Safety levels of riding vests – standards, certificates and real protection

In recent years, safety in equestrian sports has gained enormous importance. Growing awareness of risk is leading more and more riders to choose protective vests—both passive and airbag-equipped. Choosing the right model isn't easy, as so-called safety levels play a key role. What are they, what do they mean, and how do they differ? Below, you'll find a complete guide based on the standards of the Zandona and FreeJump brands!

What are safety levels in riding vests?

Safety levels allow you to compare the level of protection offered by different types of riding vests. Each level determines how much impact energy the vest can absorb, what part of the body it protects, and in what situations it will perform best. This isn't a "better or worse" ranking, but rather a tool that helps you choose protection that best suits your riding style, risk level, and individual needs .

The level of safety is influenced by the vest's design (passive or airbag-equipped), the materials used, the shock absorption technology, and the certification standards it meets. A higher level means greater protection and more effective energy absorption during a fall, but often also slightly greater stiffness or more advanced technology.

LEVEL 1 – Basic impact protection

Level 1 is the lowest, yet most discreet level of protection available in riding vests. Zandon's models in this category are exceptionally lightweight, flexible, and designed to allow unrestricted movement, even during casual, recreational riding . They are designed to absorb light impacts and provide basic spinal protection in low-risk situations.

These vests primarily protect the back and core of the spine without interfering with the rider's natural mobility . They're an ideal choice for those who want to feel a bit more secure but don't need extensive, athletic protection. They're perfect for riding calm horses, for recreation, on the lunge line, or for everyday, undemanding training.

LEVEL 2 – Reinforced spine and torso protection

Level 2 is the level chosen by riders who expect real, measurable protection but still value freedom of movement. Zandon vests in this category feature a more advanced design— they utilize materials with higher energy absorption capacity and meet certification standards confirming their effectiveness . This protects not only the spine but also a larger portion of the back and part of the chest.

This is an ideal solution for people who train regularly, young people and riders who want to increase their level of safety without having to wear a stiff, sports vest.

LEVEL 3 – The highest level of passive protection

Level 3 is the most advanced level of protection available in passive vests. Models in this category feature a multi-layer, more rigid construction designed for higher-risk disciplines like show jumping and eventing. These vests meet rigorous sporting standards and are often required for competitions, especially for young riders.

The protection covers not only the spine, but also the chest, ribs and partially the abdomen, which significantly reduces the risk of serious injuries in the event of a fall against an obstacle or impact with the ground.

LEVEL 4 – Active protection (airbag)

Level 4 introduces a completely different type of safety—active protection, or airbag. FreeJump vests operate by rapidly inflating upon impact, protecting a much larger area of ​​the body than traditional protectors . When activated, the airbags protect the spine, neck, chest, back, and, depending on the model, the pelvis.

This solution is particularly valued by sport riders, but is also increasingly being chosen for recreational use—especially by those aware of the risk of serious injury. While the airbag doesn't work continuously, in the event of a fall, it provides protection that no passive vest can offer.

LEVEL 5 – Hybrid system (passive + airbag)

Level 5 is the most advanced protection system, combining two worlds: permanent passive protection (Zandona) and active airbag protection (FreeJump). This system provides complete protection during both normal impacts and extreme situations when every millisecond of reaction counts.

The passive vest protects the body throughout the ride, absorbing minor impacts and stabilizing the torso. The airbag, on the other hand, activates in the event of a fall, extending protection to the neck, chest, back, and pelvis. The combination of both systems provides the maximum possible level of safety—particularly appreciated in eventing, higher-level show jumping, and by riders recovering from injuries.

How to choose the right level?

Choosing the right level of protection is a decision that should be based not on trends or the opinions of other riders, but on a realistic assessment of your own needs and riding conditions . Each level corresponds to a different level of risk, so it's worth considering the situations in which you ride most often, the intensity of your training, and your experience. The choice will be different for someone riding a leisurely horse, compared to someone competing in eventing or show jumping.

Age also plays a role—younger riders who are still learning balance and technique often need a higher level of protection than experienced adults. Injury history is also a factor: if you have a history of back, rib, or chest injuries, it's worth considering a higher level, which will provide greater stability and shock absorption.

The most important thing is to make a conscious choice – one that suits your riding style, horse, discipline and your mental comfort.

Security certificates – what do they really mean?

Safety certificates confirm that the vest has undergone independent testing and meets specific protection standards. They specify the product's impact energy absorption capacity, its behavior under pressure, and the areas of the body it protects. These certificates provide the rider with the assurance that the vest not only works "in theory," but has been tested in laboratory conditions and meets real-world safety standards.

Zandona – EN 1621-2 certificate

EN 1621-2 certification is a European standard that specifies requirements for back protectors used in high-risk sports, including equestrian sports . Zandona vests meeting this standard undergo a series of tests to determine how effectively they absorb impact energy and how much force is transferred to the rider's body.

In practice, this means that Zandona vests with EN 1621-2 provide stable, predictable spinal protection—regardless of riding conditions or temperature. This standard is recognized throughout Europe and is also used in motorcycling, where safety requirements are exceptionally high.

FreeJump – NF S72-800-202 certificate

The NF S72-800-202 certification is a specialized standard created exclusively for airbag vests designed for equestrian sports . It covers the entire system—from the activation mechanism and inflation time to the pressure level and protection level after inflation. Tests simulate various fall scenarios, ensuring the airbag operates quickly, effectively, and consistently.

FreeJump vests meeting this standard must demonstrate rapid response and stable pressure, protecting key body areas such as the neck, chest, back, and pelvis. The NF S72-800-202 standard is currently the most advanced standard for airbag systems in equestrian sports, ensuring that the vest not only "works," but also works predictably and in accordance with the rider's actual needs.

To sum up

Choosing the right riding vest is a decision that truly impacts safety in the saddle. Protection levels—from the basic Level 1 to the advanced hybrid Level 5 system—allow you to tailor the vest to your riding style, discipline, and individual needs.

Zandona offers proven passive protection certified to the EN 1621-2 standard, while FreeJump provides the highest level of active protection with a certified airbag system. Knowing the differences between levels and certifications allows you to make an informed decision—one that increases safety without compromising comfort.