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 daily training and at competitions. An air vest is designed to give extra protection in a fall from the horse by rapidly filling with air when the rider becomes separated from the saddle.

Which protective equipment may be used depends on the context, however. In ordinary riding there are no general competition rules to consider, while special provisions apply to riders who compete.

What applies in competition?

An air vest may be worn in competition, but in cases where the competition rules require an approved traditional protective vest, the air vest never replaces that vest – it is then used instead as a complement to the approved protective vest.

In Swedish show jumping, riders up to and including the calendar year in which they turn 18 must wear an approved protective vest that is CE-certified, Level 3 and certified under EN 13158 whenever riding on the competition grounds. An air vest attached to the saddle may be worn in addition, but cannot be used in place of the EN 13158-certified vest when the rules require one.

At international competitions, the FEI's rules apply instead, and requirements differ between disciplines, so always check the FEI's current rules for your specific discipline before competing.

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 helps you choose the right size based on the rider's measurements.

Always check the current rules

Competition rules can change over time, so always check the current competition rules from the Swedish Equestrian Federation or the FEI before training or competing.