Customer testimonials
20.10.2025
Crash at a gallop - and the Hit-Air waistcoat saved me
On Monday, I was cantering with my mare on the oval track when she suddenly wanted to turn right - into a path that was cordoned off with a tape. At the last moment, my horse braked hard on the bend and I fell off my horse at high speed, spun in the air and landed on my back on a mixture of sand and gravel.
Thanks to my Hit-Air waistcoat (Cross-Air), I was completely uninjured. No bruising, no concussion - although my back, spine or head could have been seriously injured in this fall. The waistcoat deployed in milliseconds, separated cleanly from the saddle and was already inflated when I hit the ground. It felt like I was falling onto a pillow.
Despite the impact, I was able to stand up again immediately. The gas volume was perfectly balanced: firm and protective, but not restrictive - I could breathe normally. The air slowly deflated afterwards and I was simply relieved and impressed.
I am incredibly grateful that I wore the waistcoat! Without it, this fall could have had a very different outcome. One thing is certain for me: this investment is worth it!
Best regards and thanks again for the great waistcoat!
Nina L.
06.12.2024
Hello Team Hit Air!
We have been using the Hit-Air waistcoat for many years in cross-country, jumping, lessons and young horse training and it works great! The freedom of movement is maintained, nothing disturbs or restricts. Thanks to the loop, we can quickly convert the release cable and use the waistcoat on different saddles. You feel well secured in the event of a fall. The bang has not frightened our horses so far. Super waistcoat, super support and super satisfied!
Best regards,
Mareile S.
02.12.2024
Good morning,
Yesterday, her vest protected me very well. My horse's front legs slipped and he fell. I landed sideways on the tarmac, actually very hard, but as the waistcoat deployed very quickly, it was like landing on a plump air mattress. My horse had bruised legs and I only had a bruise on my hand. Without the waistcoat I would certainly have had more. Thank you!
Yours sincerely
Iris E.
13.07.2024
Hello Team Hit-Air,
I've had the waistcoat for a year now and today the worst thing ever happened: my mare tripped and rolled over...and me too. The waistcoat triggered immediately and I landed softly (it felt like I was doing somersaults in gym class). Nothing happened to me at all - thank goodness nothing happened to the horse either, but that had nothing to do with the waistcoat😉
Kind regards,
Irmela G.
10.06.2024
Hello Hit Air,
On Saturday, I fell off my horse, which suddenly bucked for some unknown reason. Fortunately, I was wearing my airbag waistcoat and a riding helmet. The emergency doctor was very pleased that the protective equipment was of such high quality, as he said it would have "saved my neck". I am glad that I decided to buy the waistcoat and will be ordering it again as mine unfortunately had to be cut open by the emergency team and therefore cannot be reactivated. many thanks and best wishes,
C. Meyer
20.03.2024
Dear Hit-Air team,
I am sending you my airbag waistcoat for inspection. Yesterday it did me an incredibly valuable service. I am very impressed with what the jacket can do and what it has saved me in terms of pain and injury.
I won't ride again without them!
Please check it through and fit me with a new cartridge so that everything works safely. So that I NEVER need it again😉
Now I know that it also works if you fall off an Isi.
Many thanks and best wishes,
Natalie A.
15.01.2024
Hello Team Hit Air,
Yesterday I fell off my new horse for the first time. Another horse had kicked out at full speed after mine. My horse swerved and I fell into 15 cm of snow. The waistcoat worked really well. It was almost fun to land so softly. My concern that the distance from my little mare to the ground might be too short was not confirmed. I will feel very safe riding in the future.
Best regards,
Patricia O.
21.12.2023
Hello,
Thank you very much for the good advice.
The waistcoat is great👍
Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year
Kind regards,
Barbara F.
30.08.2023
Hello Team Hit Air,
Here is a short report of my riding accident:
During the morning ride on Sunday 22/08/2013, I was galloping relaxed with my young mare at the edge of the forest when she suddenly jumped violently out of exuberance and joie de vivre - it felt like a rodeo horse🤠- which I could no longer sit out....
I fell off the horse in a high arc and felt the waistcoat release as I fell. I landed relatively gently on the ground. The airbag waistcoat inflated immediately and perfectly and definitely saved me from serious consequences. I am sure that I would have broken my shoulder without the protection of the waistcoat. My horse was just as scared as I was😊, but thanks to the waistcoat, everything turned out fine. I am delighted with the Hit Air riding waistcoat and am always happy to recommend it as an important investment in safety!
Kind regards from Annette and Enamorada
25.08.2023
Hello dear Hit-Air team,
I don't normally write reviews, but this time I really feel the need to say thank you for this great product.
I've owned my waistcoat for 4 years now, I bought it for my young horse at the Horse and Hunting Fair. I no longer ride without a waistcoat. The Hit Air is great. It's nice and airy, so you can also wear it in summer.
So far I've managed to avoid falling. But two days ago I got caught out. My horse stormed off, had to/wanted to swerve because of a hill and then bucked. It threw me out of the saddle. I had no chance of sitting up somehow. During the fall, I was still thinking, please let the waistcoat open. It opened. 😊 I then crashed hard into the hill. My head was also a bit funny and my neck a bit twisted. I got up and was able to get back on. I already have a small bruise. But I'm sure I wouldn't be writing today if I hadn't had the waistcoat, as my neck was also overstretched somehow. I'm sure that the neck cushion prevented worse. So thank you very much for this lifesaver.
