Anyone seen one of these or used one? Looks interesting. Motorcycle riders use them too.
http://reviews.ebay.com/Horse-riding-airbag-safety-jackets-and-vests_W0QQugidZ10000000001299311
I saw a demonstration with one last year, they are under the same principle as a car airbag. They are fast, I believe it would work in many instances.
the ground gets further away every year…
Seems like a great idea. If I evented, I’d wear one!
I honestly think I would be much more confident when I trail ride with one of those on. I just wish they made a jacket with inflatable sleeves as well. I really hurt my arm on some hard ground a few years ago and it makes me paranoid!
If they weren’t so expensive I’d buy one and dive off of my horse just for shits and giggles!
Here’s a video of the motorcycle version in action:
nope…IMO not worth it…
While the torso takes a lot of punishment, consider the head and upper extremity take 50 or more percent of the injuries. If you discount the number of injuries by kick, percentage increases.
I would also wonder what the deployment times are and the length of the tether? It would have to be modified for posting and (dis)mounting. The list goes on…not to be the naysayer, just does not seem practical for the rider.
Regards,
Medical Mike
equestrian medical researcher
www.fitfocusedforward.us or .com
So what would you hook the airbag to? It says it has a string attached to something to activate it?
From the review site:
“Accidental activation is not likely as a 25kg force is required - so if the rider forgets to unclip from the coil wire the airbag will not be inflated, only feel a strong tug to remind him/her. Riders soon adapt to the new clip-on / clip-off attachment system.”
“Activation is by a short lanyard (coil wire) secured to the horses’ saddle which pulls a spring loaded trigger out of the riders jacket when the rider (and/or pillion) is thrown from the bike.”
You attach the lanyard to the D ring or bucking strap.
So what happens if your foot is caught in the stirrup or are caught up for some other reason? I would think having the rider puff up like a blowfish would put just about any horse into a dead bolt.
Or maybe, to follow medical mike’ advice, they should put one on your helmet. Instant mushroom head.
Or perhaps we can just duct tape pillow onto our helmets…:winkgrin:
I was wondering the same things, Mozart.
I’d rather see ain air bag that blows up to cushion the HORSE when it falls into or over an unforgiving jump.
You gave me a good laugh. I have a mental image of a horse falling over a jump and suddenly disappearing into a giant air bag. All you see is four hooves sticking out of the top and you can just make out the muffled voice of the rider “mmgghhmmm …we’re okay…” :lol:
Vest, air and eventing
Do a search on the eventer board, we have already had our fun with these!!!
LOL, I was trail riding today with a friend and told her I really needed one of these. She thought I was joking, she didn’t believe that they exist!
