I discovered the rider gilet after using their specialist clavicle fracture gilet for my broken collarbone. I was so impressed at how fast my fracture healed and how much my posture had improved that I decided to buy the posture rider version. Now I don’t know what I’d do without it and recommend it to all those I coach.
~ Our Gilet Journey ~
Acknowledgement has to go to event rider Tina Canton for recognising the posture improving qualities of the gilet, albeit in its clavicular form, when she broke her collarbone.
Thirteen years' collaboration with Orthopaedic surgeons, a medical breakthrough award for broken collarbones, and the help of Tina, physio's and other professionals in adapting the gilet, has helped deliver a game-changer for riders.
This one-of-a-kind gilet is a powerful garment and thanks to an arrangement of cleverly concealed components, has the ability to significantly align and improve posture more than any other type of posture improvement method. And interestingly, all stigma from wearing a postural aid goes with a gilet design.
Unlike other postural aids, the Rider Gilet does not weaken musculoskeletal structures nor create dependency, instead it enables you to use and strengthen muscles correctly, without risk of injury.
Wear over a Lycra base layer, or over outer clothes, measure accordingly.
Key Features
Biofeedback
By improving the position of the shoulder blades, shoulder strength is boosted. The gilet achieves this by integrating finger sized plastic splints over the shoulder blade area and applying pressure through webbing straps which work to bring front and back panels together.
Muscle Memory Retention
After wearing the gilet for a period of time (varies one person to another), muscle memory and good posture can be retained without wearing the gilet all the time. With gravity and modern living however, this goes and a period in the gilet will be needed again as a reminder. It is good policy to wear the gilet when riding. This will ensure good symmetry and balance in the saddle at all times.
Shoulders Back System
Integrated straps draw shoulders back and a unique foam scroll-like components ensure unrestricted blood and nerve flow to the arms when straps are tightened.
Scapular Positioning
By improving the position of the scapular [shoulder blades], shoulder strength is improved. The gilet achieves this by placing integrated finger sized plastic splints, over the shoulder blade area, then applying pressure via webbing straps to bring front and back panels together in equal and opposite force.
Diaphragm Lift
Powerful integrated elements lift the diaphragm [upper body] to activate core muscles, and free hips from horse activity resulting in lighter hand-to-horse contact, and an all-important independent seat.
Supporting The Spine and Pelvis
High-tensile plastic stays, at either side of the spine improve alignment, and wide stretchy hip pulls, featuring our 4DflexiSPORT motif, bring stability to the pelvic girdle.
Reflective Cross Training Aid
Reflective lines feature on the back act as visible indicators for symmetry and help determine if any unlevelness is coming from the rider or the horse.
Grey Shoulder Line Training Aid
Grey suede lines, at the front of each shoulder, can only be seen in proliferal vision when the rider is tilting a shoulder forward. This helps prevent, 'corkscrewing' or twising of the body when riding a circle and corners.
Internal Waist Band
A broad internal stretch waistband has been added to prevent the gilet from riding up when tension is applied to the shoulders. It passes through keepers at either side of the gilet with a hook and loop fastener at the front.
Benefits
Best Posture Reinforcement
Components align your body enabling you to recognise how correct posture should feel like. This process is known as 'bio-feedback'.
By providing this vital information, muscle memory can be reset and good posture initiated. Once good posture has been established, and provided the gilet is not being used for medical reasons, it need only be worn again when your posture deteriorates or when your body is under strain.
By providing this vital information, muscle memory can be reset and good posture initiated. Once good posture has been established, and provided the gilet is not being used for medical reasons, it need only be worn again when your posture deteriorates or when your body is under strain.
Strengthens Core
The unique diaphragm lift provided by the gilet creates distance between the last rib and hip bone, the result of which activates core muscles, strengthening both upper and lower body movement.
Riders also say it helps with breathing, and COPD sufferers report that both drawing back the shoulders and lifting the diaphram brings significant improvement to breathing.
Riders also say it helps with breathing, and COPD sufferers report that both drawing back the shoulders and lifting the diaphram brings significant improvement to breathing.