And I also recommend the HitAir waistcoats to everyone I speak to. It really is one of the best investments you can make as a rider.
The help afterwards, when I had a question about further use, was also answered immediately and competently. My visit to the next Pferd und Jagd is planned and there will be another new waistcoat (a different colour) and my current one will be my back-up. Waistcoat😊
So thank you very much from Hamburg
Best regards
Nicole S.
20.08.2023
In the spring of 2022, I had a serious riding accident off-road, a cervical vertebra, four thoracic vertebrae and my ankle were broken, and during further examinations it was discovered that I suffer from advanced osteoporosis. These are obviously not good conditions for riding. But it was clear to me that I didn't want to give up riding. And that's why I bought the HIT-AIR waistcoat at Equitana 2023 in Essen. Thank you very much for the great advice. Last Monday, my horse ran off from the riding arena and bucked me down in a high arc on hard terrain. I must have hit the ground very hard, according to those present. Unfortunately, I don't remember the accident. I was taken to hospital in an ambulance. I slowly regained consciousness during the journey. The waistcoat worked perfectly and I didn't suffer any injuries (apart from a slight concussion). I am so glad I bought the waistcoat. It is very comfortable to wear and now I know that it will reliably protect me in the event of a riding accident. I don't want to know what would have happened to me without the waistcoat.
Best regards,
Bettina Q.
04.04.2023
Hello to the Hit-Air Westen team,
As I've already had a serious riding accident, my husband gave me this waistcoat as a present for my young horse. My pony is actually super well-behaved, but unfortunately I've now sailed off my pony twice in the space of 6 weeks - he's probably just in his teenage years... BOTH TIMES I was wearing my airbag waistcoat - as always - and BOTH TIMES absolutely nothing happened to me!!! It pops briefly and you roll off the horse so nicely, it's fantastic!
This waistcoat is not cheap, but my health is priceless. That's why I've often recommended it to other riders, because even if you don't need it, it simply gives me more security because I know that much less can happen to me if things do get dicey ... so a clear recommendation from me!
Yours sincerely,
Susanne Wittenzellner
16.03.2023
Hello,
Today I would also like to express my enthusiasm:
After a very serious riding accident, I was unable to get back on my pony for 2 years. By chance, I heard about the HIT-AIR airbag waistcoat for riders. I bought it because I saw it as a way of finally getting over myself and fulfilling my heart's desire to ride again! With the help of the waistcoat, I was able to enjoy beautiful cross-country rides with my pony again.
A certain residual uncertainty remained, as I didn't know what it would be like in the event of a serious fall.
The other day we were out with our ponies at the edge of the forest. Suddenly several ducks flew up from a small pond. My pony was naturally very frightened and made a huge leap at right angles so that I flew down in a high arc. And it only made a soft "Pfffftt" and I rolled on the ground next to my pony like in an exercise ball. I didn't hurt myself at all, but I laughed a lot. My girlfriend's heart stopped, because she knew the whole drama of my long-lasting fears and thought it was all going to start all over again. I had to reassure HER!!! :o)
It's good that this happened to me! Now I feel really safe and can tackle my next goal full of confidence: riding out on my own!
I can only warmly recommend the HIT-AIR waistcoat to every rider. It is worth every cent!
I would also like to mention that I received incredibly friendly and courteous service on the phone and that a "little problem" with the replacement cartridge was promptly resolved!
Best regards,
Monika H.
11.03.2023
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your waistcoat protected me perfectly when I fell off my horse. I can only recommend it to others.
Thank you for everything.
Kind regards,
Noemi
08.01.2023
I love the waistcoat! Not only is it extremely comfortable, it also provides excellent protection! I've already crashed twice and the last time I really hit my back. My cap was broken and my neck was really well cushioned by the airbag. Never again without it! I always ride dressage with a waistcoat, you don't even notice it when riding. A clear recommendation to buy! You can clip in right before you mount and you're already secured!
Kind regards,
Nicole H.
14.12.2022
Hello, I've had the waistcoat for a few years now, but hadn't used it until yesterday. During the flight I was afraid that it might not work due to age. But it triggered perfectly and very probably saved me from a severe back injury, nothing happened except a large bruise and I hit my back on a higher stone edge. I am so glad that I have this great jacket.
Christiane S.
25.10.2022
I ordered this waistcoat last week and thought long and hard beforehand about whether it was necessary or not and then, fortunately, decided in favour of it. Although my Icelandic horse is a safe cross-country horse, I fell yesterday at dusk when a dog suddenly jumped out of the bushes. As I was in a light seat, I did a somersault off the horse at full gallop. My helmet was torn, but thanks to the airbag waistcoat I didn't have a single scratch on my body. Many thanks to the developers of this great waistcoat, I will never ride without it again.
Anke L.
05.10.2022
Super waistcoat, unfortunately the waistcoat has already had to do its job twice, but each time it has protected me from worse injuries. Many thanks to the developers of this waistcoat. Every detail has been thought of here. Above all, the service is also top. The waistcoat is repaired flawlessly after being released.
Christina D.
I've been wearing this waistcoat for many years and I just have to give it a big thumbs up. The wearing comfort is really great because it is so light and airy, I quickly got used to wearing it all the time. After a fall in the field, where the waistcoat had been triggered, I was able to get up immediately and pick up my horse, which had made off. It's a pleasant feeling to be surrounded by the airbag when you fall. I didn't suffer any injuries as a result. I also contacted them because I had lost part of the connection cable, and a day later I had a free replacement in the post. Sending it in for checking was also quick and straightforward. I am still very happy with this investment!
