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For a long time, the protective vest occupied a separate, not-so-distinguished place in a rider's wardrobe - worn for specific competitions because regulations required it, or reluctantly, because it "restricts and makes you hot." You trained without it. You rode cross-country without it. And in general, nothing happened - until something did.
Table of Contents
- Why does the brand of an equestrian vest truly matter?
- What are the protection levels of equestrian vests?
- Made in Italy and the Zandonà philosophy — what does it mean for the rider?
- Esatech System and E.V.C. technology — what determines the effectiveness of protection?
- Zandonà vs other brands — an honest comparison
- Zandonà Soft Vest Pro models — which variant to choose?
- What is the best protective vest for horse riding?
Why does the brand of an equestrian vest truly matter?
Fortunately, the approach to vests is changing. Awareness of risk is growing, the safety culture in Polish equestrianism is evolving, and the market offering is now broad enough that the argument "the vest is uncomfortable" no longer holds water. A modern protective vest can be discreet, breathable, and ergonomic - provided you choose the right product.
And this is where a question worth asking honestly arises: is a lower-priced vest the same protection as a premium vest, just without the brand name? The answer is: no. And it's worth knowing why - because this difference has a direct impact on what happens to your body in a fall.
Falling from a horse is a dynamic event. The forces acting on a rider's torso during impact with the ground can be many times greater than body weight - even in a seemingly calm accident on flat terrain. The vest must absorb this energy in a fraction of a second. And this is where not only the certificate on the label matters, but above all, what material the vest is made of and how that material behaves upon impact.
What are the protection levels of equestrian vests?
Before we move on to comparing brands, it's worth understanding the normative language used by the European market for equestrian vests. In Poland and throughout the EU, the EN 13158 standard applies - a standard that defines both the body area the vest must protect and the minimum requirements for impact energy absorption.
The standard distinguishes three levels of protection. Level 1 is the lowest level, used primarily in racing, where minimal equipment weight is crucial. The British Horse Society - one of the most authoritative organizations in equestrian safety - clearly states that Level 1 is not suitable for standard riding. Level 2 is protection for low-risk situations - it does not cover riding on hard surfaces, jumping obstacles, or working with young or nervous horses. Level 3 is the recommended minimum for every rider in normal riding conditions: training, cross-country, competitions.
The practical meaning of these levels is simple: a Level 3 vest absorbs more impact energy and protects a larger body area than Level 1 or 2 - at the cost of usually slightly more weight. However, in the event of a fall, that weight really matters.
Zandonà, in its Soft Vest Pro line, certifies vests according to the EN 1621-2 standard - this is a standard originally used in motorsports for back protectors, more demanding in terms of energy absorption than the basic equestrian standard. Meeting Level 2 of this standard corresponds to back protection at a level comparable to or higher than EN 13158 Level 3. This is specific technical information, not an advertising slogan.
A detailed discussion of standards and certifications can be found in the article equestrian vests — protection levels and certificates on our blog.
Made in Italy and the Zandonà philosophy. What does it mean for you?
The Zandonà brand was founded in 1985 in Italy - not as a manufacturer of equestrian equipment, but as a company specializing in plastic technologies and personal protective equipment. The first Zandonà PPE systems entered the market in the 1990s, and in 2011 the brand entered the equestrian industry - with a wealth of engineering knowledge gained from designing protectors for motorcyclists and extreme athletes.
This is not insignificant. Many equestrian brands design vests by starting with tailoring traditions and saddle ergonomics - and adapt protective materials to a finished cut. Zandonà approached this in reverse: the starting point is impact energy absorption technology, and only then is the functional form built around it.
Every stage of production - design, certification, manufacturing - takes place in Italy. In practice, this means full traceability of components, constant quality control at every stage of the process, and the manufacturer's responsibility for the final product. In the personal protective equipment industry, where millimeter differences in the thickness of the cushioning layer can change impact test results, this transparency has real value, not just image.
The brand's consistency is also evident in its offering for horses. Zandonà protectors from the Carbon Air series - widely used by show jumpers and eventers - benefit from the same material philosophy as rider vests: energy-absorbing structures, lightweight polymers, and rigorous impact tests.
Esatech System and E.V.C. technology - what determines the effectiveness of protection?
The heart of every Zandonà vest consists of two layers of materials that work together at the moment of impact.
