Help me!

[AmandaandTuff]

I'm going to start schooling XC next summer, after a long fall/winter/spring of working my horse over fences and on basics on the flat for dressage.

What will I need to school XC?

Helmet - check
Properly fitted saddle/bridle - check
Leg Protection - check
Safety Vest - :no:

Can you buy a used safety vest? I know that probably sounds bad, but I will need one for schooling and just don't have the money to drop on one.

Any good places in the Grand Rapids area to school BN or lower? I can have someone make some jumps for around the home, I'll have to get a book.

[pday09]

The brands "serious eventers" use can cost over $200. I have a friend just starting to dabble in eventing and doesn't have the money for one either... so I was googling and found this more affordable option:
http://www.victorycanter.com/Ovation-Body-Protector-p-19228.html
for $100. I feel like that's a cheap as you'd be able to find. Hope that helps! If all else fails, you might be able to borrow one?
P.S. make sure you find one that fits right! If you're not sure, make sure the one you get is returnable so you can ask someone!

[SweetieG]

You can definitely buy a used vest. Have you checked out area websites? I know there are a couple listed on the area III classifieds. There are also quite a few on ebay. Some on ebay aren't necessarily used but bargain priced to start with. If you find one you like, maybe visit a local tack store to make sure it's the right size for you in case you can't return it. Check into safety ratings, too. I'm pretty sure you can ride in any brand vest, but it is my understanding that some are rated as being more protective???

[AmandaandTuff]

I've worn the Ovation vest before to race in, it was fairly comfy, but hot. I saw a used Tipperary for $80, I'm just waiting for a response.

There's not any tack stores in the area that I can think of that carry vests, unless Millbrooks still does under the new management.

[sisu27]

You can definitely buy a used vest. Have you checked out area websites? I know there are a couple listed on the area III classifieds. There are also quite a few on ebay. Some on ebay aren't necessarily used but bargain priced to start with. If you find one you like, maybe visit a local tack store to make sure it's the right size for you in case you can't return it. Check into safety ratings, too. I'm pretty sure you can ride in any brand vest, but it is my understanding that some are rated as being more protective???

The only sports where you must wear a rated vest are Thbd and Stbd racing. You must have ASTM cert to ride/drive.

Other than that buy what you can afford that is comfortable.

[Thames Pirate]

The only sports where you must wear a rated vest are Thbd and Stbd racing. You must have ASTM cert to ride/drive.

Other than that buy what you can afford that is comfortable.

That may change someday, so if you decide to plunk down the cash, get something good!

One thing I'd add to your list is an experienced person--ideally at least one person mounted on a horse that can give you a lead over things and through the water, and maybe a trainer or experienced event friend (who can be mounted on the experienced horse or not).

Oh, and a medical armband--some places now require them for schooling now. I guess that's two things.

[AmandaandTuff]

Experienced person is a check, wouldn't go without someone to tell me what's what :)

A vest I looked at had a thing in the shoulder for medical information, would that be the same as an armband?

[retreadeventer]

No, that isn't what is required.
A medical armband is a separate plastic card, with an elastic velcro strap, that goes around the arm. They are $10 everywhere - www.bitofbritain.com has them.
You can print out a form that you fill out and put in the armband from the USEA. The form just has personal information that would be needed by first responders if you are ahem out of it. Look for the printout in the "Forms" section, it's a pdf.
The shoulder protection on the safety vests is not required in the US but is in Europe and it's a PITN from what I understand. They may have a pocket for the information, but it isn't a medical armband.
Question: why wait til next summer to school? Why not school this summer/fall?

[AmandaandTuff]

I want time to shop for a vest and other equipment and time to ger my horse jumping safely at a height higher than what I would school or show for XC. My horse is 5 and just started this summer over fences, don't want to push too much too fast.

[asterix]

I hate to point this out, but pretty much ALL vests are hot. I have shoulder pads on mine and they aren't a pain at all; I never notice them!