Crash test dummies?
June 3, 2013 9:46 AM Subscribe
My wife and I will shortly have the opportunity to begin horseback riding on a regular basis. This will be country / trail riding. Although we both know how to ride (on an intermediate level), she is very safety minded, and also likes to 'accessorize' her hobbies. So, we are looking at horse riding crash vests. I'm looking for recommendations as to particular styles, fitting peculiarities, durability, etc. We are not looking to buy those fancy airbag kinds like the Olympic riders use! For reference, I'm about 5' 1", and 105 pounds, and she's about 5'4" and 125ish. Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom!
Best answer: There are advantages and disadvantages to the various brands/models. Here are the things I would suggest:
1. The Tipperary articulated model is probably one of the more comfortable, if not the most comfortable, design, and it's been popular among eventers for decades. It is less puncture/impalement resistant than the major solid-panel designs, which is why you may read about it being "uncertified." Some people may not be all that concerned about puncture resistance, but I think there's a genuine risk of getting impaled by a tree branch when things go pear-shaped out on the trail.
2. That said, a possibly less safe, more comfortable vest affords more protection that a safer, more uncomfortable vest that you leave at home when its too hot to wear in the middle of the summer. Tipperary also has a larger range of sizes than some other brands (down to adult XXS) and that may be especially significant in your case. They also have more colors available, including light hues like pale blue and white.
3. I would steer clear of the cheaper end ($150 or less) of the price range: Intec, Tuff-1, etc. I have a friend who's got an Intec, which looks similar to a Tipperary but at half the price, and she's had problems with zipper failure (and I've heard of other people having the same problem). A half-price vest is no bargain if you have to replace it after a year or two. When comparing low-end and middle-priced alternatives for just about anything horse related, you get what you pay for. A $400 bridle may not be 4x as good as a $100 bridle, but trust me, a $100 bridle is definitely twice as good as a $50 bridle.
4. If at all possible, you should try on vests for fit, especially since you are pretty edge-case for adult sizes. Dover Saddlery in Charlottesville should have a pretty good selection in stock.
posted by drlith at 11:02 AM on June 3, 2013 [1 favorite]
1. The Tipperary articulated model is probably one of the more comfortable, if not the most comfortable, design, and it's been popular among eventers for decades. It is less puncture/impalement resistant than the major solid-panel designs, which is why you may read about it being "uncertified." Some people may not be all that concerned about puncture resistance, but I think there's a genuine risk of getting impaled by a tree branch when things go pear-shaped out on the trail.
2. That said, a possibly less safe, more comfortable vest affords more protection that a safer, more uncomfortable vest that you leave at home when its too hot to wear in the middle of the summer. Tipperary also has a larger range of sizes than some other brands (down to adult XXS) and that may be especially significant in your case. They also have more colors available, including light hues like pale blue and white.
3. I would steer clear of the cheaper end ($150 or less) of the price range: Intec, Tuff-1, etc. I have a friend who's got an Intec, which looks similar to a Tipperary but at half the price, and she's had problems with zipper failure (and I've heard of other people having the same problem). A half-price vest is no bargain if you have to replace it after a year or two. When comparing low-end and middle-priced alternatives for just about anything horse related, you get what you pay for. A $400 bridle may not be 4x as good as a $100 bridle, but trust me, a $100 bridle is definitely twice as good as a $50 bridle.
4. If at all possible, you should try on vests for fit, especially since you are pretty edge-case for adult sizes. Dover Saddlery in Charlottesville should have a pretty good selection in stock.
posted by drlith at 11:02 AM on June 3, 2013 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thank you Dolley, for the site recommendation - we will be signing up for that!
And thanks for the vest info, drlith, we had been looking at the Tipp. articulated model, so it was nice to have that input. We have a 'day trip' planned for about two weeks hence, to visit Dover in C'ville to try on vests, for exactly the reason you noted in your answer!
I'm gonna leave this open a bit longer in case other mefites have things to add.
posted by PlantGoddess at 5:16 PM on June 3, 2013
And thanks for the vest info, drlith, we had been looking at the Tipp. articulated model, so it was nice to have that input. We have a 'day trip' planned for about two weeks hence, to visit Dover in C'ville to try on vests, for exactly the reason you noted in your answer!
I'm gonna leave this open a bit longer in case other mefites have things to add.
posted by PlantGoddess at 5:16 PM on June 3, 2013
I have used a couple of vests and the Tipperary is definitely my favorite; I've found it to be the most comfortable (admittedly I've never tried one of the REALLY expensive ones) and felt very protected in it. And yes, just as with a helmet, go and try on: it's not going to work if it doesn't fit properly!
posted by OolooKitty at 5:36 PM on June 3, 2013
posted by OolooKitty at 5:36 PM on June 3, 2013
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I'm going to suggest that you register at The Chronicle of the Horse web site
http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/forum.php
Go to the Eventing forum, and ask your question there. People who participate in Eventing (used to be called Combined Training) wear these vests and will be able to advise you regarding styles, fit, durability, etc.
posted by Dolley at 10:01 AM on June 3, 2013 [1 favorite]