Inflatable Vests for Horseback Riding

The equestrian air vest is an important piece of safety equipment for horseback riding. Essentially an airbag that surrounds the rider and cushions any falls, the inflatable vest is fast becoming a vital part of any horseback riding activity. Most commonly used in cross-country riding, the air vest is finding a foothold in other aspects of riding as well. Some equestrian events have even begun providing riders with them before events. Those riders who have fallen from their horse while wearing an air vest frequently offer high praise for the device.

The purpose of the inflatable vest is to provide an extra layer of protection between the rider and whatever they are about to impact or be impacted by. The air vest functions best when worn in conjunction with a protective riding vest. Protective riding vests are armor-like vests worn over the rider's chest that absorb the energy produced in an impact and disperse it around the body. When worn over the protective vest, the inflatable vest provides an additional layer of security against severe injuries commonly suffered on the riding field.

The protective riding vest, when used alone, will prevent common injuries like broken ribs, spinal injuries, and damage to internal organs. However, the protective riding vest is not an invincible piece of equipment. It is designed to lessen the impact of the occasional blow or accidental stepping on by the horse. The air vest offers an additional security measure to the rider by creating a layer of cushioning air that protects the neck, back, internal organs, hips and backside all at once. The air vests inflate in under a second, keeping the rider safe in a fall.
The air vest operates by a short safety cord with a breakaway device installed in the vest. The safety cord is manually attached to the saddle when the rider mounts. In the event that the vest should exceed the length of the lanyard with enough force to pull the cord free of the breakaway device, a canister of carbon dioxide floods the chambers of the vest with air in half a second.

The vest weighs only two pounds, so it does not provide additional weight that would slow the rider and horse team. Once activated, the airbags of the air vest create an instant splint around the neck and spine, preventing them from the violent and sometimes deadly twists that happen during falls. Airbags around the chest and ribs likewise inflate to add extra cushioning and assist the protective riding vest in its intended function.

Every equestrian inflatable safety vest is equipped with slow release valves in each chamber of the vest lining. In three to five minutes after activation, the vest will vent its air pressure automatically through these slow release valves. Once deflated, replacement of the carbon dioxide cartridge is a simple process that can be done by the rider without assistance. Replacement takes less than five minutes. While the vests can be a costly initial investment, the additional safety they add to the riding process is well worth the cost.

Multi Pockets Sleeveless Canvas Safety Work Vest