Zandona

Zandonà – Italian Innovation in Rider Protection

Zandonà is a premium Italian brand that has been revolutionizing the world of protectors and protective equipment for equestrians since 1985, combining the highest safety standards with innovative technologies and Italian design. Founded by Gino Zandonà, a passionate extreme sports enthusiast, the brand quickly became synonymous with advanced protection, comfort, and reliability, offering a comprehensive range of products—from protective vests and back protectors, to leg protectors for horses, and training accessories. At Equishop Store, we provide professional advice and select Zandonà equipment, ensuring every rider and horse receives optimal protection tailored to their needs.

Brand History – From Motocross to Horse Riding

Zandonà was founded in Italy in 1985 as a brand specializing in protective gear for motorcyclists and extreme athletes. Gino Zandonà, the company's founder and a motocross enthusiast himself, noticed a lack of high-quality, comfortable protective gear on the market and set out to change that. His vision was to create products that not only protect but also allow athletes to achieve peak performance without restricting movement.

Success in the world of motorsports and extreme sports led Zandonà to expand its offerings to other disciplines requiring advanced protection. In the 1990s, the brand entered the equestrian market, transferring its knowledge and technologies from motocross to the world of horses. It turned out that the needs of riders—protecting the spine, ribs, and key body parts while maintaining complete freedom of movement—were a perfect fit for Zandonà's expertise.

Today, Zandonà is a global brand present in over 50 countries, whose products are chosen by both amateurs and professionals in various sports, including equestrianism. The brand remains true to its Italian roots – all products are designed and manufactured in Italy, where each piece undergoes rigorous quality control.

Zandonà Protective Vests – Next Generation Safety

Protective vests are Zandonà's flagship product in the equestrian world. Unlike traditional foam vests, Zandonà products incorporate advanced protective technologies derived from motocross, offering significantly higher levels of safety while maintaining lightweight comfort.

Key technologies of Zandonà vests:

• X-Technology – a revolutionary protective system utilizing special plastic panels that are flexible and conform to the body under normal conditions, but which immediately harden upon impact, dispersing the force of impact over a larger area. This technology offers up to 10 times better protection than traditional foam.
• Hybrid Technology – a combination of rigid protective panels with flexible inserts, ensuring maximum protection in key areas (spine, ribs, sternum) while maintaining full freedom of movement in other parts.
• Anatomical Fit – anatomical cut adapted to the natural curves of the body, ensuring that the protectors stay in place even during the most dynamic movements.
• Ventilation System – an advanced ventilation system with air channels and breathable materials, preventing overheating during intense workouts.
• Lightweight Construction – ultra-light construction (vests weigh from 400g to 800g) minimizing the load and fatigue of the rider.
• CE Certification – all vests are CE certified in accordance with European standards for sports protectors.

Zandonà Leg Protectors for Horses – Italian Quality

In addition to protectors for riders, Zandonà also offers advanced leg protectors for horses, using the same technologies as products for humans.

Carbon Air – Carbon Technology:

• Revolutionary protectors with carbon fiber inserts
• Exceptional durability with minimal weight (approximately 200g per pair)
• Excellent shock and vibration absorption
• Ventilation System – perforated panels ensuring air circulation and preventing overheating of the tendons
• Anatomical shape adapted to the horse's leg
• Perfect for show jumping, eventing and intense training
• Available for front and rear legs

Carbon Air Sensitive – For Sensitive Horses:

• Carbon Air version with additional soft neoprene lining
• Perfect for horses with sensitive skin or those with injuries
• Prevents abrasions and irritations
• Same protection as standard Carbon Air

Flexion – Flexibility and Protection:

• Protectors made of flexible composite materials
• They perfectly adapt to the movement of the horse's leg
• Lighter than Carbon Air, perfect for training
• Available in various colors
• Easy to clean and maintain

Superior – Versatile Protectors:

• Classic hard shell protectors
• Excellent protection/price ratio
• Durable and reliable
• Perfect for amateur riders
• Available in basic colors

Zandonà Protective Technologies

For riders:

• X-Technology – panels that harden upon impact
• Crash Absorb – a special foam that absorbs impact energy
• Ergonomic Design – anatomical cut ensuring comfort and effective protection
• Adjustable Fit – Adjustable straps and fit systems
• Breathable Materials – breathable fabrics and ventilation meshes
• Washable Components – removable and washable internal components

For horses:

• Carbon Fiber Technology – carbon fiber for maximum strength with minimum weight
• Ventilated Design – perforated panels prevent tendons from overheating
• Anatomical Shape – a shape adapted to the anatomy of the horse's leg
• Gel-Tech Padding – gel inserts for additional cushioning
• Quick-Release Closures – quick-release closure systems
• Durable Materials – materials resistant to abrasion and weather conditions

Certifications and Safety Standards

All Zandonà products undergo rigorous testing and are certified by the most important safety organizations:

Protective vests for riders:

• CE EN 1621-2 – European standard for spine protectors
• CE EN 14021 – standard for sports protectors
• Level 1 and Level 2 – different levels of protection depending on the model
• Crash tests – simulations of falls from various heights and angles
• Strength tests – multiple impacts and loads

Horse boots:

• Impact and abrasion resistance tests
• Extreme temperature testing
• Material certifications for carbon fiber and composites
• Safety tests of fasteners and locking systems

Sizes and Fit

Correct fit of protectors is crucial to ensure optimal protection and comfort.

