Choosing a protective riding vest for a child

Horseback riding is an extreme sport, meaning there is a high injury risk, so when practicing it, particular attention should be devoted to safety. Falls from a horse happen to all riders, regardless of their experience level. To minimize the risks and survive a fall from a horse without serious injury, besides wearing a sturdy and certified riding helmet, the rider should also have a protective vest. It protects the spine, ribs and clavicles, as well as internal organs of the rider.

Currently, the rules of the Polish Equestrian Federation impose the obligation for children under 15 to ride in a protective vest and for all riders of the Eventing discipline.

There is a huge selection of riding vests on the market. Modern protective riding vests are lightweight, truly comfortable and will not restrict the rider's movements. Moreover, manufacturers pay great attention to their aesthetic qualities. Modern riding vests provide the highest degree of safety while maintaining comfort and convenience.

It is vital that the chosen vest has the appropriate certificate, which is a guarantee of compliance with safety standards. With the approvals, you can be sure that a given vest model will properly perform its function, which is to protect the body and internal organs from the consequences of a fall from a horse.

1. Dainese Alter-Real protective riding vest 2. Dainese Milton junior equestrian safety vest 3. Dainese Balios kids’ safety vest

Note also that the safety vest will fully perform its function only if it is correctly fitted. It should adhere to the body all the way around and must not restrict the rider's movement in any way. Attention should also be paid to ensure that it is not too long, so as to exclude the possibility of snagging the lower part of the vest on the back of the saddle.

Nowadays, there is quite a choice of materials for vests. Some are made of independent blocks made of high impact absorption materials to give the rider the greatest possible freedom of movement. Others are made of special foam that molds to the rider's body when exposed to heat. Vests with more advanced technologies are also available, in that they contain a cushion that fills with air in the event of a sudden separation between rider and horse.

If you decide to buy a protective riding vest, you might want to seek the advice of a specialist in a riding store to make sure that the chosen model is properly fitted to you.

Looking to buy a protective riding vest for your child?

Check out our range of horse riding body protectors for children

If you have any questions, we are here to help you. 

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