How could a riding safety vest protect me from an accident? Interview with Sandra Santi about safety in equestrianism. Horseback riding safety is a topic that's becoming increasingly popular—and rightly so. Sandra, who has loved horses since childhood, shares her story to remind all riders of the crucial importance of a helmet and safety vest. Her experience shows that a moment of inattention can change your entire life, and that proper equipment isn't an afterthought, but the foundation of safe horseback riding. Equishop: How did your adventure with horse riding begin and what did you love most about it? Sandra: My horseback riding adventure began very early – when I was 3 or 4 years old, my parents put me on a horse with an elderly gentleman in the countryside. When I was 6, they signed me up for regular riding lessons. The taller the horse, the more fun it was. What I love most about riding is the warm breath of a horse, the touch of its nostrils, and the incredible trust such a large animal can bestow upon a human. It's a bond unlike any other. Equishop: Was the topic of safety – helmets and vests – important to you at that time? Sandra: I was incredibly lucky because my first instructor was very diligent about ensuring each student wore a riding helmet – back then, there were no riding helmets as we know them today, nor were there any protective vests. Back in the 1990s, she instilled in me that rider safety is paramount, because while we may love horses with all our hearts, they are still living animals whose reactions can be unpredictable. We wrote about the difference between a helmet and a riding hat in an earlier article. Check it out here. Equishop: Can you tell me what the day of your accident was like? Sandra: Honestly, I only remember it in fragments. A week earlier, I'd passed my bronze badges in horse riding and carriage driving. My parents and I decided then that we'd reward ourselves with a new helmet and safety vest. Unfortunately, we didn't make it – the accident happened on Saturday, and we were supposed to go shopping on Monday… Equishop: Have you been putting off buying a vest before? Sandra: Yes, because in 2008, vests weren't yet popular. Riding equipment was difficult to find and expensive, and what was available was often very uncomfortable and restrictive. Today, protective vests are incomparably better – lightweight, fitted, and comfortable, making them truly worth having. Equishop: How has your life changed after the accident? Sandra: It's completely changed. It's times like these that you truly meet true friends. The equestrian community has been incredibly supportive – especially Mr. Wojciech Mickunas, who helped me get an active wheelchair and motivated me. Later, I met Małgosia Morsztyn and had the opportunity to train with Gerd Heuschmann. It wasn't without its difficult moments – two years after the accident, I lost my first beloved horse, which was even more difficult than the accident itself. However, horses continued to be a presence in my life, and eventually, a young horse, PRE, came along, giving me tremendous strength and drawing me back to people. Equishop: What surprised you most about the process of adapting to your new everyday life? Sandra: How few people are aware of the needs and barriers of people with disabilities. I had to learn to be myself all over again – I can't feel anything from the chest down, so I was dependent on others. It was like being born into a new world. But I didn't give up – I still wanted to be with horses, to learn, and to teach others. Equishop: What feelings do you have today when you see riders without a vest and helmet? Sandra: For recreational riding on flat surfaces, a helmet is sufficient, but when I see people jumping without a helmet, I almost close my eyes. People say, "It's my responsibility," but they don't realize that an accident affects the entire family and surroundings. Dreams and plans can be lost in an instant. Equishop: What would you tell yourself before the accident if you could turn back time? Sandra: I can't turn back time. Apparently, it was meant to be this way, so I could educate others about the importance of safety in horse riding. Prevention is better than cure. An accident doesn't have to be the end of the world, but it changes everything—your priorities, dreams, and perspective on life. Equishop: How would you like your story to influence the decisions of other riders? Sandra: I'd like every rider—young or old—to remember that a riding helmet is essential, even for a short ride on a familiar horse. I now have four horses, and everyone who rides them must wear a helmet. That's my iron rule. Equishop: What would you say to someone who keeps putting off buying a vest? Sandra: A protective vest should be in every rider's wardrobe. These days, they're so comfortable that you can wear them without discomfort. Whether it's for jumping, cross-country riding, or young horses, it's always there. It can be the difference between a minor injury and permanent spinal damage. Equishop: Is investing in protection as important as investing in a saddle or training? Sandra: Absolutely. Our safety should be a priority – if something happens to us, who will take care of the horses and the family? A good helmet and vest are essential, even more important than fashionable riding boots or a new collection of riding gear. Everything is easily accessible now; you just have to be willing to use it. Are you already convinced that a helmet and vest are the most important pieces of safe riding equipment? Also check out our article onsafe stirrups. Summary Sandra's story is not only a testament to her strength, but also an important reminder that safe horseback riding begins with proper preparation and protective equipment. A helmet and vest aren't just an accessory—they're an investment in the life and health of every rider.