My Cross-Country Riding Accident: A Life-Saving Moment

Several years ago, while tackling a cross-country course, I experienced a serious riding accident that could have changed my life forever. As fate would have it, a photographer was present at the event and managed to capture every moment of my fall, from the initial loss of balance to the dramatic conclusion.

Upon arrival at the hospital, I showed the sequence of photographs to the Consultant. One particular frame stood out: it showed the exact moment my shoulder and neck were buried in the ground. The Consultant looked at it intently and told me something I will never forget—if it were not for the air jacket I was wearing at the time, I would have suffered a broken neck. Thanks to this incredible piece of equipment, I walked away from the accident with only minor injuries.

The History and Innovation Behind Hit Air

The air jacket that protected me was developed by Hit Air, a company that has been specialising in air protection for over 25 years. As pioneers in the field, Hit Air takes immense pride in leading the way with market-leading innovations in worn air protection.

Hit Air focuses exclusively on the development and refinement of worn air protection gear. Their vests are CE Certified by recognised test houses throughout Europe and have undergone extensive testing, research, and development in facilities around the world. Rather than simply aiming to meet the minimum standards required for certification, Hit Air goes above and beyond: they strive to exceed shock absorption requirements and airbag coverage, ensuring that riders benefit from the highest levels of safety available.

Trust and Reliability: The Hit Air Promise

Today, Hit Air vests are trusted by hundreds of thousands of riders in over 30 countries, with more than two million canisters sold globally. Whether worn by professional equestrians in all riding disciplines or by recreational ‘happy hackers’, Hit Air’s commitment to safety remains unwavering.

Reliability is a cornerstone of the Hit Air philosophy. Each vest is meticulously hand-finished in their dedicated, family-run facility. Every airbag is inflated twice—first before being fitted into the vest and again once the vest is completed—to ensure flawless performance. Stringent quality checks are an integral part of their process, reflecting their passion for rider safety and their promise to deliver only the very best protective gear.

Conclusion

My own experience is a testament to the life-saving potential of air jackets and the technological advancements pioneered by companies like Hit Air. The peace of mind their products provide, knowing that rigorous testing and uncompromising attention to quality underpin every garment, is invaluable. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or an occasional rider, investing in a Hit Air vest is, quite simply, an investment in your own safety.