Equestrian airbag vest at competitions: 7 checks before entering the arena

On competition day, you think about the course, studs, bridle and horse’s boots, sometimes everything except the equipment you wear yourself. Yet an airbag vest deserves a quick check before you mount.

Here is a simple seven-point checklist to avoid the most common mistakes without turning your preparation into a technical inspection.

1. Check that you have the right airbag vest and size

It sounds obvious, but competitions often mean packing the night before or moving equipment between lorry, tack room and locker. Check that the vest is yours, that it is the correct size and that it has not been swapped by mistake.

An airbag vest should be neither excessively loose nor compressed. If in doubt, consult the size guide before the competition, not five minutes before walking the course.

2. Visually inspect the vest

Quickly check the fabric, fastenings, mechanism area and connection components. If you notice damage, an unusual part or wear that raises doubts, do not ignore it.

Follow the care instructions and manufacturer’s recommendations rather than improvising a repair.

3. Check cartridge compatibility

A cartridge must match the specified model and size. Capacity alone is not enough to decide that a cartridge “looks like the right one”.

For AXION, sizes XXXS to XS use 50 cc cartridges, and sizes S to XL use 60 cc cartridges. After deployment, follow the resetting procedure in the user guide.

4. Check the saddle attachment

For a mechanical system, the attachment point is essential. It must not be installed randomly on a part of the saddle simply because it is accessible.

Before warming up, check that the attachment is correctly installed and that the tether is neither twisted nor caught in other equipment. Our article explains how to attach an airbag vest correctly to the saddle.

5. Make sure your jacket is compatible

Competition day is not the time to try a new jacket-and-airbag combination without checking the recommendations. Depending on the equipment, the airbag vest is worn over the outermost layer or with a specifically compatible jacket.

Consult the instructions for both items and our article airbag vest under or over a competition jacket: the real rule.

6. Test your freedom of movement before mounting

Move your arms, take a jumping position and check that nothing is caught. A tie, fastening, very thick garment or unfamiliar adjustment can change how things feel.

The aim is not to test deployment, but simply to check that your full outfit is comfortable and correctly fitted.

7. Remember the simplest step: connect yourself

In the stress of setting off, this is sometimes the easiest thing to forget. If your airbag vest is mechanical, develop a consistent sequence: mount, adjust your stirrups, connect yourself, then head to the warm-up.

At the end, reverse the routine and disconnect before dismounting. This avoids the familiar accidental deployment in the parking area.

What about competition rules?

Sporting rules can change and vary by discipline or organiser. Before an important event, always check the federation rules and requirements for your class, as well as your equipment instructions.

The 30-second checklist

• Correct size and vest.
• No visible damage.
• Compatible cartridge and correctly prepared mechanism.
• Correct saddle attachment.
• Compatible jacket.
• Full freedom of movement.
• Connected before setting off.

Thirty seconds is enough to turn these checks into a routine. And a good competition routine leaves more room for what really matters: riding.

For AXION features and instructions, consult the technical specifications and the guides.