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Back brace for riding horses!
If you are anything like me and suffer from the odd twinge or back pain when riding, you will want the best back brace for horseback riding!
Working with horses can be tough, and I have certainly had my fair share of falls over the years, which has taken a toll on my back, not to mention all the mucking out and heavy lifting!
But fortunately, if you do suffer from back pain when riding, wearing a back brace specifically designed for equestrians can give you the support you need.
Brace yourself while we look at the best back braces for horseback riding!
Don't have time to check the review? Here's a quick comparison of our favorite back support for horse riding!
9 Best Back Braces for Horseback Riding
When I was younger and suffering from back pain from a fall, I used to grit my teeth and carry on, regardless!
But as I got older (and wiser!), I realized this action was not brave but stupid as it affected my riding position and my horse's way of going, so I went for physio treatment and wore a back brace when riding.
The best back brace for horseback riding helps improve your posture, increases your comfort and guards against injury.
Here we look at the best back brace brands offering full back support when riding your horse.
The STOT SPORTS Back Brace is designed to give you the comfort and relief you have been looking for!
This breathable, adjustable back support belt is perfect for those with all sorts of back problems.
Although this is a sports brace, its flexible lower back support allows you to move freely, perfect for when you are in the saddle!
It is also ideal for those heavy-lifting chores at the barn and other daily activities.
Product Features
- Made from high-quality mesh fabric
- Removable lumbar pad
- Heavy-duty velcro to keep the brace in place
- Mesh bag for easy storage
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Adjustable for a comfortable fit |
This product is only available in US and Canada |
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Ideal for all back problems |
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100% happiness guarantee |
How it Compares to Others and Why
The founder of the STOTS SPORTS Back Brace, Olfa Turki, suffers from chronic back pain so she understands what other back sufferers are experiencing.
Olfa collaborated with healthcare professionals to produce a back brace that combines ergonomic design, advanced materials and innovative features for optimal support.
The back brace offers customers a pain-free lifestyle, so they don't need to give up the things they love doing, like riding!
When I am teaching riding, one of the most common faults I see is rounded shoulders, causing the rider to lean too far forward.
If you have this problem, then the Equestorion Upper Back Support Posture Corrector is just what you need to get your shoulders back!
You only need to pull the shoulder straps tight and immediately correct those slouching shoulders, improving your riding posture instantly with minimal effort.
Product Features
- Soft, lightweight and breathable materials
- Hollow back design for the ideal torso and hip alignment
- Conforms to the shape of your body
- Adjustable pulley straps
- Aluminum stays to keep the brace in position
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Lightweight and comfortable |
It takes time to work |
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45-day satisfaction guarantee |
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Can wear under clothing |
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Prevents backache |
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Improves your body awareness |
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Improves posture |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Equestorian has produced a posture corrector specifically with the rider in mind, using specific features that make it different from similar products.
The hollow back design helps develop muscle memory and improve your riding posture over time without the constant guidance of an instructor.
Many reviewers have stated how much easier it is to maintain the correct riding position and have impressed their instructors!
The inspiration behind the Equifit Shoulders Back Posture Support is the common phrase "Shoulders back" we constantly hear from our riding instructors!
This comfortable brace gently coaxes rounded shoulders into the correct position, helping to improve your posture and preventing chronic neck and back pain.
Product Features
- Vest like garment
- Lightweight, breathable material
- Comfortable to wear
- Improves posture
- Ideal for warm climates
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Available in three colors |
Velcro straps can rub |
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You can wear the brace over or under clothes |
Expensive |
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Designed by orthopaedic specialists |
How it Compares to Others and Why
The unique feature of the Equifit Shouldersback Posture Support is that a leading orthopaedic team developed it to enable riders to improve their posture.
What's more, it doesn't have a metal component allowing for greater movement and flexibility when riding.
A study in Germany found that 73% of riders suffer from lower back pain.
I have suffered on and off for years with lower back issues after one too many falls from horses!
After using ordinary back braces that didn't really help, I was introduced to the Back on Track Back Brace and found it the answer to my back and riding prayers!
This brace uses your body's energy to produce an infrared effect, relieving tight or sore lower back muscles.
The four ways stretch makes this brace comfortable to wear whatever you are doing, and you can wear it discreetly under any outfit.
But don't just take my word for it.
Olympic Equestrians, show jumper Lugder Beerbaum and dressage rider Isabell Werth also highly recommend it!
Product Features
- Flexible for extra support
- The brace is a "Pull on" model without front closing for increased comfort
- Figure-hugging fit
- Breathable material
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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FDA approved |
Expensive |
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Powered with Welltex® technology |
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Available in 5 sizes |
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Machine washable |
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You can wear the brace under or over garments |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Back on Track uses Welltex technology, a unique blend of natural minerals crushed into a fine powder.
The manufacturer fuses the powder into the fabric's base material, which captures body heat and converts it into long-wave infrared energy.
The Back on Track Posture Reminder improves your posture while being extremely comfortable.
It works by activating your muscles, giving you low-intensity training when riding or doing other things.
Over time the Posture Reminder helps reduce muscle tension, activates your core muscles and improves flexibility.
Product Features
- Welltex® Technology
- Velcro strap at front
- Adjustable hook and loop fastener
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Easy to put on and take off |
You need to wear it every day to notice a difference |
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Improves posture |
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Therapeutic effect |
How it Compares to Others and Why
The Welltex™ ceramic infused material encourages blood circulation contributing to more flexible and relaxed muscles.
