Equestrian Safety Vests vs. Air Vests: How They Work, What They Protect, and How to Choose

By Gayle Woods Editors Updated 4 min read

Helmets get most of the safety attention in riding, for good reason. But falls and kicks also injure ribs, spines and internal organs. Safety vests are designed to reduce those injuries. There are two main types, foam and air, and they work in different ways.

Foam safety vests (body protectors)

A foam vest, often called a body protector, is a padded vest made of panels of shock-absorbing foam. It works much like a helmet:

  • It spreads the force of an impact over a larger area.
  • It absorbs some of the energy, so less reaches your body.
  • It protects against blunt impacts such as a kick, landing on a rail or hitting the ground.

Foam vests are always "on," so they protect you even when you're standing on the ground or get stepped on.

Safety standards

  • United States: ASTM F1937, with SEI certification.
  • United Kingdom: BETA 2018, with three levels. Level 3 is the highest and is recommended for most riding, including jumping and work with young horses.
  • Europe: EN 13158.

US eventing rules require riders to wear a body protector on cross-country, and recommend one that meets ASTM F1937. Air vests are allowed on cross-country only when worn over a body protector.

Fitting a foam vest

  • Front: it should cover from the collarbone, or just below it, down to the bottom of your rib cage, and protect the sternum.
  • Back: it should reach from the top of your shoulder blades to just above the saddle. Sit in your saddle to check; if the vest hits the cantle, it's too long and will push you forward.
  • Sides: most have adjustable laces or straps. The vest should be snug, without gaps under the arms, but still let you breathe and move.
  • Movement: you should be able to bend forward into a jumping position without the vest digging into your hips or throat.

Foam vests can feel bulky and hot at first. Newer designs are lighter, more flexible and better ventilated, and many soften slightly as they warm to body temperature.

Air vests

An air vest looks like a normal vest until it's triggered. Inside, a bladder is connected to a small gas canister.

How air vests work

  • Lanyard type: a cord runs from the vest to a strap on the saddle. When you're thrown or fall far enough to pull the lanyard, it releases the gas, and the vest inflates in a fraction of a second.
  • Electronic type: sensors detect the movement of a fall and trigger inflation, without a lanyard.

Once inflated, the vest:

  • Supports the neck and protects the spine
  • Cushions the ribs, chest, back and hips
  • Reduces how far the torso bends and twists on impact

What air vests do and don't do

Air vests are designed for falls, especially those where you hit the ground hard. They don't protect you before they inflate, so they offer less help if a horse kicks you while you're on the ground, or if you're crushed against a fence or wall. That's why many riders, and many competition rules, call for an air vest to be worn over a certified foam body protector, not instead of it.

Research on air vests is still growing. They seem to reduce the severity of some injuries, but they aren't a guarantee against serious harm. Use them as one layer of protection.

Using an air vest

  • Attach the lanyard before you mount and detach it before you dismount. Forgetting to detach is the most common way to set one off by accident.
  • Replace the canister after every inflation. Keep a spare.
  • Match the canister to the vest size.
  • Inspect regularly and send it for servicing as the maker recommends.

Foam vs. air: at a glance

Foam body protector Air vest
How it protects Absorbs and spreads impacts Inflates to cushion and stabilize the torso and neck
Protection when on the ground Yes No, unless inflated
Neck and spine support Limited Good, once inflated
Comfort Warmer, bulkier Lighter, cooler until inflated
Maintenance Check foam; replace after hard impacts or every few years Replace canister after each inflation; periodic service
Typical cost About $150 to $400 About $500 to $900 or more

Who should wear one

A safety vest is a good idea for:

  • Jumping, especially cross-country, where vests are often required
  • Young or green horses, or horses known to buck or bolt
  • Trail riding in rough country, or riding alone far from help
  • Children and beginners
  • Riders returning after an injury, for confidence as well as protection
  • Anyone who simply wants more protection

Caring for your vest

Foam vests:

  • Check the foam for dents, cracks or areas that feel thinner.
  • Replace after a hard impact, and every three to five years, as the foam slowly loses its ability to absorb shock. Follow the maker's guidance.
  • Clean the cover according to the label. Don't leave the vest in a hot car, which can damage the foam.

Air vests:

  • Check the canister and trigger regularly.
  • Have the vest serviced as recommended.
  • Store it dry, away from heat and sharp objects.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions