Your Horse review
Your Horse rating
YH tester says:
The concept of this product is an excellent one and, since I’ve been testing it, I’ve not been cross-country without it. I’ve been fortunate enough not to have fallen off while wearing it, but a few other riders I know have been less fortunate and spoken highly of the additional protection the jacket offers. They’re all certain the jacket prevented bruising and potential broken bones.
I have, however, accidently jumped off my horse forgetting to unclip the fastening from the saddle and found myself inflated! You have to get into the habit of unclipping it before you dismount. Correct fitting is vital, the jacket will feel tight when it inflates but it’s not uncomfortable. Once the jacket has inflated you do need to replace the gas cylinder, which is quick and easy to do. Once the jacket has inflated to cushion your fall, it quickly deflates.
Initially I thought the cord that attaches the jacket to the front of the saddle would get in the way, but I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t notice it all, even when riding cross-country. The jacket is very light and not restrictive, so you hardly know you’re wearing it. It doesn’t look stylish, but maybe in the future it will be available in your cross-country colours.
I found this jacket to be excellent and, although expensive, it’s good value for money. I would advise anyone to wear one as the inflatable jacket can only help to prevent potentially more serious injuries in a fall.