Kind regards,
Mona H.
Super fast delivery. Ordered straight after the last accident and can now be used for the first time after recovery. Good fit (large size) and comfortable to wear. Now I feel safe and can ride out again without any worries, hoping I'll never need the waistcoat. Thank you! If I actually use it, I'll write an extra report.
We promise.
Best regards, Jutta S.
Hello dear Hit-Air team,
Here is a super, positive message about the patience of your wonderfully empathetic employee Mrs Ma...?
I am sooo bad with my name memory, sorry.
In any case, she helped me perfectly and so patiently with the removal (for washing) and reassembly of my safety Hit-Air waistcoat.
That has to be said:-))
I get back on my horse safely and "cleanly".
Best regards, thank you again and... stay healthy
Your
Yvonne K.
I am totally thrilled. The customer service is unrivalled, I received immediate answers to my questions. I am absolutely satisfied with the Hit Air airbag waistcoat. The waistcoat has already been used successfully several times and has saved me from serious injuries.
Many thanks to the team!
Best wishes and have a wonderful pre-Christmas period.
Manuela M.
Dear Hit-Air team,
Yesterday I unexpectedly found myself in the situation of having to try out your vest in practice, and I am more than impressed.
Several tractors spooked my horse, and while bucking and spinning I fell off. The vest deployed, and I landed so softly on my back that I hardly noticed the fall at all. Without this vest, I probably would have had to endure weeks of painful bruising again, but this time I didn’t suffer any injuries at all.
Many thanks for this great vest that provides perfect protection and is also comfortable to wear, without making me sweat or feel constricted.
I will definitely recommend the Hit-Air.
Best regards from Hamburg,
Annett H.
10.06.2021
Dear Hit Air Team!
This waistcoat is my lifesaver. I have a young horse that has a lot of momentum. It has already thrown me twice. The waistcoat was triggered in milliseconds.
Finally, I was catapulted out of the saddle with enormous force. Without the waistcoat, I would certainly have broken my neck. It's really comfortable to wear.
Best regards,
Birgit M.
28.04.2021
Hello,
Yesterday I had a brilliant exit from my young mare. She bucked and put her head between her legs in such a way that I landed vertically head first on the ground above her. The airbag worked and REALLY saved me from what would probably have been a much worse fall. I only have one black eye (so I actually got away with that).
As I have to continue riding the horse, I am absolutely dependent on the protection!
Yours sincerely, Anne H.
09.11.2020
I sent my vest on Tuesday and received it back checked the following Monday. The inspection showed no defects, so no further contact was necessary. The price for the check, at 35 euros including the cartridge, is very fair! Thank you for that. I also ordered a replacement plug right away, since the return postage was already included in the 35 euros.
Best regards,
Beate K.
20.10.2020
Hello ,
I have one of their first MC waistcoats and have now had 2 falls with it on. This time I was more than happy to wear it as my pony was lying across my torso and the waistcoat was fully inflated. So I was lying with the whole waistcoat on my back under the pony weighing about 400kg..without the waistcoat I would probably have had to go to hospital. So I got up and was able to continue riding. Of course with bruises and everything that goes with it.
Thank you
08.09.2020
Hello and good morning,
After much research on different vests, my husband gave me your airbag vest as a gift. A very sensible investment. During a riding course in Warendorf – my horse was jumping solid cross-country obstacles for the first time – I performed an unplanned aerial acrobatic maneuver, which happened to be caught on video. Although I landed flat on my back and pelvis after a stretched somersault from a great height, I sustained no injuries at all and was able to continue the course without interruption. In particular, the unfolding coccyx/pelvic cushion seems to have provided valuable protection here…
Many thanks.
Show more customer opinions
20.04.2020
Dear Hitair team,
Her waistcoat is sensational. Because of Corona, we are only allowed to ride out at the moment and I had a bad fall from my heavy warmblood. The waistcoat saved me from worse. Thank you very much for that. As a 50+ rider weighing 100kg, I only bruised my shoulder thanks to the waistcoat.
MfG
Claudia
06.04.2020
We went with our young new horse to a
Cross-country ride on the way. We usually only tighten the girth after a walking phase. This is completely normal for us and we think nothing more of it. For the new horse, however, this everyday situation was probably a danger and it started bucking after I had put my leg in front of the knee rolls. I couldn't sit this out and fell off the horse. The "HitAir Cross Country" that I was wearing was attached to the saddle girth with the release cord and released within milliseconds. Even before I was on the ground, the pleasure pads were full to bursting and I fell as if onto an air mattress. Luckily, the horse didn't run away and after a little volte face, it "rejoined" us. I took off the bulging waistcoat and took care of the "runaway". Once everything was safe again, we walked home and within 5 minutes had the waistcoat "put back together" and "armed" with a new cartridge. The following ride was sturtz-free.
Especially with a young horse, I can only recommend the vest. It doesn’t restrict you, allows good freedom of movement, and, when used correctly, provides reliable protection.
We are hunt riders, and I have already seen many falls that turned out lightly thanks to the airbag vest.
Best regards
Karsten K.
30.09.2019
Jonathan and Jakari have been a new jumping team for eight weeks now. The waistcoat has already served us very well twice during our weekly lessons.
The first time, a refusal resulted in a fall, the waistcoat literally came off and was already fully unfolded when Jonathan hit his back on the wooden poles. There was shock in the arena, but Jonathan got up without any injuries and was able to continue riding without any problems.
