Air vests for young riders – what applies under age 18?

For children and young riders, the right protective equipment is an important part of safety, both in everyday training and at competitions. An air vest is designed to provide extra protection in a fall from a horse by rapidly inflating when the rider separates from the saddle.

Which protective equipment is permitted depends on the context. For everyday riding there are generally no competition rules to consider, while specific requirements apply for riders who compete.

What applies at competitions?

Rules on protective equipment for riders under 18 vary between countries and equestrian federations, and in many disciplines an air vest is not accepted as a replacement for a certified body protector where one is required – it's typically used as a complement instead. Because requirements differ so much by country, discipline and level, we can't state a general rule that applies everywhere.

Always check the current rules from your own national equestrian federation, and the FEI for international competitions, before training or competing – especially if you're unsure what applies to your discipline and level.

How do you choose the right size?

For the vest to work as intended, it needs the right fit. FAE Safety Vest No.1 is available in several sizes, and our size guide will help you choose the right size based on the rider's measurements.