Edited Press Release
Western Australia – 18/02/25 – Tornow Equestrian introduces the Showguard, a first-of-its-kind 3-in-1 equestrian safety system that combines protection, performance, and style. Designed for riders who want “already-on” impact protection, Showguard provides a middle ground between no protection and full body armour, allowing equestrians to ride with confidence while protecting a vital part of their body in the sport they love.
The Showguard is the brainchild of Chloe Tornow, founder and designer of TORNOW Equestrian, who began this project nearly six years ago as part of her thesis at the Wilson School of Design in British Columbia, Canada. Her mission was to prove that protection doesn’t have to mean compromise, creating a competition ready jacket that integrates impact protection while still adhering to showjumping dress guidelines.
After hundreds of design iterations, research, and rider testing, the Showguard was awarded the Western Australian Innovation Booster Grant, acknowledging its innovative approach to integrating protection into equestrian apparel while maintaining practicality and style.
Every element of the Showguard was carefully considered to create a seamless blend of protection, mobility, and competition-ready style. The design lines and panel scaling were strategically placed to conceal the back protector, maintaining a sleek silhouette while delivering impact protection.
Articulated sleeves and back shoulder gussets allow for a greater range of motion as riders transition into their jump seat, ensuring freedom of movement without restriction. The interlocking mesh lining and buttons secure the back protector and vest, keeping everything in place as the rider completes their course.
Lightweight stretch fabric enhances shaping and flexibility, allowing the jacket to move with the rider while maintaining a polished, professional appearance. Thoughtfully placed pockets and a structured collar ensure compliance with showjumping dress guidelines, offering both functionality and a refined aesthetic.
The vest is fully adjustable, allowing for a custom fit that suits different body shapes, providing comfort and security for every rider. Designed for convenience, the Showguard BP4 D3O® back protector is removable, making the vest and jacket easy to wash for ongoing use.
The 3-in-1 system offers multiple ways to wear, whether as a complete jacket with integrated protection, as a lightweight vest, or as a standalone jacket. The design was intentionally developed to give riders a versatile product that serves multiple purposes. With the sport’s high costs in mind, this ensures a more practical and cost effective solution, supporting riders’ budgets while maintaining quality protection.
While there is currently no dedicated equestrian back protector standard, the Showguard incorporates D3O®’s industry-leading impact protection technology, certified to the EN 1621-2 motorcycle safety standard. This ensures that riders benefit from proven impact absorption, offering a smart safety solution without the bulk of traditional protective gear.
The Showguard comes standard with a Level 1 Showguard BP4 D3O® back protector, with the option to upgrade to Level 2 for enhanced impact absorption. Riders who choose the upgrade will receive both Level 1 and Level 2 protectors, allowing them to switch between levels based on their needs.
The Showguard retails for $750, including the Level 1 back protector, with the option to upgrade to Level 2 for enhanced protection. Riders can also purchase the vest alone, offering a flexible safety solution tailored to their individual needs.
With its cutting-edge design, safety focus, and competition-ready aesthetics, the Showguard is set to improve the way equestrians think about protection. By bridging the gap between no protection and full body armour, it gives riders the confidence to perform at their best without sacrificing comfort or style while offering a more cost effective solution.
For more information, visit www.tornow.au or follow @tornowequestrian on social media for updates.