After Injury
All riders, no matter how careful or competent, will sustain injury at some time in their riding life.
The Gilet can play an important role in building the confidence needed to get back on your horse again. It can also be included as part of your rehabilitation programme, helping you build strength correctly and safely.
The Gilet can play an important role in building the confidence needed to get back on your horse again. It can also be included as part of your rehabilitation programme, helping you build strength correctly and safely.
Combat Boob Bounce
Big boobs can make it hard to maintain good posture. It can also be the cause of chronic back pain especially for horse riders, and if not adequately supported not only causes pain but damage to the breast tissue.
Using our Rider Gilet can reduce bust movement by as much as 80% whilst still allowing suppleness.
It does so by supporting and holding breasts firmly against the body whilst lifting the diaphragm and drawing shoulders back. Weight is distributed evenly across aligned symmetrical shoulders and spine, without pinching in the way that corsets and sports bras often can.
Training Aids
The Rider Gilet makes life so much easier for your trainer who, without having to constantly correct your posture, can pay more attention to improving your riding skills and getting your horse going nicely.
We've added a reflective cross on the back of the gilet to provide visual posture feedback. It can also be used to determine whether rider or horse is uneven/unsound. A grey suede line at the front of each shoulder provides visual feedback for rider and coach particularly useful, when riding a circle i.e. the line is visible in peripheral vision when the body twists and the outside shoulder turns in.
Similarly, correction can be made if your coach on the ground can see the line.
We've added a reflective cross on the back of the gilet to provide visual posture feedback. It can also be used to determine whether rider or horse is uneven/unsound. A grey suede line at the front of each shoulder provides visual feedback for rider and coach particularly useful, when riding a circle i.e. the line is visible in peripheral vision when the body twists and the outside shoulder turns in.
Similarly, correction can be made if your coach on the ground can see the line.
Surgeon, Science, Rider Backed
With the benefit of unequivocal medical credentials, and seeing first-hand how the gilet has helped our riding professionals, we are proud to present a tried and tested method of achieving your best posture.
We have, for many years, been working closely with Orthopaedic surgeons, physios, and Team GB Equestrian, along with past and present Olympic competitors,and gaining an understanding of how to improve rider position in the saddle.
We've learnt that it's much more than simply sit up straight, shoulders back and more about achieving overall body symmetry. Simply put, if one part of our body is out of kilter then other areas will be affected also.
Aches, Pains And Injury Recovery
BACK PAIN
Scoliosis, Sciatica, Fibromyalgia, Sacroiliitis, Isthmic Spondylolisthesis, Spinal stenosis, Post-operative spinal surgery recovery, Spinal Osteoarthritis (Spondylosis), Vertebral compression fractures, Radiculopathy, Arthritis Sprains, Strains and aches caused by general wear and tear.
SHOULDER PAIN
Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Bursitis, Tendonitis, Instability (that can lead to repeated shoulder dislocations),
Swimmer's shoulder, Adhesive capsulitis,
Acromioclavicular joint problems,
Rotator cuff tears, Impingement,
Shoulder blade instability also known as Winging Scapular,
Osteoarthritis - degenerative joint disease, Shoulder sprains, strain, wear and tear, Arthritis.
DISC ISSUES
Herniated disc, Bulging disc, Degenerative disc, Thinning disc
WEAK CORE
Core muscles stabilize your spine and pelvis and help transfer strength to rapidly contract muscles for more powerful movements.
Signs of a weak core include poor posture, inability to stand up straight (slouching) and digestive disorders. Weak core causes include, hysterectomy, pregnancy (diastasis reci), caesarean section, surgery, injury or inactivity.
CHECK YOUR CORE STRENGTH; Take a breath and as you exhale pull your belly button in toward your spine. Hold for 10 seconds, then release. If you were unable to hold for the count this is a good indication of a weak core.
Signs of a weak core include poor posture, inability to stand up straight (slouching) and digestive disorders. Weak core causes include, hysterectomy, pregnancy (diastasis reci), caesarean section, surgery, injury or inactivity.
