Riding Vest

[Blue]

In your opinion, what is the best riding vest? I've heard Tipperarys are great, but they aren't certified, so that's a no-go. I've heard that Rodney Powell's are great and they're one of the highest levels of safety certification you can get!

I don't want anything bulky that I can't move in (like one of those vests that look like life-jackets) but I want something really safe too.

I'm going to start jumping with one, just because it makes me feel safer, especially when I'm riding out on the xc feild at our barn!

[cheval]

Research them carefully. A friend of mine wore one and fell flat on her chest/stomach and broke her collarbone and some ribs. Her hubby is a surgeon and he said they were horrible contraptions for riders. He could see if you fell on your back it would be fine but because of the way they are designed (the one she had) - they are really bad if you fall face foward. She said she'd never ride in one again.

But if it makes you feel safer, then see if you can try out a few before you set your mind to one.

BTW - I LOVE your avatar!

[Blue]

Oh, wow, I'd never heard that. A lady at my barn told me we should invest in one...but I'll def research them more! Do you know what kind she had?

[Blue]

Oh, thanks! (about the avatar)

[cheval]

I'll see if I can find out which one it was. I know it was super expensive.

[barngal]

I have an older Tipperary that doesn't meet any standards it's so old! I did find the Tipperary Air-Esprit that meets ASTM F1937-98, EN 13158-2000 and BETA 2000 Level 3 priced at $169.80 in Dovers cat.. I love the look of the Charles Owens. It meets ASTM standard F-1937-04, SEI Certified. BETA 2000 Level 3 $227.80. I'd love to hear an explaination of all of the numbers if you can.

[AUEquine]

Tipperarys are all the rave right now... and it shows in their price. These vests are certified (most of them, be sure to check).

I have the Flex Rider, though bulkier than the Tipperays I can ride in it just fine. I just couldn't justify spending that much money on a vest when I rarely ride XC. I found my Flex Rider for $100 from Jeffers.

[Blue]

Thanks, I was on the HGS forum and they said that the most popular Tippeary (the very slim looking one with the blocks) was not certified.

[JetLagaside]

I have a Tipperary - Eventer model I think and I love it. It's not restrictive at all. Of course I bought mine back before having them safety rated was such a big deal but I'd still buy another just like it when the time comes.