One week later, another obstacle. Another fall, but this time with the rider flying over the obstacle. Once again, the waistcoat had been a real trigger. Thanks to the vest and the way it rolled on landing, Jonathan was able to mount again without injury and continue riding.
Conclusion: riders without injuries, spectators and show jumping instructors delighted with the waistcoat (Jonathan and us too, of course). And it's not just the organiser of the jumping training session who is now also considering purchasing a Hit Air airbag waistcoat.
06.05.2019
Hello!
I just wanted to let you know that the HitAir riding waistcoat worked great again! I've now had my second fall with the airbag waistcoat off my horse and landed on my back. The waistcoat was fully inflated before hitting the ground and absorbed the impact very well! I have no injuries to my stomach, neck or back! Only my leg landed on the fence and I now have bruises and torn muscle fibres.
If I hadn't worn the waistcoat, it would certainly have turned out worse!
THANK YOU!
New cartridge has already been ordered 😉
VG
03.05.2019
Dear Hit-Air team,
Thank you very much for your excellent products. Thanks to the waistcoat, I survived a heavy fall at the weekend without any injuries. In the picture: Horse and rider 20 minutes after the fall, after the mare had a good romp in a large field....
With kind regards
S. Leinkauf
24.04.2019
Dear Hit-Air team,
a few years ago I bought two Hit-Air waistcoats (one for summer and one for winter) after two falls with (fortunately only painful bruises).
The other day I "tried it out" - my filly cantered slightly downhill, got faster and faster and I was worried about making the next left-hand bend. As she didn't want to slow down, I shouted "stop" and she did - ABS switched on and I was down. Thanks to the airbag waistcoat, I landed cosy and soft.
My horse just looked a bit surprised because I was so wide at short notice... I'm thrilled!
Kind regards,
Inge S.
19.04.2019
I've owned my waistcoat for about three years now and I'm really glad that I wear it all the time on the horse.
Last weekend I had an unpleasant experience off-road.
We rode with eight experienced riders in an unfamiliar terrain that was specially designed for riders.
I had my five-year-old Hanoverian gelding with me this weekend.
We had to ride up a slightly steeper slope. I was the third to ride up when my young horse suddenly went up, tipped sideways and put me down, galloped over me and down the slope. I was glad to have carried my lifesaver. There was also a doctor in our group who was so enthusiastic about my waistcoat that he ordered one for you in his hotel room on Saturday evening and said it would be interesting for his wife too. Highly recommended 👍👍👍👍
Kind regards,
N. Leske
23.10.2018
Hello Hit Air Team!
I took part in a drag hunt (i.e. a group ride at a gallop behind a pack of dogs) where the pace was very fast. My mare, who is normally relatively reserved, galloped very quickly in the second group in first place. The canter was downhill, which is quite a challenge. On top of that, I didn't want to jump over a ditch like the first group, but had to take the path further to the left. This irritated my mare and she lost her balance a little and I lost my balance on her. I fell forwards onto the mare's neck, her legs slipped backwards on the horse and that was the signal for her to canter even faster.
As I couldn't stand up and certainly couldn't hold on, I flew off the horse to the left at full gallop. There was a relatively quiet whistling sound and that calmed me down as I flew, because I knew my waistcoat would inflate. As expected, it did. I listened to myself briefly, checked my body sensation, felt no pain and realised that I could move freely. I only had a small scratch on my forehead because my glasses frame had broken and a sprained, or rather, strained right ankle - however that could have happened - there was no waistcoat.
Even afterwards, I had no complaints in the spinal area and, above all, no serious injuries.
The fall was violent and could have been really bad. I'm really glad I wore the waistcoat and trusted in it. And rightly so!
Thank you so much for this brilliant waistcoat! I will never ride without it again, whether at a race gallop or on a relaxed walk.
Many warm greetings
Annette Rommel
05.01.2018
Dear Hit-Air Team,
my daughter got her stirrup caught on a tree while riding along a deep reservoir on a narrow path and fell from her horse down the steep slope into the reservoir, hitting her head against another tree so hard that she fainted in the water about 2 metres deep. The height of the fall from the path to the surface of the water was about 10 metres at an angle of 50°, according to my assessment of the accident site, but fortunately the waistcoat triggered reliably and protected the spine well in the event of further collisions with the trees in the back area during the fall. In addition, the waistcoat functioned like a kind of life jacket so that my daughter, who was still unconscious at the moment she plunged into the water at a depth of about 2 metres, immediately resurfaced.she can't remember it herself, only a heavy blow to the head, from which I conclude that she was unconscious.I don't know how she got out again, she was travelling alone and was probably in shock.Luckily she was not far from the stable so she came back on foot completely soaked from the fall into the lake. thanks to the waistcoat she did not drown in the lake as it actually worked like a life jacket in this case and kept my daughter afloat until the end of her fainting. many thanks at this point to you as the manufacturer of this super waistcoat!!! It saved my daughter's life!
Yours sincerely,
Michael L.
