to a high-performance model for competition season, Racesafe has a size and style to suit every rider.
At Treehouse Sporting Colours, we offer a wide range of Racesafe body protectors, including the Motion 3, Motion Lite, HX3, and Racemotion 2, 3 & 3 Pro. With options for both adults and children in a wide variety of sizes and fits, we’re here to help you ride confidently and safely and find the one most suitable for your needs.
Be sure to explore our full range of Racesafe body protectors today. Alternatively, if after reading our Racesafe body protector size guide you’re still unsure about sizing or fit, don’t hesitate to contact our team.
Racesafe body protector sizing FAQs
What size Racesafe body protector do I need?
To find the right size, you’ll need to measure your chest, waist, and back length, ideally while wearing your usual riding clothes. Racesafe offers detailed sizing charts for each model, with options in Short, Regular, and Tall body lengths. If you’re unsure, you can refer to the Racesafe sizing guide or contact our team for more advice.
How do I measure for a Racesafe body protector?
Use a soft tape measure to record your chest (under the arms at the fullest point), waist (at the narrowest point), and back length (from the base of the neck to the base of the spine). These three measurements will help you determine which size in the Racesafe range will offer the best fit.
Can children wear adult-sized body protectors?
It’s generally not recommended for children to wear adult-sized body protectors. This is because adult models may be too long or wide, which could impact both comfort and safety. Racesafe offers dedicated Young Rider and Child sizing to ensure younger riders have the right fit and coverage.
How should a horse riding body protector fit when seated?
When seated in the saddle, the back of the body protector should sit just above the cantle without pressing into it. The front should lie flat against the chest and ribcage, and the rider should be able to move their arms freely. A well-fitted protector won’t ride up, gape, or restrict movement.
What does BETA Level 3 mean?
BETA Level 3:2018 is the current highest level of safety certification for equestrian body protectors. It means the protector meets strict impact protection standards and is suitable for all types of horse riding, including eventing, cross-country, and Pony Club activities. Most Racesafe body protectors meet this certification.