Recently, there was a debate about what was considered acceptable for show shirts, especially related to collars and cuffs. I wanted to tag on to that discussion but this time we're going to talk about torso protection: air vests and body protectors.
All types of air vests and body protectors are appropriate in general but there are some differences depending on your discipline and what you're doing.
There's also the question of appropriateness. For example, a vest with bling might not be appropriate for the equitation ring. But is it acceptable? Yes, all of them are acceptable.
Body protectors are absolutely acceptable and appropriate. A hybrid? Again, perfectly acceptable and appropriate.
The big thing is just making sure that what you're wearing is appropriate for your uses. But people ask me all the time, are the judges going to count off? One, they're not allowed to. Two, no. They're used to seeing it by now. And as long as it is well fitted and appropriate, you will have no problem.