Outer shell - Esatech System. This is a hexagonal, nitrile anti-shock structure, designed to absorb and dissipate impact energy over the largest possible surface area. The hexagonal pattern - similar to a honeycomb structure - combines minimal weight with exceptional resistance to deformation. After impact, the material returns to its original shape - which is important not only for a single impact but for the entire sequence of events accompanying a fall from a horse.
Inner layer - E.V.C. (Evolved Viscoelastic Cells). This is an innovative, waterproof viscoelastic material with full perforation. Viscoelasticity is a key property: the material behaves differently under slow, constant pressure than under sudden, dynamic impact - in the latter case, it hardens and absorbs energy. As a result, the vest is soft and flexible during normal use, and effectively absorbs shock in a fall.
Waterproof and breathable. The outer shell is waterproof, and the full perforation of the E.V.C. layer ensures moisture and heat wicking. Zandonà solves this problem by dividing functions between two layers, rather than compromising on one.
Zandonà vs other brands - an honest comparison
The market for equestrian protective vests can be divided into several segments, each corresponding to different needs and budgets.
The budget segment (prices 100–300 PLN) primarily includes vests with EVA foam as the main cushioning material, certified to Level 1 or 2 of the EN 13158 standard. For a child taking their first steps in the arena or for a casual rider training only in safe conditions - sufficient as a starting point. For someone who rides regularly, cross-country, in competitions, or on horses with difficult temperaments - these vests provide protection below the recommended minimum.
The premium segment (classic vests, 600–1500 PLN) - this is where Zandonà Soft Vest Pro is positioned, as well as brands like Airowear and Charles Owen. The difference between these brands lies in their technological genealogy. Zandonà brings know-how from the motorcycle PPE and extreme sports industry to equestrianism - along with the EN 1621-2 standard, which is less commonly found in equestrian vests.
The airbag segment is a separate story. Airbag vests - such as the Freejump Airbag - offer a completely different protection mechanism: an airbag that inflates in a fraction of a second protects the ribs, collarbones, and neck. This is an excellent complement to classic protection - airbags and classic vests are not alternatives, but complementary layers of protection.
Zandonà stands out in one more, rarely discussed aspect: the consistency of the brand's system. A company that designs horse protectors and rider vests based on the same material philosophy understands the dynamic loads in equestrianism better than a manufacturer adapting solutions from other industries.
Zandonà Soft Vest Pro models - which variant to choose?
The Soft Vest Pro line available at Equishop is divided into adult and children's models - differing in protection range, disciplinary purpose, and fit.
Among adult models: X6 (unisex) is the basic version of the line - spinal and lower back protection in a light and compact form, good for recreational and training riders. X7 (unisex) extends the protection range with additional side elements - a popular choice in eventing and among cross-country riders. X8 (women's model) covers the spine and chest - designed for women training regularly cross-country and in competitions where the risk of falling is elevated.
Two models are available in the children's line. The X9 Kid provides the broadest range of protection in the children's line - recommended for active junior riders competing or riding cross-country. The Kid X6 is a lighter model for the youngest riders — full Esatech System technology in a smaller size, with adjustment for growing figures.
An important feature of the entire line is modularity: the chest plate can be detached from the vest and worn only as back protection - useful during dressage training or competitions where regulations do not require a full vest.
What is the best protective vest for horse riding?
This is the most common question. The honest answer is: it depends on how and where you ride.
For someone training exclusively in the arena, on a calm horse - a well-fitted vest from the higher budget segment can be a starting point. For someone who rides regularly cross-country, works with horses of unknown reactions, or competes - the choice is clear: EN 13158 Level 3 as a minimum, or the EN 1621-2 Level 2 standard used by Zandonà, which practically provides an even higher level of spine protection.
When choosing a vest, it's worth asking three questions. First: how active is my riding and what risks does the environment entail? Second: is the vest ergonomic and comfortable enough that I will wear it regularly - because the best vest is the one you actually wear? Third: is the manufacturer transparent about certification and materials?
Zandonà answers positively to all three. This is why its vests appear in the choices of riders, trainers, and equestrians who are not looking for the cheapest fulfillment of a regulatory requirement, but for real protection for every ride.
If you want to see available models and discuss your choice in person, we invite you to the Equishop Fitting Center at ul. Oświęcimska 9 in Ruda Śląska. You can also browse the Zandonà collection in the Equishop store and equestrian protective vests from various segments - so you can choose consciously.
