Tipperary Eventer Pro Vest Review

Since I took up fox hunting and started boarding at an eventing barn, I have been introduced to the world of horse riding safety vests. I noticed many hunt members wore air vests, and I would see people around the farm with Tipperary horse riding safety vests. The first time I wore an equestrian safety vest– a Tipperary eventer vest– was about a year ago when I tagged along with some barn friends on a cross country schooling session. I borrowed a Tipperary from my trainer, and was amazed at both how tight it initially felt, but also the freedom of movement and flexibility I had in it.

When I zipped up the Tipperary vest that day it reminded me of putting on a wet suit for some reason. Probably the form-fitting nature of it. I had to smile thinking, “I am not an eventer, but safety first.”

Horse Riding Safety Vests–a New Future Standard?

Even though I am/was not an eventer, I started wondering why more riders weren’t wearing equestrian safety vests. At this point, at least in the English world, riding with a helmet is pretty much standard. I had read that in Europe, riders were/are required to wear vests. A conversation with my friend’s trainer who is well-connected to horse sport in Europe stands out in my mind.

He said he thought it was only a matter of time before horse riding safety vests become a requirement in the U.S. He said it’s like seat belts in cars. One day people will vest up without even thinking about it, just like we do with seat belts.

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Interesting to note, that day I wore my Tipperary, a trail rider–I’m guessing a man in his late 60s–approached me to ask about the vest. He said he had been thinking more about falls and the damage that can happen and wondered aloud if he should be riding with a vest too. I told him it couldn’t hurt and answered basic questions about it.

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Advantages of the Tipperary Eventer Pro Safety Vest

I made the plunge and purchased a Tipperary Eventer Pro safety vest. I don’t ride in it 100% of the time, but I do wear it during jumping lessons, fox hunting and on trail rides. (See Instagram image above.)

The Tipperary vest is great because I can honestly say I feel more confident riding in it which perhaps makes me a bolder rider. I rode in it during a recent cross country clinic. Vests were required. I like it for trail riding too because where I board there’s a certain segment where we walk on the road. Knight is tall and the road is hard (obviously). So I feel like if a freak thing happened and I landed on the street, it would be less painful.

Another pro to the Tipperary Eventer Pro vest is that it helps me stay warm while fox hunting. So this aspect has a plus and a minus. The vest is fairly breathable, but if it’s a really hot day, you will be hotter in the vest. When the weather is colder, it is a way to stay warmer.

What’s great about the side panels on this vest is there is still a protective layering which covers you. On some other models there’s a tiny open space in-between the laces. I like how you can both loosen and tighten the vest. I’ve loosened it a bunch in order to wear it over my hunting coat. See below image from my day in the field with Mill Creek Hunt in Illinois.

I have traveled with my Tipperary Eventer Pro vest, meaning I’ve had it in a suitcase and taken it with me on a plane. (I still haven’t figured out how to do that with an air vest since the carbon cartridges are not allowed.) This horse riding safety vest is easy to pack and travel with.

What Others Are Saying About Tipperary Vests

I have not fallen off since the purchase of my vest, so I have no feedback for you regarding that, but I did ask some equestrians on Instagram what their experiences have been.

One rider (I know in real life) said she had a fall off a horse who was coming back from an injury and she’s convinced the vest prevented her from injury. Another rider (I’ve met in real life) said she fell wearing it, but the fall was pretty gentle in the first place, so she’s not sure if it helped or not.

Another rider was passionate that it DID save her from a greater injury. (I asked for details, but haven’t heard back yet.) One more said she’s not convinced the vest prevented her from getting hurt.

If you are reading this and have a story, please leave your experience in the comments section. I hope to also add to the anecdotal “data” as time goes on.

To Summarize What I Like About My Tipperary Eventer Pro Vest

• I believe the vest has made me ride more boldly
• It’s comfortable and flexible
• Easy to pack for travel
• Keeps me warm when fox hunting (good for cool weather)
• The side laces make it adjustable for sizing (to a degree)
• The side panels (not featured in other models) are protective
• ASTM certified meaning highest safety standards
• Form fitting shape is flattering, not boxy and weird

Leave a Comment: Do you wear an equestrian safety vest? If so, what brand? Do you wear it 100% of the time or only in certain situations? Also, what discipline do you ride.

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