Air Jacket Pros and Cons? HELP

S

Showjumper17

Well-Known Member
Joined
15 September 2010
Messages
54
Location
Devon
Visit site
Hi! I'm writing an article on air jackets, what with the eventing season recently starting. Does anyone have any strong opinions either for or against them- or any stories as to when they've been useful or a hindrance, and wouldn't mind me including it (alongside your name) in the article? Thanks
 
I'm a big fan! I wear mine all the time when riding following a rotational fall. It was a prerequisite to having another horse. I have fallen 3 times in it and been completely unscathed where it protects. I fell last week in it, horse through me into the post and rail fence cart wheel style so my back hit the fence. Despite hitting with enough force to be knocked out I didn't even have a bruise on my torso!

I know some people don't like the bang but my horse is a whimp and doesn't seem to mind!
 
Showjumper17 said:
Hi! I'm writing an article on air jackets, what with the eventing season recently starting. Does anyone have any strong opinions either for or against them- or any stories as to when they've been useful or a hindrance, and wouldn't mind me including it (alongside your name) in the article? Thanks
Click to expand...

I've recently got one. Think it is absolutely fabulous, I am a showjumper and have the helite version which is approved by BSJA. It is really not noticeable and just looks like i'm wearing a gilet. I wear it at home when training young horses mainly only when jumping, although I would happily wear it all of the time, just haven't got into that habit yet.

Feel free to message me if you want to know any more thoughts.
 
I ride in a Point 2 all the time. I fractured 4 lumbar vertebrae last year so am fairly keen on not doing the same again! I view wearing one now like wearing a hat to ride - its just a basic essential. I have my Stage 2 exam (the ridden part) next month, so will turn up with it and tell (not ask) the examiners that I am wearing it. I have come off a couple of times (the first time quite hard) and the back has been fine. In fact, after the first fall, my chiropractor commented that there was no spasm or inflammation at all in my back indicative of an impact.
 
case895 said:
I ride in a Point 2 all the time. I fractured 4 lumbar vertebrae last year so am fairly keen on not doing the same again! I view wearing one now like wearing a hat to ride - its just a basic essential. I have my Stage 2 exam (the ridden part) next month, so will turn up with it and tell (not ask) the examiners that I am wearing it. I have come off a couple of times (the first time quite hard) and the back has been fine. In fact, after the first fall, my chiropractor commented that there was no spasm or inflammation at all in my back indicative of an impact.
Click to expand...

You need to speak to the exams team about this. I suspect that you may need to fill out an application for reasonable adjustment. It is highly unlikely that the stage 2 horses will have come across many air bags before and the potential risks of other candidates being on horses if/when an air bag activates (and therefore bangs), will need to be included in a risk assessment, alongside how to deal with you in the air bag. Many of the examiners will be familiar with them but centre staff may not be.
 
I would not ride without my point two now, I am dreading sending it for its service! It is more comfortable and less restrictive then a body protector and I forget I have it on. I do not event but still wear for dressage and have noticed that more and more people are wearing them even while doing dressage, esp. for young horses. My sister came off while XC training and she thinks it stopped her being injured.
 
dottieh said:
I've recently got one. Think it is absolutely fabulous, I am a showjumper and have the helite version which is approved by BSJA. It is really not noticeable and just looks like i'm wearing a gilet. I wear it at home when training young horses mainly only when jumping, although I would happily wear it all of the time, just haven't got into that habit yet.

Feel free to message me if you want to know any more thoughts.
Click to expand...

Hoorah, I've got this one and love it. Not heard of anyone else actually having one. I have the black show jacket and the blue gilet. The gilet fits over my x-country back protector too, so doubly useful.
 
I used to wear mine all the time and it has protected me well. But on my new horse I feel happier in a body protector not the air jacket. He is very reactive and I worry about the bang if I came off being detrimental to him. Also I prefer being able to get off really quickly without having to unclip.
 
ruth83 said:
You need to speak to the exams team about this. I suspect that you may need to fill out an application for reasonable adjustment. It is highly unlikely that the stage 2 horses will have come across many air bags before and the potential risks of other candidates being on horses if/when an air bag activates (and therefore bangs), will need to be included in a risk assessment, alongside how to deal with you in the air bag. Many of the examiners will be familiar with them but centre staff may not be.
Click to expand...

I spoke to the Exams team and they have suggested (but not mandated) that I fill one in. They also spoke about the horses not being used to the sound, but who's are? I have never let my jacket off deliberately next to any of my horses to try to "train" them to the noise.
 
I have both a standard body protector and an air jacket. My horse can be a right idiot and if she looks like she is going to have 'one of those days' where she is likely to arse around then I will wear just the body protector because I know that I can just jump off (rather that than be thrown off!). I only do flat work and have a dressage saddle so the back of the body protector interferes with the cantle of the saddle. The air jacket is far more comfortable and restricts my movement less than the body protector and although it hits the cantle it doesn't interfere with my seat.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top