Protective vests for kids? AKA I feel I almost killed my kid...

[Pennywell_Bay]

Cliff note version: Mini Me (6 year old) got dumped by pony.

• Pony half stepped on her, enough to leave a lovely hoof bruise on her
  upper thigh (I usually have these on my feet)
• Pony is as safe as a pony can be, but not an aged school master. I
  am really beating myself up over this.
• Kid got back on pony, finished ride, groomed, put tack away.
• This AM on the way to school, says she wants to ride if it is not
  raining.
• Clearly not suffering any physical or psychological effects.
• I am. I originally thought he stepped on her stomach area. I was thinking, internal bleeding, Hemorrhaging though the night…you get the picture

Issue: Though I am very proud she got back on, realizes falling is part of riding and still wants to ride, it scared the crap out of ME. We have a small farm, she’s grown up with horses, dogs, goats etc so I am not shocked she is taking it all in stride.

• “I” can’t get it out of my mind. I tend to be very “I have everything under control” and nothinig phases me. She has apparently picked up this behavior and shrugged off the whole fall (though she asked if I would lunge him today before she gets on). I still feel horrible and it has rattled me a bit.

So now I’m thinking protective vests. I started looking at them online. Anyone have experience with ones for kids?

This happened at home, the barn she takes lessons at doesn’t use protective vests (hunter). They just returned from a show so I am going to touch base with them this week for suggestions.

Suggestions? (other than Xanax in my beverage?)

[Donkerbruin]

Just the Xanax.

It’s hard to watch your child go through something like that. My mom says she used to refrain from breathing when I was on course back in the day.

Glad she’s ok. Everything’ll be alright.

[Pennywell_Bay]

It’s interesting because those who know me, I’m the “it won’t kill her” tshirt wearing type. This screwed with my head. Partially because feel to blame but also because it was more than just a fall, it was a fall and a squoosh.

But if the kid is over it, I guess I better figure out how to get there…

[Mike_Matson]

Don’t be a “helicopter mom”.

[Pennywell_Bay]

YES YES YES. I am being “THAT” mom. (but not at lessons, NEVER at lessons).

[Zuri]

IMO, your reaction is totally normal. We do everything in our power to protect our children. The hardest lesson I had to learn as my daughters rode and grew up was to let go. They have had some nasty falls resulting in bruises, a broken arm, concussions. I have always made sure they had the best safety gear, but I did not want my fear to translate onto them.

IMO, the fact that your daughter was unphased and continued to ride and wants to ride today speaks volumes about what you have taught her and the bravery she possesses on her own. As parent’s, we want to feed a healthy self confidence level as that will serve them well in life. There are inherent risks in everything we do. Just wait till she starts driving, dating etc. That is when you will need a stockpile of Xanax.

[rustbreeches]

You’re fine. We moms always second guess ourselves. I’ve mostly seen children wearing vests in the UK, but DD had to wear them for mutton busting here. Pony races also require them. I guess little kid eventers have to wear them as well, yes? They are awkward, and not particularly popular or stylish here in the hunters, but 50 years ago, people said the same thing about helmets! Talk to your DD and see what she thinks. Ultimately, you are the decision maker until she is 18.

[kasjordan]

I was right there with you My daughter started jumping at about 7 years old… on school ponies, all was great- she got her own pony who was not a jumper type. Dirty stops. Pony stopped, daughter went over jump by herself, then pony FOLLOWED! Daughter popped back up and spun around yelling “Mom! Mom! I’m ok!!!” I grinned and waved and walked out of the indoor to the parking lot to catch my breath! There were quite a few lessons I could probably have peeled splinters out of my knuckles from the railing. I also debated the vests, I didn’t go in that direction but don’t blame any parent for thinking of them. Worrying about your child is not being “THAT” parent, not letting them try things and grow is and you’re not doing that.

[NancyM]

Vests make a huge difference when you hit the ground. They do save lives, and lessen the extent of many possible injuries associated with riding horses. They are required equipment at all racetracks. Because of that, I am accustomed to wearing one myself, and do so often. Not all the time, but often. Always when riding green horses. So yes, they are a good thing to get for your kid. Get one for yourself at the same time, and monkey see, monkey doo. Old bones are more brittle than kid bones.

[ybiaw]

My SIL said something really interesting to me after my nephew was born - that it is a physical chemical reaction she gets in her body when her child cries or is hurt, not something she can control. We were curious so we asked HER mother if that ever goes away. She said no, absolutely not - she always has it and still feels the same reaction in her body when something happens to one of her children (good or bad). Maybe its hormonal, maybe it’s just that mother-bear instinct, I don’t know because I am not a mother and therefore haven’t experienced it firsthand.

So I think you’re just being a mom and reacting like a mom. It’s a chemical reaction in your body that you can’t control, not an overreaction.

If your daughter wants to get back on and ride, then she should get back on and ride. And you’ll be nervous. But everyone will be ok. And YES, I think you should look into a protective vest! Not only for your daughter’s safety, but for your own peace of mind!!!

[SendenHorse]

I think vests are a super idea. I know kids that wear then for every ride.

[HannahsMom7]

Don’t feel bad at all.

I believe the USPC Pony Club requires safety vets when jumping.

[charismaryllis]

several of the little up-down kids at my barn wear vests… (i’m sure it’s the parents’ idea. )

[Dewey]

Your worry is perfectly normal. You know you can’t protect your child from every possible accident and that there is a certain inherent risk to riding. However, taking precautions such as insisting on a helmet or vest is smart.

I wear a vest myself–I even show in it–so if I were you, I’d look into one for your child.

[trubandloki]

I think getting a vest is a great idea. Make it part of her every day riding apparel and you will know you took an extra step to make her as safe as you can.

[OnDeck]

Why not? I’ve had a few falls where I wished I was wearing a vest, and I’ve never had one on in my life. Even if she complains and decides not to wear it in a few years, hopefully she’ll be a little stickier and have improved horse instincts. I’m not saying her accident, or any accident, is always preventable, but the “I’m going to dismount/let go of this animal so I can get away on my feet” impulse can go a long way.

[Nezzy]

i really cannot see how those vests do anything except maybe cushion a landing. Maybe. if you hit hard enough, you will still have broken ribs. if a horse steps on you, the vest will not protect you.

i am guessing, If the child of the OP was asked if they want to wear a protective vest, they might say ‘yes’ the first time, but ‘no’ every time after. they are hot, and feel weird.

OP your child already seems fine, don’t overanalyze. it’s all good. Think back to when we were kids. Heck, Helmets were not even required anywhere and if you wore one, you were called a dork. we all survived the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s. i think today’s kids are a bit too overprotected. they can’t learn to land, if we don’t let them learn to fall.

[Preposterous_Ponies]

My mom has that same reaction every single time I fall - I’m 23, and have been riding since I was 8. Perfectly normal.

[Pennywell_Bay]

Before the end of her ride, I taught her to do an emergency dismount (from the walk). It was a great lesson when I was a camper. She loved it. We are going to discuss when to use it. I don’t want her vaulting off in her next lesson. Her instructor can help drive it home.

[trubandloki]

[QUOTE=Nezzy;7529268]
i really cannot see how those vests do anything except maybe cushion a landing. Maybe. if you hit hard enough, you will still have broken ribs. if a horse steps on you, the vest will not protect you. [/QUOTE]
Is cushioning on the landing a bad thing somehow?

They work by distributing the force over a larger area along with adding a layer of protection.