09.11.2017
Dear Hit Air Team,
Last weekend I learnt how important good upper body protection can be in the event of a riding accident. Through no fault of my own, my horse suddenly bolted and I fell off while galloping across country. Fortunately, I was wearing a helmet and the Hit Air CrossCountry waistcoat. The fall was pretty bad, I was unconscious for a short time and was hospitalised. Fortunately, I only suffered a fracture to my sacrum. The doctors at the hospital praised me highly for using the waistcoat; according to them, the fall would not have ended so lightly. I am so glad that the waistcoat saved me from worse. The waistcoat is also comfortable to wear on a daily basis, even in summer I don't sweat any more or less with it on. Thanks to the adjustment, I can also wear it over my winter jacket in winter without any problems. Unfortunately, I have often been ridiculed in the past for wearing a protective waistcoat. Questions like: "Is your horse a walker?" "Or are you scared when riding?" are unfortunately still the order of the day. I can only recommend all riders to use an airbag waistcoat, even if you are often ridiculed for it by others. In the event of a fall, we can keep our smile! We must never forget that a horse is not a machine and, as I realised myself with my actually totally calm horse, situations can arise in which horses are just flight animals.
Many thanks also to the Hit Air team for the very friendly telephone service, both during the purchase consultation and now when discussing how I can have the waistcoat checked and cleaned. I am delighted with so much friendliness and good service! I can recommend you 100%!
Greetings from Oppenheim
Claudia Hein
31.07.2017
Dear Hit-Air team,
I have been riding for many years and 4 years ago I bought a gelding that was 3.5 years old at the time and had already been broken in. Our first attempt at riding at the new stable ended with a lot of bruises for me. My young horse bucked me off and my riding instructor, who had to witness the whole thing, advised me to buy an airbag riding waistcoat from Hit-Air. I then decided in favour of the MC Plus. I always wear it! Regardless of whether we're in the riding arena or out in the field. In the meantime, I have "tested" this airbag function twice and have been spared bruises and even worse injuries. I'm glad I have this waistcoat! Incidentally, my riding instructor has also bought an airbag riding waistcoat, which she mainly uses for cross-country riding.
Best regards
Angela Rauschmeier
29.03.2017
I'm Yvonne Brüggemann, 19 years old and I started training as an equestrian in September 2016. I have ridden eventing with my own horses before and have owned the "Cross Country" airbag waistcoat for four years. I used the protection of my waistcoat for the first time recently. We were training with the horses outside in the terrain. The task was to jump up a jump, then continue over a pig's back and then canter into the water after two canter jumps. That was the plan. Unfortunately, shortly after the pig's back, my horse decided not to canter straight into the water, but to turn right and then canter into the water, as my mare didn't want to go through the undergrowth. Unfortunately, I wasn't prepared for the quick turn and then opened the swimming season for 2017 with my fall into the water. The waistcoat was therefore also a life jacket. Thanks to the waistcoat, nothing happened to me and I had to laugh at myself and the situation. As a real rider should, I took off the airbag waistcoat and rode the same route again straight away and was better prepared. After that, I quickly changed my clothes. I'm glad that I have the airbag waistcoat and that I can always rely on it.
14.03.2016
My name is Laura Nicolaisen, I am 21 years old and come from North Friesland. I have been riding in my spare time since I was a child. I was lucky enough to grow up with my own ponies and horses, so I spent all my free time with my horses.
I was always comfortable in the saddle until I was looking for a new horse for myself in 2013 when I fell off a horse during a test ride and suffered a fracture to my lumbar vertebra. The horse went off and I unfortunately landed very unhappily. Afterwards, I had to deal with the fear that more could happen the next time I fell. Because I didn't know how to deal with this fear, I gave up riding for a while. The lack of exercise and the frustration caused me to put on a lot of weight. The subject of horses and riding never left my thoughts, but I couldn't get over it so easily.
To get back into the saddle and thus back to the horse, I bought a conventional safety waistcoat. I wasn't convinced by its rigidity. I had the feeling that this armour only restricted my freedom of movement and reminded me of my injury. In my search for more comfort and safety, I came across the safety waistcoat with airbag from HitAir. When it arrived, I was thrilled. The waistcoat wears like a normal piece of clothing and offers complete freedom of movement. I was back on the horse regularly and lost 18 kilos in the process. After a while, the desire to have my own horse came back and I started looking for one. I now own a Holsteiner gelding and am excited to see what the future holds. Wearing the waistcoat has become as natural to me as wearing a helmet, I don't ride without it any more. For me, plugging in the waistcoat is like buckling up in the car. I'm glad that I can sit on the horse again with a safe feeling and enjoy my free time.
09.07.2015
I bought an MC plus waistcoat with airbag a few weeks ago.
I crashed last night while jumping and fell into the poles or hit my head on a tree. The airbag deployed immediately. Thanks to the neck airbag, my neck area also remained stable and I survived the contact with the tree/head well in the neck area. Thanks to the airbag, I got up again after the fall and was immediately able to continue riding.
Many thanks to HitAir for this airbag.
I can only recommend him as a show jumper (not only to eventers)
If more riders used this product in show jumping, there would definitely be fewer accidents.
mfg
Peter Hutter/Lake Constance
29.07.2014
Dear Hit-Air team,
Yesterday was the first time I had the pleasure of using my MC Plus waistcoat to its full extent. My "little" horse loved the stubble field so much that I couldn't keep up with his jumps and took off. During the fall phase, I was still thinking: well, when will it release? And indeed, before I had even hit the ground, the entire airbag had spread out around me - great. I didn't even have the typical aches and pains after a fall the next day.
After a serious riding accident during jumping training three quarters of a year ago with a broken lumbar vertebra, surgery and a 3-month break from riding, I was always a little afraid of falling. But after yesterday I am completely reassured. The waistcoat was the best purchase!
THANK YOU!