Riders' vests - sizes:

• Children's sizes – XS, S, M (height 120-160 cm)
• Women's sizes – XS, S, M, L, XL (chest circumference 75-100 cm)
• Men's sizes – S, M, L, XL, XXL (chest circumference 85-115 cm)
• Adjustment system – side and shoulder straps for precise fit

Horse boots – sizes:

• Pony – for ponies and small horses
• Cob – for medium-sized horses
• Full – for large horses
• Extra Full – for very large horses (cold-blooded breeds)

How to choose the correct size of boots for your horse:

• Measure the circumference of the horse's leg at the widest point (below the knee/hock)
• Measure the length from the knee/hoof to the hoof
• The protector should cover the entire length of the tendon.
• It should not press or move during movement.
• The fasteners should be tight but still allow for a finger to be inserted

Care and Maintenance of Zandonà Products

Proper care of Zandonà products ensures their longevity and preservation of their protective properties.

Protective vests for riders:

• Exterior cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap
• Removing and washing the inner liners according to the instructions
• Avoid washing the entire vest in the washing machine (may damage the protective panels)
• Dry at room temperature, away from direct heat sources
• Regularly check the condition of straps, fasteners and protective panels
• Store in a dry place, preferably on a hanger
• Replacement after a serious fall or accident

Horse boots:

• Clean after each use with a damp cloth
• Removing mud, sand, and sweat that can damage materials
• Washing neoprene linings in lukewarm water with a mild detergent
• Cleaning carbon panels with specialized products
• Checking fasteners and Velcro before each use
• Dry in a well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight.
• Storage in protective bags

Zandonà in Horsemanship

Zandonà products are chosen by top athletes worldwide in various sports, including equestrianism. Zandonà vests are worn by eventing, show jumping, and trail riding competitors in the world's most important arenas.

The brand is also present in motocross, mountain biking, skiing, and other extreme sports, demonstrating the versatility and effectiveness of its protective technologies. The experience gained in these demanding disciplines translates directly into the quality of its equestrian products.

Innovation and Development

Zandonà continually invests in research and development, collaborating with universities, research centers and professional athletes to develop new protective technologies.

Latest innovations:

• Smart Protection – research on intelligent materials that respond to impact forces
• Eco-Friendly Materials – development of ecological protective materials
• 3D Scanning Technology – using 3D scanning to design perfectly fitting protectors
• Lightweight Composites – new composites offering even better protection at a lower weight

Why Choose Zandona?

• Advanced protective technologies – solutions known from motocross and extreme sports
• Italian quality and design – precise workmanship, elegance and functionality
• High level of protection – CE certification and testing that exceeds standards
• Lightness and comfort – ultra-light constructions that do not restrict movement
• Innovation – continuous development and introduction of groundbreaking solutions
• Versatility – products for riders and horses of all disciplines and levels
• Durability – high-quality materials ensure long life
• Interdisciplinary experience – knowledge from various extreme sports
• International certifications – worldwide recognition
• A comprehensive range – from rider protectors to horse protectors

Zandonà at Equishop – Your Partner in Safety

At Equishop, we're proud to offer the full range of Zandonà products—from advanced protective vests for riders to innovative leg protectors for horses. As an authorized Zandonà dealer, we provide not only top-quality products but also professional advice and support every step of the way—from selection and fitting to care and maintenance.

Our team will help you choose the right level of protection for your discipline and skill level. For eventing and showjumping competitors, we recommend vests with the highest level of protection, while for dressage and recreational riders, we recommend lighter models that provide comfort while maintaining safety. We will select protectors for your horse that are appropriate for the intensity of training and the sensitivity of their legs.

Safety in equestrianism isn't a compromise—it's an investment in your health and the health of your horse. Zandonà protective vests can prevent serious spinal and rib injuries, while Carbon Air protectors protect your horse's valuable tendons from damage. Technologies known from motocross and extreme sports, transferred to the world of equestrianism, offer a level of protection unavailable in traditional products.

Discover Zandonà products at Equishop—from advanced protective vests with X-Technology, to revolutionary Carbon Air horse boots, to a comprehensive range of protective accessories. Each item is a fusion of Italian innovation, advanced technology, and a passion for excellence. Join the thousands of riders worldwide who trust Zandonà and Equishop Store for their safety.

Invest in your and your horse's safety – visit Equishop and discover the full Zandonà offer!