Safety Vest Education

[CVO2023]

Looking for some safety vest information - I have found quite a few old threads about types but nothing super recent.

I’m an adult re-rider and take safety very seriously. I feel well educated on helmet safety, how to care for them, when to replace, etc but I’m fairly clueless on vests. I’ve never worn one but would like to start for peace of mind.

A few questions - is there a certain type of vest that’s “safer” than others? Are the rules of replacement similar to helmets (one drop/fall?)? Assuming safety equal - which brand/type is most comfortable to ride in?

I see the airbag type a lot being worn alone at WEC, etc - I believe (and could be wrong) that in eventing they’re required to wear a more normal body protector under the air vest. Are the air vests safe without a bulkier body protector?

Appreciate any insight/education!

[MissusS]

If you search “vest” on the forum you will find some recent topics that discuss this - here’s one to get you started:

Buying a new vest

I’m taking my horse cross country schooling baby jumps and water this fall. But I need a vest to do so. What vest fits women with curves the best? I know…get measured…but really looking for experienced views on comfort. I don’t care if it rides hot, I just need to be able to move in it.

I am an adult beginner and have a RaceSafe Provent that I love: https://www.rideequisafe.com/collections/racesafe/products/provent-3-0-adults

I went with a body protector rather than an air vest but some people will go with both or just an airvest. The website I linked to (ride equisafe) has many options and I believe they will also do virtual consultations. When I came to them I already knew what I wanted so I did not go through the consultation process but I have heard good things from others who have.

I recommend you work with a knowledgeable vendor to understand your needs - from your body type to the activities you will participate in.

I wear my vest ANY time I’m riding outside (whether it’s out for a trail ride or riding in the outdoor arena), and I wear it inside if I have not been on my horse in a couple weeks, if it’s windy out, if I’m feeling slightly tense, if my mare has opinions while grooming… pretty much at least half the time I’m riding inside I wear it. I probably should just commit and ALWAYS wear it since I wear it so often anyway!

[Highflyer1]

That’s correct for eventing. Unfortunately there’s been very little research done to date on airbag vests so it’s hard to say for sure.

The foam body protector type vests range from zero standards to meets only USA required standards (ASTM) to meets more stringent UK or European standards (BETA 2018/EN).

Typically for the foam vests people replace them only after a very serious fall. There’s not really a hard rule. For the airbag vests the cartridge needs to be replaced every time and generally runs about $25. It also should be serviced regularly.

[Weezer]

I used to work at a store that sold riding vests and we went through information workshops to be able to help customers. That was almost 15 years ago so I am really out of date. I agree with the recommendation to talk to a reputable vendor.

[MHM]

I will just chime in to say that for anyone who is wondering about wearing one in the show ring, there is a USEF rule that specifically says safety vests are allowed in all divisions, and are not to be penalized under any circumstances. They have certainly gotten to be extremely common sights in the last few years at all sorts of competitions.

And welcome to the BB!

[OverandOnward]

The problem is that – as of my last information, which may be dated – there have not been any independent studies done on equestrian safety vests.

There has been some public information published, scattered here & there. Not organized where it is easy to find. Plus whatever the brand retailers are posting and promo’ing.

I think that we are left to our own anecdotal research and our own common sense about what works for us. The vests tend to vary widely as to how they fit on the body, how they are made, and what they seem to prioritize as to purpose.

Thick & hard may not be more protective, for various reasons. Lighter may or may not serve well in comparison. As far as I know there is no thorough independent review available to the public looking at these comparisons.

[Xctrygirl]

Virginia Tech’s Helmet lab is in the fundraising stages and will be doing a vest study. USEF is helping to fund once again.

Em

[Scribbler]

I have used a foam vest. I’ve only tested it out a couple times, both times when Project Mare teleported at the mounting block and I ended up like a turtle on my back. It absolutely provided significant impact protection. I’m old and I would have pulled pr bruised something otherwise even on hog fuel. An air bag would not have worked since you need to mount and then plug them in!

I feel like a foam vest gives enough protection for the kinds of tumbles us returning riders are likely to take. We aren’t doing 5 foot oxers leading to a ditch full of crocodiles on a world class eventing course.