Kind regards,
Jeanette Berens
08.02.2014
Hello,
I just wanted to say thank you for this great safety waistcoat, which saved me a few injuries when I fell off my horse. I only suffered a broken shoulder. I can only recommend this great waistcoat to everyone and will never jump with my horse without it. For me it was like landing on an air mattress. I didn't suffer any haematoma or pain in the protected area, so thanks again for that.
Greetings from the far north
Tanja Hoffmann
Dear Hit-Air team,
We bought our daughter Lisa an airbag riding waistcoat at Hansepferd. The price scared us at first, but the safety of our show jumping children is important to us, and two weeks later our stable organised an in-house competition. Lisa wanted to take her 6-year-old horse to an A-level time jumping competition for the first time. Several riders had already asked us about the new waistcoat beforehand. ( including the judges at the show ) and they all wanted to see how the waistcoat works, but it's hard to demonstrate, because who likes to fall off their horse at full gallop? At the penultimate obstacle, Lisa's horse stopped with a full brake. Lisa flew over the horse against the stand of the obstacle (pipes filled with sand) and came to a halt. The judge announced: "The waistcoat worked, great." Everyone thought Lisa was lying on the ground crying, but Lisa laughed, got up and just said: "That was a funny feeling, I didn't even realise I'd hit the ground." The people around us were impressed by the waistcoat. One doctor said: "It can save lives, the neck protection is brilliant." It was clear to us that the money spent on this waistcoat was worth it.
Best regards from Lisa's parents
Safety waistcoat
Airbag riding waistcoat
My accident happened as follows:
At an L-level eventing competition, I collided with a large branch at full gallop just before the jump. It swept me off my horse and onto the ground in a wide arc. I suffered a severe concussion and a small brain haemorrhage. No fractures!
The paramedics at the scene said it was a miracle that I survived and didn't suffer a spinal injury.
I still have minor problems with my upper arm muscles and inervation due to the impact. But the doctors promised me 100% recovery.
Under your waistcoat I still wore a conventional spinal protection in case the airbag would not open in the event of a fall (fall together with the horse!).
This is the only thing I would improve: additional posterisation in the sense of a normal riding waistcoat!
You are welcome to continue using this report, because the waistcoat has undoubtedly saved my life!
And now I can start riding again with the new waistcoat without any fear.
Thank you very much for your vest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dr Jakob Roethlisberger ( 2007 Elite Swiss Eventing Champion )
My name is Stefanie and I have been suffering from myasthenia (stress-dependent muscle paralysis) for 4 years, which is why I ride in disabled sports. I have already fallen off my young mare twice, both times with serious fractures in my spine. Thank God nothing is permanently damaged. However, the second time I fell during our national squad training, we participants remembered a report about airbag waistcoats. And as I didn't want to push my luck a third time, it was clear that I would like to have one. All the other waistcoats I had tested before were only of limited use. So I contacted the Hit-Air company to test this waistcoat. At first I was a bit uncomfortable with the weight, but the waistcoat quickly became part of my "safety package", just like the helmet and the special stirrups with the safety clips.If you are interested in how good you can look with safety - and still be able to ride very flexibly - take a look at "youtube" "Maimarktturnier", where you can see the waistcoat during my freestyle. i hope this article helps you decide in favour of the Hit-Air waistcoat and wish all riders lots of fun and always a good ride. Best regards Stefanie Groll
Hello Team Hit Air!
Yesterday was the day in my riding career:
My first fall from a horse. My 12-year-old gelding, whom I always trust, was frightened by the "ghost" in the riding arena and made a rake that was too surprising for me, so that I immediately lost my footing without a chance and flew off the saddle.
During the flight, I noticed the lightning-fast inflation of the riding waistcoat. I had never experienced this before. The waistcoat inflated almost silently and even when it was inflated I didn't have the feeling of tightness in the waistcoat.
So I fell back-first onto the ground. The initial shock was deep and I wasn't in any pain. I thought I'd be sitting here today covered in bruises and bruises, but thanks to the waistcoat I didn't even get a scratch.
My wife has had the waistcoat for a long time and I gave it to myself for Christmas last year, although I was very sceptical at first. The waistcoat is very comfortable to wear (even in summer) and I now feel "naked" on the horse without it.
Now that I have "unfortunately" made use of the waistcoat, I can - no, must - recommend it to all riders. Safety first! Me and my wife wouldn't want to be without the Hit-Air waistcoat!
Dipl.-Ing. D.Sturm
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Many thanks for the cartridges! Fortunately I haven't needed another cartridge yet! I've had a bit of bad luck since December. While I haven't had a serious fall since 1996, when I was an absolute beginner, I've now fallen twice in quick succession. Once I suffered a serious contusion to my coccyx while jumping, despite wearing a conventional safety waistcoat. 3 weeks later I suffered a metacarpal fracture, but after everything healed well and I had a forced break, I realised that I was now having problems coping with my fear of something happening again. I'm 42, self-employed, run a large business, have 3 children and so on... I can't afford to miss work because of my hobby! I happened to see the Hit-air waistcoat at Equitana in Essen and bought it straight away!
Airbag vestI can tell you today that I have - unfortunately - already had 2 uses for the waistcoat. Once I involuntarily left my Trakehner Incarvilleo after the last jump in the jumping lesson: I was probably so relieved that everything had gone well that I was unfocussed. However: waistcoat inflated - nothing happened. Two weeks later, Incavilleo expressed his joy at riding outside in the fresh air, so I left him for a short time - soft landing! Both times the waistcoat inflated properly. The falls were absorbed really well, so I didn't suffer a bruise! Reinserting the cartridge reads a bit complicated, but is ultimately simple. I notice that my fear of falling again is reduced and I ride less tensely. Since then, I've been riding more relaxed and therefore more confidently. I'm also more determined when I'm being naughty and this is already noticeable. Another advantage is that you don't feel like you're in a straitjacket like with the usual safety waistcoats.