It reminds the back muscles rather than just supporting them and only tightens when the rider slouches their shoulders.
The Professionals Choice Back Support has been the top choice of medical professionals for more than twenty years!
It offers a four-way stretch for full mobility while retaining body heat, which provides soothing moist heat therapy to keep muscles loose.
This brace is ideal for relieving tight or sore backs from riding for long periods or heavy lifting.
Product Features
- Made from limestone-based neoprene
- Attaches with velcro straps
- Fully adjustable
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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30-day money-back guarantee |
Often only available in black |
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Available in various sizes |
You can get hot in it during warm weather |
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Available in three colors |
How it Compares to Others and Why
The founder and former president of Professionals Choice, Dal Scott, developed a neoprene orthopedic product for a more comfortable and speedy recovery following a fall in a horseback riding accident.
The company uses VenTECH technology, incorporating ventilated neoprene, making their braces flexible, breathable, and more supportive.
An old method used by riding instructors in the past for slouched shoulders was to place a whip behind your back, now considered an uncomfortable over-correction!
This product by Correct Connect is an adjustable and elastic reminder that replaces that old instructor trick and I have used it successfully on many of my riding students.
You can place it high on the arms to work on your shoulders or lower down to work on your elbows.
Product Features
- Corrects muscle memory
- Soft fabric
- One size
- Elastic and adjustable
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Safe |
It can be challenging to put on |
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Reinforces arm and upper back position |
It might be too small for some riders |
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Excellent teaching tool |
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Easy to use |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Unlike some position correctors that only concentrate on the shoulders, you can place this product higher or lower down your arms, depending on what you want to work on.
The PR Align and Posture Brace retrain the neuromuscular pattern of the rider to achieve functional performance in and out of the saddle aiming for a pain-free lifestyle.
Its glove-like fit applies the correct pressure to the upper body without being restrictive or compressive.
The manufacturer has selected only good quality material for comfort, functionality, and performance.
Product Features
- Breathable design
- Elastic properties
- Hi-tech velcro
- No ribcage fastening strap for easy breathing
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Fully adjustable |
No XL size |
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Suitable for every body type |
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You can tighten straps to your liking |
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Puts rider in correct alignment and posture |
How it Compares to Others and Why
This product stands out from other posture correctors because a musculoskeletal physiotherapist and Equestrian specific biomechanics specialist designed it.
This back brace meets the specific needs of the equestrian to become a better rider.
The Alignmed Posture Shirt is not a product specifically for equestrians, but it can dramatically improve your posture without restrictions.
It is unlike traditional back braces, which provide support by doing the work of your back muscles.
Instead, the design of this aligned posture shirt stimulates muscle movement, which corrects body alignment.
Many riders have discovered significant improvements in their posture after wearing the shirt.
And Susanne von Dietze, a well-known physiotherapist specializing in rider biomechanics, highly recommends the product.
Product Features
- Vented Powermesh™ panels
- Moisture wicking
- Designed using patented Neuroband® technology
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Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Improves alignment |
Relatively high price |
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Durable |
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Stylish |
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Made from high-quality materials |
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Improves core activation |
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Comfortable to wear |
How it Compares to Others and Why
A group of 25 medical and sports scientists developed this one-of-a-kind shirt using the latest technology in apparel design.
By wearing the shirt regularly, the neuro bands retrain the muscles for a correct posture, which is essential when riding horses.
How to Choose the Best Back Brace for Horseback Riding
Riding can put a lot of pressure on your spine, leaving your back muscles sore and tender.
Wearing a back brace can alleviate pain and improve your riding posture, preventing back injuries further down the line.
But when choosing the best back brace for horseback riding, you must look at your type of back problem.
Do you suffer from rounded shoulders, or do you have issues with your lower back?
But whatever back brace you choose, always follow the manufacturer's sizing chart correctly, as the wrong fit could cause further back pain.
The brace should be adjustable for a comfortable fit; breathable material is best to avoid discomfort when wearing it.
FAQS
Should you wear a back brace when riding?
Yes, a back brace can prevent slouching and improve your posture, immobilizing the spine and keeping you upright when in the saddle.
How long do back braces take to work?
A back brace will improve your posture immediately, but it will take a few months to see meaningful improvement.
Is horse riding bad for the back?
Yes, the repetitive nature of riding a horse can damage soft tissue structures in the torso, leading to poor posture.
What can you do in between rides to help your back?
Doing yoga and pilates can help loosen your back, make you more flexible and teach you how to control your breathing.
Conclusion
A back brace can offer additional support after an injury and help you ride again.
However, you must always consult a doctor first to prevent further damage to your back.
If you are struggling with your posture, a posture corrector is an excellent investment to help develop strength in areas prone to chronic pain like the upper back, neck and shoulders.
Developing a strong core can help prevent back pain.
Resources
- The straw that broke the horse’s back: is lower back pain self-limiting in equestrians?
Sports Injury Bulletin. Available from: https://www.sportsinjurybulletin.com/diagnose--treat/prevent/the-straw-that-broke-the-horses-back-is-lower-back-pain-self-limiting-in-equestrians
- Check This Out… A Shirt That Promotes Better Posture For Equestrians | Equine Chronicle.
Available from: http://www.equinechronicle.com/check-this-out-a-shirt-that-promotes-better-posture-for-equestrians/