Abstract: The invention comprises an energy absorbing and/or spreading garment for protection against an impact or a fall, the garment including an inner layer (2), an outer layer (1), a plurality of arcuate panels (3,4,5) housed between the inner layer (2) and the outer layer (1) of the garment, and wherein each panel (3,4,5) is arranged to overlap at least one adjacent panel in sliding relationship with the at least one adjacent panel. Impacts from falling off a horse or being kicked by a horse will cause the panels (3,4,5) to deform, spreading the energy of the impact. The panels (3,4,5) to deform, spreading the energy of the impact. The panels (3,4,5) also slide against each other further spreading the force of the impact.