The Hit-air has convinced me!
Yours sincerely
Dr Kristina Hansen
Hi!
Thank you very much for sending me the motorbike jacket so quickly. As I like the jacket very much, I would like to give you some feedback. After a friend of mine had a serious motorbike accident and was never able to ride his motorbike again due to his injuries, my need for safety has increased considerably. I did some research and came across your motorbike jackets. Even though I was sceptical at first, your airbag system convinced me. I particularly like the fact that you supply the motorbike jacket with two cartridges. I immediately tried out the jacket by triggering the airbag system manually. The airbag really did deploy fully in a fraction of a second and I am convinced that the airbag system would help me a lot in the event of a fall from a motorbike, especially in city traffic. I also like the fact that the Hit Air motorbike jacket has additional CE protectors like other motorbike jackets, but the airbag system is really great, even if the fun has its price, I'm really glad that I came across your jacket and will recommend it to my mates. design is a matter of taste, but I was pleasantly surprised that the motorbike jacket looks really ok. I immediately mothballed my old motorbike jacket ;-) So, thank you again - also for the good advice.
Daniel, Berlin
I saw the Hit-Air waistcoat at the Equitana in Essen, as I have a 9-year-old daughter who is an enthusiastic rider and I am always concerned for her safety, the Hit-Air waistcoat immediately caught my eye. After we were shown the waistcoat and my daughter was able to try it on, we decided to buy it.
Unfortunately we ordered the waistcoat one size too small, but the exchange was no problem, Mr Butenschön was very nice and sent us a size larger.
I always hoped that we would only have to activate the waistcoat once a year for a check-up, but things always turn out differently than you would wish.
That's what happened to us one Sunday, my daughter has a riding licence for a 7-year-old Quarter Horse mare, she is always a reliable horse, only this Sunday she was apparently frightened by something and my daughter fell off, thanks to the Hit-Air waistcoat, which unfolded in a fraction of a second, nothing happened to her apart from a fright. I am convinced that a "normal" safety waistcoat cannot offer this all-round protection (especially the neck). I can only recommend the Hit-Air waistcoat with a clear conscience, the price is not exactly low, but it is definitely worth it, the waistcoat has already paid off for us. My daughter is now not afraid to get on a horse because she knows that the waistcoat will help her in the event of a fall.
R. de Vries
Dear Mr Butenschön,
Thank you very much for your kind advice and for sending the Air riding waistcoats so quickly.
A year ago I had a serious riding accident and a 5-kilo haematoma in my lumbar vertebrae. After three months, I was slowly able to start riding again. Every ride was associated with tension and discomfort, which had a negative effect on my horse and led to a relapse.
From now on, we only rode with conventional protectors, which is not really fun due to the rigidity of these protectors.
I then read the article in Cavallo about the Air riding waistcoats and ordered one straight away. The wearing comfort is simply super, it can be worn like a normal waistcoat, does not hinder movement and is breathable. I also think it's great that the Air waistcoat provides additional protection for the neck, pelvis and coccyx. This means we can enjoy our rides to the full again.
An acquaintance and my daughter were also so enthusiastic that a second order followed.
Thank you again and best regards
Karin Freisler
I almost always ride cross-country 3 times a week, including about 5 kilometres at a canter. I now had an accident in the field, a few kilometres from the riding stable. In the middle of the most beautiful canter, "Leonardo" fell, I went off to the front right into the botany, was able to roll off nicely, the airbag was triggered at the ideal time, was not loud at all, I landed really soft as butter, felt the landing as if on clouds, no pain at all and the most interesting thing for me: no shock and no feeling of fear because of the fall!!!! - Almost joy - a great fall, even if that sounds a bit strange. As Leonardo was fortunately uninjured, we rode on without any problems after a fitness check. At the stable, I immediately changed the airbag cartridge, which was also no problem. I am happy with my Hit-Air waistcoat 100% - never again without it!!! The name says it all: this airbag waistcoat is a hit!!! I recommend this waistcoat to every rider!!!
Dr Fennes
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have been riding successfully for many years. Out of curiosity for your innovative product, I decided to buy it and I have to say I am really thrilled. My horse and I are a great team, but after an unspectacular fall in the field I wanted to take precautions. Initially, the cartouche bothered me a little on the bust, but I quickly got used to it. I'm particularly pleased that I can move around easily despite the safety waistcoat and don't walk around like a Michelin man. In contrast to my fellow riders with "normal" safety waistcoats, my riding instructor has confirmed that my seat has not deteriorated (especially children in our club often sit very crookedly on their horses with protectors).
Yours sincerely,
C. Gittel
I read about the Hit-Air waistcoat in a horse magazine and immediately thought that it could be a product for me.
Shortly before that I had bought a young gelding. He had just been broken in and was not yet as reliable as my second horse. So I ordered and received my HIT-Air waistcoat at the end of August 2007. Since then I have only ridden with this waistcoat, even though until yesterday I thought the purchase was superfluous J
Yesterday I wanted to go for a leisurely ride in the countryside. On the way home, my little one got frightened by something on a muddy hollow path, jumped forwards, started to slide and could only save himself from falling by jumping into the slope. Unfortunately, I got "lost" when I jumped into the slope. During my take-off, the waistcoat inflated quickly and I landed painlessly on the ground.
