BUYER’S GUIDE

Protection on demand: an air vest may help to reduce the chance of severe injury in the event of a fall. We look at what’s available and how they work

Air vests: all you need to know about this piece of safety kit

WEARING AN AIR vest over the top of your body protector is commonplace on the eventing circuit these days. Many riders also choose to wear them for hacking and schooling too. If you’re new to the world of air vests, this buyer’s guide will help you understand what this piece of safety gear can do. Unlike riding hats and body protectors, currently there isn’t a common industry standard for the manufacture of air vests, although it’s hoped this is something that will be developed in the future. Under British Eventing rules, competitors who choose to wear an air vest should only do so in addition to a BETA Level 3 body protector. The main difference between an air vest and a body protector is the type of protection it provides: A body protector offers permanent protection both on and off your horse An air vest provides only temporary protection once it has inflated

As well as the commonly seen air vests that we’re featuring here, there are now a number of different styles available, including combined body protectors and air vests, hi-vis versions to be worn when hacking, and even air vests incorporated into competition jackets so that you can wear them for all disciplines.

How do they work?

An air vest has a number of key components and it’s these vital bits that make it inflate when you fall off. On the front of the vest there’s a CO2 canister that has a lanyard atttached to it. This lanyard clips onto a strap at the front of your saddle. Inflation of the vest is triggered by you coming out of the saddle and applying sufficient force to the lanyard to make the

vest inflate. After being triggered it will take a few minutes for your air vest to deflate. Once it’s been activated, you will need to replace the gas canister. These cost around £18 each and it is a good idea to keep a couple of spare canisters. You should buy the canisters from the manufacturer of your air vest — don’t be tempted to buy cheaper, unbranded gas canisters as they could result in your air vest failing to inflate when you need it to.

Protection when you need it — an air vest inflates when you fall off your horse

Inflation is triggered by the lanyard connecting the air vest to your saddle becoming detached

The inflated vest offers a softer, cushioned landing, helping prevent serious injury

S T R E B O R W E H T T A M : O T O H P A lanyard attaches the a ir ve st t o your saddle