Air Jackets

Air Jackets For Horse Riders from Point Two

Horse riding air jackets are advanced safety vests designed to provide extra protection to riders in the event of a fall. They are commonly used in high-risk equestrian disciplines such as eventing, cross-country, show jumping, and sometimes in everyday riding. These jackets are equipped with airbag systems that inflate rapidly upon detecting a fall, cushioning the rider's body and reducing the risk of serious injury to the spine, chest, and internal organs.

Key Features of Horse Riding Air Jackets:

1. Airbag Technology:

   • The core feature of these jackets is the airbag system, which is integrated into the fabric of the jacket or vest. The airbag inflates almost instantaneously when activated, offering a protective barrier between the rider and the ground.
   • Upon inflation, the airbag can help stabilize the rider’s spine, neck, and ribs, significantly reducing the impact from a fall.

2. Trigger Mechanism:

   • Lanyard System: Most air jackets are equipped with a lanyard that connects the jacket to the saddle. When the rider falls and the lanyard detaches, it triggers a small CO2 cartridge inside the jacket to inflate the airbag.
   • Some newer models use sensor-based technology that doesn’t rely on a lanyard but instead has built-in sensors that detect a fall or abnormal movement and trigger inflation automatically.

3. Fast Inflation Time:

   • The inflation time is incredibly quick, often between 0.1 to 0.3 seconds. This ensures that the airbag fully inflates before the rider makes contact with the ground.
   • After deployment, the jacket can be reset with a replacement CO2 cartridge, allowing it to be used multiple times.

4. Lightweight and Comfortable:

   • Despite the complex technology, air jackets are typically lightweight and comfortable to wear, allowing for full range of motion while riding.
   • Many designs are breathable, ensuring that riders don’t overheat while wearing them during long rides or competitions.

5. Compatibility with Traditional Body Protectors:

   • Air jackets are often worn in conjunction with a traditional body protector for maximum safety. Some air jackets are designed to be worn over the body protector, while others can be integrated or layered together without added bulk.
   • Riders in eventing competitions are required to wear body protectors, and air jackets provide an additional layer of safety.

6. Deflation and Reusability:

   • After the air jacket has been deployed, it deflates within a few seconds. Once deflated, riders can replace the CO2 cartridge and reuse the jacket for future rides.
   • The jackets are easy to reset and maintain, making them practical for repeated use.

Benefits of Horse Riding Air Jackets:

1. Enhanced Protection:

   • Air jackets provide critical protection for the rider’s neck, spine, chest, and ribs, significantly reducing the risk of serious injury from falls.
   • In the event of a rotational fall (where the horse somersaults over an obstacle), the protection offered by an air jacket can be life-saving.

2. Lightweight and Non-Intrusive:

   • Unlike older forms of body armor, air jackets are not heavy or restrictive, allowing riders to perform at their best without feeling weighed down.
   • Riders can wear them comfortably for hours without feeling encumbered.

3. Quick Reset and Reuse:

   • After a fall, the jacket can be reset quickly by replacing the CO2 canister, making it convenient for riders to continue using it throughout their training or competitions.

4. Widely Used in High-Risk Disciplines:

   • Air jackets have become increasingly popular in disciplines like eventing, cross-country, and show jumping, where the risk of falls and serious injury is higher due to the nature of the sport.

5. Peace of Mind:

   • Riders, parents, and trainers often find air jackets to be a vital piece of safety equipment, offering peace of mind knowing that an extra layer of protection is in place.

Popular Brands of Horse Riding Air Jackets:

1. Hit-Air:

   • One of the pioneers in air jacket technology, Hit-Air is known for their lightweight designs and fast inflation times. They offer a range of air jackets for different disciplines and rider preferences.

2. Helite:

   • Helite produces a variety of air jackets and vests designed for equestrian use. Their models are known for their reliability and ease of use. The Helite Zip’In 2 is a popular model that integrates with body protectors for added protection.

3. Point Two Air Jackets:

   • Point Two has been at the forefront of air jacket innovation, offering products like the ProAir and the Hunter jackets, which are favored by eventers for their quick inflation and comfort. They also offer customizations and different styles.

4. Freejump:

   • Known for their Soft’Up Pro stirrups, Freejump also offers high-quality air jackets like the Freejump Airbag, which features wireless technology and a minimalist design for competition riders.

How to Choose the Right Air Jacket:

1. Discipline:

   • Choose a jacket based on the type of riding you do. Eventers and cross-country riders might prefer jackets with greater coverage, while show jumpers may prefer lighter, more streamlined models.

2. Fit and Comfort:

   • It’s essential to choose a jacket that fits well and doesn’t restrict your movement. Many brands offer adjustable models to ensure a perfect fit over various types of clothing or body protectors.

3. CO2 Cartridge Size:

   • The size of the CO2 cartridge affects the volume and speed of inflation. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the correct size cartridge is used for your body size and the model of the jacket.

4. Lanyard vs. Wireless:

   • Riders should consider whether they prefer a lanyard-based jacket (which must be attached to the saddle) or a wireless model with sensors. Wireless jackets are often more convenient but can be more expensive.

5. Cost:

   • Air jackets can be an investment, with prices ranging from around £300 or more, depending on the brand and features. Consider how much you are willing to spend for the added safety.

Conclusion:

Horse riding air jackets offer invaluable protection for equestrians, especially in high-risk riding disciplines. With quick inflation, lightweight designs, and ease of reuse, they provide an essential layer of safety without compromising comfort. Whether you’re competing in eventing or enjoying recreational riding, an air jacket can significantly reduce the risk of injury during falls, offering peace of mind to both riders and their families.