Despite the horrified faces of my fellow riders, I don't even have a bruise from the fall. Accordingly, I can now warmly recommend the waistcoat to everyone from my own experience. The waistcoat really is a hit!
And, as they are also great to wear, I have never found them annoying. What's more, after a fall there is usually a certain amount of insecurity or cramping for a while. This time it was so "comfortable" that I was able to get back on without any reservations.
Best regards and many thanks for the friendly support
Claudia Otten
Safety when riding
The Hit-Air safety waistcoat was a really good investment by my mum. I have always refused to wear a safety waistcoat, but now it has become a habit for me, just like the cap - whether I am riding dressage, show jumping or simply long cross-country rides. At first I was worried that the spiral cable for activating the airbag would interfere with my riding, but I don't notice it at all. Shortly after I got the waistcoat I stupidly forgot to unbuckle myself;-) My grey horse wasn't impressed by the waistcoat and I haven't forgotten it since that day. I managed to replace the cartridge all by myself. It was nice to feel how well the Hit Air safety waistcoat wraps me up when things get serious.
J. Günther
Mrs Irmgard Koch describes her riding accident:
"It was a ride with 8 horses, one of the horses shied and galloped off, my horse followed. The rider of the other horse fell and so did I shortly afterwards. I wear the "Equipe" airbag riding jacket and was very glad I did.
In 1989, I had a serious riding accident with the same course of events, but without an airbag jacket. The result was a comminuted fracture of the lumbar vertebra and 10 weeks in hospital! This time nothing happened to me"
Airbag vestThe Hit-Air riding waistcoat is simply superb and I can only recommend it to every rider. I feel totally safe with it on our horses and I can no longer imagine riding without it. Not only does it look good, it is also easy to use. But most importantly, it delivers what it promises. It is inflated faster than your feet touch the ground: It delivers what it promises!
I now dare to go off-road with a horse that I didn't dare to go off-road with before and it works! I feel very confident now. And last but not least, I came up with a saying that is very true:
Hit-Air is the super hit, because Hit-Air keeps your bones fit!
Yours sincerely,
Desiree Nöllgen
In autumn 2007, my horse was on holiday for 2 weeks. When he started riding again, he thought he had to work off all his surplus energy in the first riding lesson. But that was far too fast for me, which is why I tried to hold the horse back. It didn't take long before the horse had had enough of my parades and went up once in front and then again behind. As I hadn't been riding for long, I was dismounted by every trick in the book during this manoeuvre and ended up back first in the sand. I was already expecting to spend the next few weeks in bed when my Hit-Air waistcoat, which I had bought after my husband had fallen off his horse twice at a gallop, inflated with a gentle "plop" and gave me a soft landing. I had neither bruises nor bruises and can therefore only advise every rider to buy one of these waistcoats.
Marion Tewes
Hello HitAir Team!
I have been wearing the Hit-Air riding vest for about half a year and am very satisfied. I was already familiar with the waistcoat from a rider from our stable. She opted for this type of protection after suffering a serious riding accident. When you look at the waistcoat, it stands out with its simple and elegant design.
As it is visually only slightly different from an ordinary waistcoat, I was initially a little surprised by the weight of the product, but after using it several times this is hardly noticeable. It is otherwise very comfortable and does not restrict my freedom of movement when riding. I particularly like wearing the Hit-Air riding waistcoat in the field, as it gives you a special feeling of safety.
Fastening and unfastening the waistcoat is not particularly difficult, you just have to make sure, especially at the beginning, that you "unbuckle" before dismounting. In the stable, many riders react with interest. Of course, safety has its price. However, if you consider the general costs of riding (including equipment for horse and rider) or even the costs of an injury after a fall with possible serious consequences for your health, your own safety should be so important to you that you still have money left over for it.
With sporting greetings
Nicola Rewicki, Kleinmachnow
My description of the accident:
The horse in front of me was frightened by a bag hanging in the tree and went through. My horse went through too. We galloped towards a road at breakneck speed and I made a volte face to the left. It was too steep. I fell off in a high arc, first onto my head, then onto my left side, onto the meadow. After I hit the ground, I could still hear the air coming out of the waistcoat, so it worked really well! My actual experience with the Hit Air MC Plus is that it is very easy to use, quick to deploy and provides reliable protection on impact. I particularly like the light weight and adjustability, so that it can be worn in both summer and winter.
Claudia Lehmann, Munich
Due to the minor injuries, I am of the opinion that I was very well protected. I had already had a serious fall last year, unfortunately I wasn't protected at the time and had problems for over a year. The three of us were cantering along a country lane on our ride. I was in second position with my horse and after a few metres there was a tight 9O degree bend in the country lane, the first rider cantered round the corner and I followed, but my mare must have been overwhelmed by this short change of direction and bucked. I managed to hold on for a short time and fell. My airbag waistcoat opened at the right time. None of the horses were startled.
My Hit-Air safety waistcoat gives me the feeling of safety and therefore sufficient peace of mind, which is naturally transferred to my horse. Even after the release, my horse wasn't in the wind, she stopped and started to graze.
The waistcoat is comfortable to wear, doesn't constrict, doesn't bump into the saddle and therefore doesn't bump into the neck. I have enough freedom of movement, it is easy to adjust to the clothing underneath and is also very stylish.
Best regards,
Silvia Holzleitner