Opinions on new inflatable gilets please

[Old Biddy]

After rather dramatic accident last year I have been looking at these but am concerned about forgetting to undo the lanyard when I dismount, I have visions of being half off and then the jacket 'exploding' and ending up in the next county! There again just can't afford to fall off again. I know they're expensive but maybe worth it?!* Anyone tried one??

[xloopylozzax]

there have been some concerns but i cant remember exactly what about (sorry not much use, i will try to jog my memory)

you have to remember its not just a one off cost, the replacement canisters cost a fortune aswell!

if you dont want to fall off (from your username i presume you are a mature (in years anyway :p) rider) then just stick to things you are comfortable doing, wait for the right horse (dont think you need a big 17hh 6 year old hunter, if you prefer a 15hh ploddy native type) and dont push yourself unneccesarily- there is nothing to prove with horses, no magical number of falls to make you a good rider or anything like that :)

[Wally]

Those would be my worries, an accident waiting to happen due to unexpected inflation.

[sarahandbronson]

All that happens is when you get off (if you forget to unfasten them) you just inflate to Michelin-man proportions, nothing too explosive or exciting unfortunately! A few riders forgot to unfasten themselves at Badminton after they'd finished, but it didn't seem to frighten the horses or anything.
They are quite expensive, and you do have to replace the gas things once they've inflated, but if you feel safer wearing one then it's really your choice :)

edit: they've also started making longer lanyard things, so that if people get left a bit behind, say over a drop fence, they won't get inflated midair :p

[Wally]

I have just had the most bizare idea. Have Helium cannisters so you inflate and float and never hit the ground!

I'm off to patent it! :D :D :D

[Wally]

You'd need extra long reins so you could float and steer the horse at the same time.......

[Quickstep]

The paramedic who gave the training at the last first aid course I did seriously rated them, including the speed they deflate after being activated. I'd have one if I could afford it at the minute!

[lobeliaoverhill]

I have just had the most bizare idea. Have Helium cannisters so you inflate and float and never hit the ground!

I'm off to patent it! :D :D :D

Can I pre-order one?! :D



I read somewhere that these inflatable vests don't make much noise when they go off, enough to make a horse flick it's ear but that's about it. I suppose you could test it from the ground before you get on? I'd quite like to get one myself

[Wally]

Dragon's den here I come.

[Zingy]

Just got one and I love it :D Haven't exploded with it yet ;) but I tried one on that they did inflate and you do get lots of protection - it's actually very difficult to move when it's inflated and it does keep your spine straight. You also get lots more protection round your neck and abdomen and lower spine compared with a standard body protector.

Replacement canisters are £15, so not mega bucks but expensive enough that I think you learn fairly quickly not to get off without unplugging yourself!

Only downside I can see is that you have to be off the horse to get any protection. So I think if a horse fell with you, you may be worse off than with a standard body protector, but in any situation where you're thrown away from them, you'd be a lot better off.

Another plus is they are far more comfy and less restrictive. So yes, I'd definitely recommend them :D

[newforest]

not heard of these, is this a similiar version to the coat that attached to the saddle.
i had visions of floating off up river or the sea, since i'd fall off on the beach or something and float away out to sea!!
how would they protect you more than a body protector tbh, i'd opt for one of those.

[happyhacker101]

There's a demo one in the local tack shop - but I think I prefer the sound of the one Wally's going to make:)

[Zingy]

not heard of these, is this a similiar version to the coat that attached to the saddle.
i had visions of floating off up river or the sea, since i'd fall off on the beach or something and float away out to sea!!
how would they protect you more than a body protector tbh, i'd opt for one of those.

http://www.point-two.co.uk/

They deflate after about 15 seconds, so no floating anywhere ;)

And they protect more than a standard body protector once inflated as they cover a larger area, are more rigid once inflated and give far more support (think of your neck - no protection at all in a bp, but with what is effectively an air bag supporting the back and sides of your neck, the only way it can actually move once inflated is forwards - and that tends not to break your neck).

[wibble]

I am getting one on Sat at Burghley as all the profits are going to the Mark Davies Injured riders fund. OH won't let me back on any horse once my neck has healed without one (has visions of being the only one in the dressage arena wearing one!)

They are expensive but my neck is worth more than 399 quid and an odd cannister or 2 (I am hoping none!) I can't afford to injure my neck in the same place again and without giving up riding at least this is giving me a sporting chance.

:)

[Toffee_Monster]

I saw these in use last week at the MK BE event. One lady got off and it inflated and really spooked her horse, but the others seemed just fine

[newforest]

Yes expensive but the price will come down as most things do.

That's still cheaper than a wheelchair, you only get the one back and you only get the one neck.

[eventerbabe]

Zingy, do you wear yours over an existing BP or just on it's own? saw them in action at Blair when 2 riders fell. seemed pretty effective.

[crazyhorse97]

the 2-point can be worn over a normal BP and lots of riders have started wearing them BE XC. there was an artical on BPs in last months your horse which included the 2-point and it got a really good review (will see if i can find it!)

as far as i can see, the advantage of the 2-point over the normal inflator one is that if you fall with your horse you still have your stand level of protection as you would have off a level 3 BP =]

xXx

ETA your horse product test =] http://www.yourhorse.co.uk/Gear-reviews/Search-Results/For-you/Search-results/Body-protectors/Zip-up/Point-Two-Equine-inflatable-air-jacket/

[Jackblack]

looks like they have them for motorbikes too and they are working wonders for them

[popularfurball]

It is a similar idea to the inflatable spinal boards that are used in trauma care - particularily in facilities like air ambulance.

However, this inflatable is body length and expands about body shape and fills body shape. I like the idea of these, and neck support is definitley better than a BP - however I would be concerned with the "hinge" point where the neck will whiplash above the inflation point, and the same at the lower back. In the first fall off clip you can see his lower back move - so should be lower and corset like when inflated - he could easily sit up right as it doesnt cover stomach - when someone is dazed by a fall like that, they often try and move - exactly what you dont want them to do - so it would be useful to have it more restraining for first aiders.

However, Im sure this has been tested endlessly and as such they must have reasons as to why it doesnt expand up to provide cover for back of skull and around bum and tum.