[hoss]

There is now a reach safety standard for equestrian air bag vests, based on 3 years of laboratory research. Haven’t read the research, so can’t comment on the quality, however at least safety standards are starting to appear.

New safety standard for riding airbags

[Posting_Trot]

I’ve worn a foam vest for years (since 2017) and I wear it every ride. The first one I had was a Charles Owen Outlyne (it might have been the model that preceded the Outlyne). I replaced it after a bad fall in 2022. It absolutely protected me from getting some broken (or even bruised) ribs. I had been walking my horse to cool her out and she spooked at something (probably a deer) that emerged from the woods behind her. She went 0 to 60, took a hard right and bucked hard, more or less simultaneously. We parted ways and I hit the ground on my left side (the ground was still frozen). My sacrum had a hairline fracture, and I had a ring of bruising just below where the vest ended, but in general I was dazed but okay. (I replaced my helmet after this as well).

I went with a Racesafe Provent as a replacement because I thought the articulated body might be more comfortable overall than the solid foam design of the Outlyne. (Both vests have Beta 3 ratings). I haven’t “tested” this vest out (thankfully), but I like the fit and it may be marginally more comfortable.

[luvmyhackney]

Since someone linked my thread above, I’ve tried on every brand so far except the Race Safe vest.

No idea as to comfort more than trying them on in store and sitting in one of their saddles. I will say if you have boobs the Tipperary is a no go in trying get it large enough around the upper chest and tight enough around the waist, at least for me.

I’m trying on the Race Safe vest in December so fingers crossed it’s the one, as it’s two hours away from me. I’m in between sizes on most brands, otherwise I would just buy.

[OverandOnward]

Any tips on the length in back? That last Tipperary style vest I’ve worn fit just fine, except that the back is too long. I’ve heard others who had the same remark. Wondering if there are any Tipps or others of that style that aren’t so long in back. Or maybe I could find someone who could help cut off the last few rows and sew it up properly.

[dmveventer]

This was my problem with the Tipperary. The regular sizes only come in one length, so if that length doesn’t work for you and you can’t fit into the shorter youth sizes you’re going to have to look elsewhere. I traded up to a RaceSafe because of how flexible their sizing is.

[MissusS]

The racesafe that I linked to in the second post has options for back length. Even though I am tall (5’10") I only require a “regular” back length. They have short, regular, long, and (I think) extra long.

[JenEM]

@OverandOnward

Wondering if there are any Tipps or others of that style that aren’t so long in back.

Have you tried the Champion Titanium? That’s what I replaced my old, non-approved Tipp with, and it is significantly shorter in the back than the Tipp was. Mare decided she’d rather be a hunter than eventer, so I haven’t worn it a ton, but it’s comfortable to ride in.

[dmveventer]

The air vests also won’t work if the horse falls with you and you never separate. That’s less of a concern for the H/J ring but still makes the foam vests a safer bet for more scenarios IMO. I don’t ride with an air vest but may consider one after some research publishes, or as my fences start getting bigger.

@CVO2023

Are the air vests safe without a bulkier body protector?

Air vests aren’t a substitute for a body protector, they have a more limited range of scenarios they work in and there’s been no research done on the level of protection they offer. That said, there’s really no type of vest that’s “safe,” it’s just degrees of risk mitigation. Even body protectors only do so much, they’re designed for a certain type of protection and won’t help you with things beyond that. You have to look at your risk profile and then weigh the trade-offs for yourself based on the type of riding you’re doing. Many H/J riders wear just an air vest because they’re lighter and don’t compromise the “look” in the show ring as much, and the types of falls you’re likely to see in a ring are different from those eventers have to consider.

[CVO2023]

Thank you everyone for all the insight/advice! It’s greatly appreciated! I had a weird fall about a month after I started back riding that involved the horse going all the way to the ground with me - definitely a freak situation and we were only trotting around long and low to stretch/warm up. We were both completely fine and he has since passed a neuro eval with flying colors but goes to show there’s no such thing as too much protection.

[OverandOnward]

I have not, will take a look. Thanks!

[afox2332]

THANK YOU! I’ve been considering wearing my very excellent vest over my hunter show jacket.