Safety Vest Options for Kids With Ride EquiSafe
In our interview with Catherine Winter of Ride EquiSafe, we tried on a wide selection of child sized equestrian safety vests.
Equestrian Safety Vests
We were fortunate enough to meet with Catherine Winter of Ride EquiSafe at Across Town Farm to learn about the safety vest options that are out there for kids. She answered our questions about the vests and let our child models/barn friends try them on.
I ride in an air vest when jumping and if I am on a horse I don’t know very well. As an Adult Amateur and mom of small kids who has had numerous falls, I just feel safer in a vest. Truth be told, I have inflated my vest three times while dismounting. The first time the horse just stood there, the second time I was on a medium pony and the vest did not inflate because I was so close to the ground when I dismounted, and the third horse spooked at the sight and sound of my inflated vest and ran off. After riding for over 30 years without a safety vest, it took some time to get used to detaching the lanyard before I dismount.
My hope is if I give parents and trainers the information they need about the safety vest options out there, we will see more people riding in them and staying safe in the process.
Check out some Q and A with Catherine below, and read more tips and detailed info about kid safety vests here.
– Susan
What is Ride EquiSafe?
Ride EquiSafe is not your standard tack store. We offer one thing and one thing only: equestrian rider safety equipment. Whether you’re hacking out on the trails, taking a lesson, or competing from the local level up to the international level, we believe that all riders should use equipment that ensures the safest possible experience.
Can I try on a safety vest before buying?
Our philosophy is that safety equipment is highly personal and specialized, which is why we are too. We carry demo equipment of many of the products we carry, allowing you to try before you buy. We also offer fitting appointments in person or by video conference to ensure the appropriate fit of our body protectors and air vests.
In addition to finding us online, we travel to events and competitions with our mobile shop and can also come directly to you by requesting a barn or home call.
To set up an appointment or find out where our mobile shop will be, contact Ride EquiSafe.
What are the safety standards and what do they mean?
CE EN 13158:2018 – This standard assesses the protectors for a range of protective properties such as impact and protective coverage as well as taking into consideration the comfort and fit elements of the products. The standard includes provision for those riding and working with horses, as well as both carriage drivers and passengers. Air vests and body protectors are certified to this standard.
ASTM 1937-4 – Standard Specification for Body Protectors Used in Horse Sports and Horseback Riding
ASTM F2681-08 –Â Standard Specification for Body Protectors Used in Equine Racing
BETA Levels 1, 2, 3 –Â British Equestrian Trade Association, Body Protector Standard
Most vests will have a combination of the above. CE EN 13158 and BETA are gold standard. You will also see some body protectors certified to a motorcycle standard – CE EN 1621.
Do safety vests actually help keep my child safe?
Can my child show in a safety vest?
Yes, your child can show in a safety vest. One of our first clients bought an air vest for her 11-year-old child. At one of her first shows wearing it, the mom was approached be several people who were curious about the equipment, and one of the questions they continuously asked was if mom was concerned about her child not placing. The child proceeded three of her division classes and ended up champion, providing a resounding response to that question. Read more about showing in safety vests.
How big does my child have to be to wear an air vest?
Children have to be either 50 or 70lbs to wear an air vest, depending on the vest.Â
Airowear AyrPS
Weight minimum: 70 lbs
Helite Air Jacket – Child
Weight minimum: 70 lbs
Helite Zip’in 2 Air Vest
Weight minimum: 70 lbs
Hit Air Pro Kids
Weight minimum: 50 lbs
Hit Air Advantage Kids
Weight minimum: 50 lbs
Horse Pilot
Weight minimum: 70 lbs
Point Two Hunter
Weight minimum: 70 lbs
Point Two ProAir Child
Weight minimum: 70 lbs
Point Two Soft Shell
Weight minimum: 70 lbs
What safety vest options are available for kids?
There are many suitable safety vest options in kid sizes.
These options are listed on the Allpony website and available for purchase on the Ride EquiSafe site through affiliate links.
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Contributors
Catherine Winter of Ride EquiSafe: At Ride Equisafe, you will find the largest selection of air vests, body protectors, and safety stirrups. Their goal is to serve as a destination for all things safety, eliminating the need for you to visit multiple tack stores or websites to shop and compare. All of their products are state of the art with the latest technology and certified. Ride EquiSafe is not your standard tack store. They offer one thing and one thing only: equestrian rider safety equipment.
Susan DiFelice of Allpony: Owner and creator of Allpony, the horsemanship for kids website and activity book. Susan provided photos, illustrations, web design, and content creation for this article.
Visit: https://plush.allpony.com