Airbag competition jackets: practical guide

To ride safely, even during competitions, airbag competition jackets are a good option. The airbag and the competition airbag horse riding jacket are separate for a multifunctional, light and comfortable outfit. This combination has the advantage of making the protective vest discreet, but the outfit requires a competition jacket designed to allow the airbag worn just below to deploy freely in the event of a fall, and thus ensure the protection of the rider. .

Choose the right airbag show jacket

Why wear an airbag show jacket?

Airbag vests are becoming increasingly popular with riders, especially those of us who are into show jumping. They combine comfort with protection because we all know that the passage of bars is an activity causing a lot of falls. The airbag competition jacket is suitable for competitions because it makes the protective vest more discreet. Indeed, the airbag vest, attached to the saddle with a leash, remains hidden under the jacket. If the horse refuses an obstacle and the rider falls, the leash comes off and the airbag deploys, still under the jacket. The rider's abdomen, neck, rib cage and especially the spine will then be protected.

To wear an horse riding airbag vest during a competition, it is essential to choose a compatible vest . Indeed, a competition jacket that is not suitable for wearing an airbag runs a very high risk of hindering the deployment of the inflatable protection and harming the safety of the rider.

We have therefore designed elegant and comfortable technical airbag competition jackets for all Pilots, which will make the protective vest undetectable under regulation competition clothing.

The Aerotech 2.0 compatible jacket is made with a technical stretch and breathable fabric, and guarantees excellent freedom of movement on horseback thanks to its preformed cut and its judiciously placed cutouts. It is also possible to add a passage for the airbag leash for more practicality. The Aerotech 2.0 jacket is available in all the regulation competition colors: black, grey, white, dark blue, dark green, bright red, dark red. The men's model is of course also airbag compatible and available in navy blue, gray and black.

What do the regulations say about airbag competition jackets?

Competition jackets are often mandatory in eventing or eventing, show jumping or jumping, and dressage. They can be black, navy blue, dark green or red. The regulations of course authorize the wearing of a CE-certified airbag underneath. The protective vest is even frequently made compulsory in cross events in CCE, just as the helmet attached at three points is now compulsory in all events. Horseback riding is a dangerous sport and safety standards are changing to ensure that serious injuries occur as little as possible. It is therefore important to refer to the official rules of the various competitions to be kept up to date with any changes.

Maintaining an airbag show jacket

What to do after a fall with an airbag show jacket?

The air cartridge of a protective airbag can only be used once. It will therefore have to be replaced after each fall. Changing the cartridge is very simple, refer to the airbag recharging tutorial then to the airbag verification protocol before putting your vest back on.

As for Horse Pilot competition jackets, even if their material is robust, they can benefit from our free repair service if they are damaged by a fall.

How to wash an airbag show jacket?

Whatever the model of airbag protection chosen, it will always be independent of the competition jacket, which greatly facilitates the maintenance of the latter. Indeed, no airbag can be machine washed or even submerged in water due to its technical compounds.

The competition jacket, on the other hand, can be washed in the washing machine without any problem in the company of garments of a similar color, with the possibility of opting for a detergent that respects technical materials. However, care should be taken to ensure that the competition jacket lasts as long as possible. Choose a synthetic program set at 30°C maximum, and hang your show jacket on a hanger. The technical fabric is not suitable for dry cleaning.

As for the airbag vest, it can be brushed to remove any sand present on its surface, refreshed with a suitable spray or cleaned with a damp sponge and a little mild soap.

Elements to add to an airbag competition jacket for a complete and regulatory outfit

To complete the airbag vest, a competition jacket compatible with the wearing of such protection is therefore essential. Often expensive you may be able to find discount horse riding airbag vest. Although it does not exist at Horse Pilot but there may be the horse riding airbag vest rental. A little reminder for all Pilots: in competition, the rules often impose white pants, a shirt or a polo shirt. As for the shoes, the Teknit Boot are authorized in competition! A helmet attached at three points will complete the regulatory competition outfit. Also consider gloves, which are not always mandatory but will add to your comfort.