Why wear a back protector in equestrian sports?

You and your horse facing the world. No terrain, distance, or weather is too crazy for you. Your horse and you can handle anything. Although it sometimes feels like rider and horse are one, they remain natural animals with their own will and character. A living being that can also have its bad day, that is more irritable due to pain or fatigue, or can simply startle just like you do. It’s important for you as a rider to realize that you can sometimes lose control over your horse, especially at moments when you absolutely do not expect it. That’s why a back protector is an important part. 

Many riders and also many accidents

According to recent figures from VeiligheidNL, there have been 6,200 riders in the emergency room with serious injuries. The high numbers are not surprising.There are over half a million riders in the Netherlands. That's an incredible number of people and almost just as many horses, as there are 450,000 of them in the Netherlands. Of all these riders, only a small part participates in equestrian sports at a competitive level, most are recreational riders.

Sofie's story

Sofie (30) knows all too well that equestrian sports can be dangerous. As an avid athlete, she participated in hockey but also in horseback riding. In September 2018, disaster struck. She lived on a farm and was enjoying the warm weather when she wanted to guide the horses she had just trained outside. As usual, the mare and the foal went out of the stable at the same time. Due to a terrible combination of circumstances and a stubborn horse, Sofie lost control of the animals and fell.She breaks her back and she is told by the doctors that she will never walk again. Curious about how the accident could have happened and how Sofie is doing now? Click here for her entire story.

Galloping without worries

A back protector can prevent a lot of physical suffering during an accident or fall. The protection ensures that the impact of the first hit when falling from your horse does not directly affect the most important bone series of your body. Your spine is strong, but also so essential that you must prevent any risk of a fracture in that area of your body. The spine protects the spinal cord, the nerve bundle that allows you to move.It is vital to keep those nerves intact because they enable communication between your brain and the rest of your body . Don't forget that your horse can be unpredictable, so it's important to take the necessary precautions yourself so you can enjoy your ride in peace.