Thermal Comfort Evaluation of Equestrian Body Protectors Using a Sweating Manikin

Abstract

Body protectors in horse-riding are characterized by a specific tight-fitting garment construction, and by sophisticated materials focused on body protection against impacts, such as falls and kicks from the horse. Both construction and materials affect the heat transfer between the human body and the environment, and add extra burden to the rider's metabolic heat production that has already been increased by the sport activity. With the above considered, this study investigated the application of warp-knitted spacer fabrics as a substitute for conventionally used foam inserts. Using the thermal manikin test method, the thermal properties of equestrian body protectors based on conventional foam, on spacer fabrics, and on combinations of both had been measured and evaluated. In addition, the Transplanar water transport tester was used to assess the liquid transport properties of the applied protective materials. The results of the study support the usability of warp-knitted spacer fabrics in impact-protective clothing.