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 ~
Credit to event rider Tina Canton for recognising the posture improving ability of the gilet. Tina used the gilet, albeit in its clavicular form, when she broke her collarbone. She was quick to realise how it could help riders acheive their best riding position.
Thirteen years' collaboration with Orthopaedic surgeons, physio's and other professionals, along with a medical breakthrough award for broken collarbones, and the valuable help of Tina, has delivered this 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
Vital biofeedback is key to helping the wearer identify areas of weakness and bad posture.
Muscle Memory
Wearing the gilet improves muscle functionality straightaway, and importantly this new muscle memory is retained even after the gilet is removed.
Shoulders Back System
Integrated straps hold shoulders back and unique foam scroll-like components protect blood-flow and nerves when straps are tightened.
Scapular Positioning
By holding the shoulder blades [scapular], firmly to the body, shoulders are strengthened and arm range is improved. This is acheived by applying an equal and opposite force bringing the front and back panels together focussing pressure on shoulder blade areas.
Diaphragm Lift
Powerful integrated elements lift the diaphragm [upper body] to prevent slouching, freeing hips from horse activity, activating core muscles and combine for lighter hand-to-horse contact, and a strong 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 and act as visible indicators determining 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 by the rider in proliferal vision. Helps the rider correct 'corkscrewing' or twising of the body when riding a circle and corners.
Internal Waist Band
A broad internal stretch waist strap prevents the gilet from riding up when tension is applied to hold the shoulders back.
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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How do I fit the gilet correctly?
A step-by-step pictorial guide is included with each gilet. We also offer a free fitting service from our bases in Lincolnshire and Norfolk.
You could also watch our 'How to Fit' video. If you are still unsure about getting the most out of your gilet please call Barbara on 07968510452. I am happy to do a WhatsApp or Messenger video call and guide you through the fitting process.
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What size do I need?
Correct sizing is absolutley vital. Check out our fitting guide to find out where and how to measure. If you are still unsure about your size call 07968510542 (WhatsApp, Messenger or regular network call).
Stretch side panels accommodate both male and female body shapes and a range of body length options ensure the best possible fit.
Our sizing is accurate and if it doesn't fit, be assured that we'll persevere until it fits perfectly.
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What is the rider gilet made of and where is it made?
The gilet is made from light technical fabrics uniquely airflow breathable to avoid overheating and exclusive to the 4DflexiSPORT brand. We do not use rubberised materials such as Neoprene. Like all of our products we proudly make them in the Britain by our small team of highly skilled machinists. -
Will I get dependent on the Rider Gilet and will it weaken my muscles?
Becoming dependent on support is a valid concern. Fear not, your gilet will not not weaken muscles nor make you dependent on it for support.
It works by correcting overall posture and in particular, increases the distance between the last rib and the hip whilst also raising the diaphragm. This prevents slumping and engages your core muscles making them work efficiently, essentially strengthening and not weakening them.
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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 free. As a small businesss customer service is a high 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 provided and machine wash at 30 or 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, everything is washable and your gilet should come out looking as good as new!
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