Air Vests: The Newest Equestrian Safety Essential

When you’re preparing for your first riding lesson, there are a few things on your new riding equipment checklist that you’ll need to ensure your safety. Helmets and Paddock boots or Tall boots are a staple of English riding because of the safety benefits for your head and toes, but what about the rest of your body? Air vests have become increasingly popular over many equestrian disciplines. If you’re new to horseback riding, here’s what you need to know.

Falls Happen; Here’s How to Get Back in the Saddle:

For adult amateur riders who are just learning the basics, or parents with kids learning to ride,  the risk of injury from falling is a valid fear to have, but don’t let that deter you or your kids from the joys of horseback riding! Thanks to cutting edge safety technology, air vests act just like an airbag for your horse. Mary’s carries two brands of air vest: The Zip’In 2 Airbag by Helite, and the Twist’Air 2.0 Airbag by Horse Pilot. Both of these vests provide coverage for the rider’s spine, neck, and ribs. 

How Do Air Vests Work?

The Helite and Horse Pilot air vests essentially work the same way, the differences are a matter of preference. Here’s the basics of what an air vest needs to provide the proper safety benefits:

• Saddle Strap: Anchors the air vest leash to the saddle
• Leash: Attaches to the CO2 Cartridge in the vest
• CO2 Cartridge: Releases gas when the leash is separated from the vest.

In the event of a fall, the vest’s leash will break away, triggering the cartridge to release the gas inside. This causes the air vest to inflate in a matter of seconds, filling the lining of the vest around the base of the neck, the rider’s chest and torso, and either side of the spine. This provides cushioning so you can dust off, and get back in the saddle.

Are Air Vests Show Legal?

Yes! You can wear your air vest at a horse show. Many show jacket brands at Mary’s are airbag compatible, including Samshield, Horse Pilot, Equiline, and Penelope. Just be sure to size up for comfort.

Shopping for Kids? Mary’s Has Junior Sizing

Because of the nature of the air vest designs, there is a weight limit for these vests. Thankfully air vests come in youth sizes, so long as they meet the minimum weight requirement. For a Helite Zip’In 2 Airbag the weight requirement is 77.2 lb, for a Horse Pilot Twist’Air 2.0 Junior Airbag Vest the minimum is 45 lbs. The weight minimum guarantees that the vest will inflate should the rider come off the horse, so be sure these requirements are met before purchasing an air vest.

Caring for Your Air Vest:

Cartridge Refill

Every time the airbag detonates on the air vest, the gas cartridge will need to be replaced. For Helite air vest cartridges, shop here. For Horse Pilot air vest cartridges, shop here. We recommend having a spare cartridge on hand in case you need to replace the previous cartridge.

Cleaning

The fabric used for air vests is water resistant and easy to clean. Simply spot clean with a tack sponge or microfiber cloth as needed. For added cleaning and disinfecting power, try HEY Airbag Active Cleaner spray to remove any dirt, sweat, or odor from your air vest. 

The most predictable thing about horses is that they are unpredictable. So invest in your future safety today with an air vest, and have a safe and sensational ride.

Related Blogs:

• • Air Vests: The Latest and Greatest Safety Technology for Horseback Riders
  • What Should a Beginner Rider Wear?
  • How to Measure for a Horse Riding Helmet
  • The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Horse Grooming