Air Vests

My husband loves to watch video reviews by Hickok45 and NutNFancy.  Both of these men have loyal followers, ranking them the top two small arms expert reviewers all over the world.  If you want to know anything about anything related to weapons and their accessories, you really need to check out their YouTube videos.  

Occasionally, and far too often if you ask his fans, NutNFancy literally shifts gears and publishes a review on a motorcycle or a motorcycle accessory.  Recently, my husband watched a NutNFancy review about a lifesaving piece of equipment.  Anyone that decides to ride a motorcycle or a horse should know about these air vests.  Actually, if you plan on riding anything that provides little to no protection to your body while also exposing you to high speed, high impact injuries, you should consider investing in one of these vests.

Do NOT attempt any falls using these vests!

These videos are professionally produced in controlled environments by professional riders.

This first video captures the size and impact of the Hit-Air vest on an equestrian rider.  Sam Watson, an International Event Rider, describes how light the vest is, and says that the jacket is quickly forgotten by the riders.  He explains that he decided to try the vest after experiencing a bad fall from his horse sidelined him for a while.  His next fall was on hard ground, and the vest saved him from all pain the day of days following the fall.  In fact, he was able to get on his next horse and continue competing, something he wasn't able to do in the past.

Do NOT attempt any falls using these vests!

These videos are professionally produced in controlled environments by professional riders.

This video does a fantastic job of highlighting the Point Two air vest with a few controlled falls over jumps.  Despite the controlled falls, the vest clearly shows its value.  Definitely worth the price of the vest.  Horse racing jockeys believe this is the first true advancement in riding safety gear since the development of the riding helmet.

Do NOT attempt any falls using these vests!

These videos are professionally produced in controlled environments by professional riders.

This video is a demonstration of the Hit-Air vest used by both a motorcyclist and a scooter rider.  Once again, a clear demonstration of the value of these air vests.  It seems motorcyclists are fairly evenly split between the Point Two air jacket and the Hit-Air vest, with NutNFancy preferring the Hit-Air vest.

If you're looking for a solid protection solution, something to keep you safe without interfering with your freedom of movement or comfort, these two companies have vests that will meet your needs.  There are plenty of reviews out there that tell you how these vests work and how easy they are to maintain.  If you have a preference, or prefer a different company's vest or jacket, feel free to post a comment.

Point Two Air Vest

Hit-Air Equestrian Vests

An Unexpected Lesson

Healing Hearts Ranch

This summer, Danielle and I are traveling to Montana to spend some time in the saddle; my graduation gift to her.  Today, we are both very excited about this trip, but it definitely didn't start out that way.

Danielle has always been very naturally comfortable around horses, and like many children do, she learned everything and anything to do with them very quickly and easily.  She took lessons for a couple of years, but eventually had to stop for awhile.  I don't think there was a moment in time when she wasn't yearning to return to the saddle.

I on the other hand have never been comfortable in the saddle.  In fact, I have been just the opposite.  I could fool most people, appearing calm and courageous, but inside I was terrified.  This is a huge admission for me because I don't think I've ever admitted being even a little scared of anything.

I decided I had better take some lessons before departing for this summer vacation that I'm supposed to enjoy.  Danielle had already started lessons at Healing Hearts Ranch in the fall of 2012, and at the same time she volunteered to help them with their therapeutic riding classes.  We both agreed to make a couple financial sacrifices so that we could take riding lessons together, and I'm extremely happy we did this.

Heart Strides Therapeutic Riding

Someone else will have to tell you whether or not I'm riding well, but I can tell you that I'm loving my lessons.  I was sure I would never want to canter by choice, and definitely feared an accidental canter.  Kristi, our instructor, uses tactile and illustrated techniques to teach, which works well for me.  She could see right through me, sensing my fear and my tension.  She reminds me to breath, use soft hands, press and release, and so much more.  I'm no longer afraid of a canter, in fact, the only things I fear now are the mistakes I might make that send the horse the wrong message.

I'm always excited about our Monday riding lessons.  With each lesson I learn a little bit more about myself, gain confidence, and enjoy the precious time I get to spend with my daughter.  Today, Kristi taught me that my grandson is not an autistic child, he's a child with autism.  Leg yielding, one hand and gentle reining, a few laps at a cantor, and a more compassionate vocabulary; definitely love my Monday lessons.  You can learn more about Healing Hearts Ranch on their web site.