CHECK YOUR CORE STRENGTH; Take a breath and as you exhale pull your belly button in toward your spine. Hold for 10 seconds, then release. If you were unable to hold for the count this is a good indication of a weak core.
INJURY
Use to support and build strength after injury and as part of a rehabilitation program. Can also be used to accelerate recovery, and importantly, provides physiological support giving you the confidence to get back on your horse again.
What You Say About Us,
Polly Holohan
Olympic Event Rider
I found the Rider Gilet absolutely essential in my recovery from a terrible rotational fall four years ago after I sustained multiple fractures, I certainly couldn't have got back to riding as quickly as I did without it. Now I use it as a posture maintenance tool and for keeping me at my absolute best in the saddle. Incidentally, it also helps me recover faster after competitions. I'm very happy to recommend the gilet to clients and means I can concentrate on their riding rather than nagging them about posture.
Sophie Fretwell
3* International Event Rider
I love the rider gilet I purchased. I'm so pleased to have found it after riding accidents along the way have left me with multiple joint and muscle issues, diaphragm damage, and hunched shoulders.
Arabella Mayo
Serving British Officer - Major with the Adjutant General's Corps and Centre 10 Advanced Coach.
After my collarbone was removed I thought my riding career was over. Since discovering the rider gilet some years ago it has been a real game-changer for me. It supports my shoulder and compensates for my lack of strength as a result of not having a collarbone. I wear it for training and under my body protector when competing and thanks to the gilet I have fulfilled my lifelong dream of competing at Badminton Horse Trials.
Louise Le Geyt
Winning Grassroots Event Rider
I have ridden in my gilet four times now and my lower back has zero pain after riding. I’ve not experienced this in years. My pain across my shoulders has reduced yet my upper leg muscles ache this is due to my new position I’m sure. My riding coach thought I was leaning to the right but the cross on the back showed that it was in fact, my horse that was dropping her hindquarters. The fit is very good and I feel it is beneficial to me and really helping with my horses' training too.
Jill Bowden
Website Review
FAQ's
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What size do I need and how do I fit it?
CORRECT SIZE IS VITAL and we offer a free fitting service alternatively, you can watch our fitting video. We also include step-by-step pictorial guide with each gilet. Stretch side panels accommodate both male and female body shapes and various body length options ensure the best possible fit.
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What is the rider gilet made of and where is it made?
Our gilet is made using high tech ultra-light breathable fabrics unique and exclusive to the 4DflexiSPORT brand and that does not have high rubber content such as Neoprene fabric. Like all of our products we are proud to say they are made in the Britain by our small team of highly skilled machinists. -
Will I become dependent on the Rider Gilet and weaken my muscles?
Fear of becoming dependent on support is a valid concern. Our gilet has been developed in such a way that it does not weaken muscles nor make you become dependent on it for support. It does this by placing you in correct posture thereby activating and strengthening your musculoskeletal structures.
In particular, the gilet precipitates distance between the last rib and hip bone and in so doing, raises the diaphragm to fully engage your core muscles, preventing slumping but essentially strengthening your core. -
How long does delivery take, and how much will it cost?
Delivery is usually 2-3 working days from receiving your order. Postage is provided by Royal Mail tracked and is around £5.00. As a small businesss customer service is our priority and we do everything in our power to make sure you get your order quickly. -
Does the Rider Gilet restrict movement?
Absolutely not, the Rider Gilet is designed to fit like a second skin and move with you. Whilst delivering powerful shoulder retraction it follows musculoskeletal structures and does not restrict blood flow or cause pressure to underlying nerves.
Shaping at the shoulders allows arms to lift and stretch forward without hindrance or cutting in at the underarms.
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Can I wash the Rider Gilet?
Indeed you can. The Rider Gilet is an easy care garment. Simply place in the cotton laundry bag that comes with it and machine wash at 40C.
Note: Do remember to remove the reflective cross from the back. It is attached with hook and loop and can be peeled off and re-adhered when dry.
Otherwise, all is washable and your gilet should come out looking as good as new!
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