Protect your body
Body protectors, back protectors and airbag vests are protective equipment in case of a fall. At Lepona you will find body protectors and protectors for adults and children, airbag vests and accessories such as lanyards and replacement cartridges. Filter by size, product type and brand. Looking for a gilet that mainly keeps you warm or goes with your outfit? You will find those under Riding gilets.
Expertise via video consultation
We bring the expert advice from our store directly to you in the stable or at home. Together with our professionals, find the equipment that really suits you and your horse.
You can book video consultations for riding helmets, riding boots, airbag vests and inhalers.
Which body protector is right for you?
Body protectors are intended to reduce the consequences of a fall; they do not protect against all injuries. What suits you depends on your riding style, terrain, experience and horse. Here you will find an overview of the range. The information on this page is general; the manufacturer's information on the item is always binding.
Types of protection at a glance
- Body protectors: vests with built-in protective padding intended to protect the back and torso. They are available for adults and for children. Some models have hook-and-loop fastenings at the side that allow the vest to be adjusted.
- Back protectors and body protectors: back protectors are designed for the back, body protectors cover larger areas of the upper body.
- Airbag vests: vests with an inflatable airbag. On many models it is triggered mechanically via a lanyard attached to the saddle.
- Covers and accessories: covers for body protectors as well as accessories such as lanyards, saddle attachments and replacement cartridges. There are also vests that can be extended with an airbag system: the vest itself is clothing; whether an airbag is included is stated with the item.
Standard and protection levels
For protectors and body protectors, manufacturers often state the standard EN 13158, sometimes with the addition BETA, and a protection level (level 1 to 3). Airbag systems are assessed according to other testing standards; for one model in the shop, for example, NF S72-800 is stated. Which details apply to a model is stated with the item. A higher level is not automatically the right choice for every use: fit, freedom of movement and intended use also play a role. Additional requirements may apply for shows and events; please check the schedule.
Size and fit
A body protector should fit snugly to your body without restricting you. Take your measurements according to the manufacturer's size chart, ideally while sitting, because the vest should not hit the saddle when you are seated. If you're unsure, try the vest on in the saddle.
Airbag vests: the basic principle
After mounting, an airbag vest is connected to the saddle by a lanyard. In a fall, the lanyard tightens and triggers the mechanism, and gas from a cartridge fills the airbag. After it has been triggered, the cartridge must be replaced before the vest is ready for use again. Make sure you use the cartridge that matches the system; you will find replacement cartridges and lanyards in this category. The triggering is audible. You can test how your horse reacts to it in a safe environment. Care, storage, maintenance and inspection intervals differ for each system. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, including for attaching and detaching the lanyard.
Children and teenagers
The shop has body protectors and airbag vests in children's sizes. Choose the size according to the manufacturer's information, as children's and adult sizes vary from brand to brand.
Brands
Brands in the shop include SWING, Helite, BR, QHP, Sir Lancelot and Freejump. Use the brand filter to find your favourite model faster.
Vest, helmet and visibility
A body protector does not replace a riding helmet. You will find suitable helmets under riding helmets and more visibility under reflective items. Our guide Hacking out safely gives you tips on equipment for hacks.
Body protector or riding gilet?
Riding gilets are clothing: they keep you warm, are part of your outfit or make you visible. They are not protective equipment for falls. You will find a gilet to wear on cool days under riding gilets.
Advice
Not sure about the type of protection or the size? We are happy to advise you by phone or WhatsApp. You can also book a video consultation for airbag vests.
A body protector has protective padding intended to protect the back and torso. A back protector is designed for the back. An airbag vest has an inflatable airbag which, on many models, is triggered via a lanyard attached to the saddle. Which type of protection suits you depends on your riding style and use; if in doubt, our team will advise you.
A body protector is protective equipment in case of a fall. A riding gilet is clothing: it keeps you warm, is part of your outfit or makes you visible, but offers no protection in a fall. Both have their own categories in the shop.
EN 13158 is a European standard for body protectors in equestrian sport. It distinguishes three protection levels (level 1 to 3), which are based on tests. Some products also carry a BETA label. Different testing standards apply to airbag systems. The details of a model are given with the item; the manufacturer's information is binding.
The vest should fit snugly to your body without restricting you. Take your measurements according to the manufacturer's size chart, ideally while sitting, because the vest should not hit the saddle when you are seated. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.
The vest is connected to the saddle by a lanyard. In a fall the lanyard tightens, the mechanism triggers and gas from a cartridge fills the airbag. The cartridge then has to be replaced. Care, maintenance and inspection intervals are set by the manufacturer; please follow their instructions.
Yes, the shop has body protectors and airbag vests in children's sizes. Choose the size according to the manufacturer's size chart. If you have questions about the fit, our team will advise you.