16/09/2026
Important Message - it could save your life: Airvest Lanyard/ Bungee / saddle strap length:
The 3-Point Mounted Check
Once mounted, check the lanyard tension across three standard riding positions:
1. Seated Position: When sitting normally in the saddle, the bungee should have a distinct, visible amount of slack. It should not pull tight or feel restrictive.
2. Standing Position: Stand straight up in your stirrups with your heels down. The lanyard should become relatively straight and taut, but not tightly stretched. It should not have so much slack that it flops around.
3. Leaning Back: Lean far back behind the vertical line (simulating getting "left behind" over a jump). The lanyard will feel tight, but it must still have a tiny bit of give so it does not trigger accidentally.
How to Make the Adjustment If your bungee cord is too loose or too tight, do not tie knots in the cord itself, as this can degrade the safety material. Instead: Adjust the saddle strap: Most air vest systems (like Racesafe, Point Two, Helite and Hit-Air require you to shorten or lengthen the loops on the saddle strap sliders. Pulling these tighter will lower the central D-ring or clip closer to the pommel, effectively shortening your reach. Adjust the lanyard mechanism: If your brand features a built-in slider buckle directly on the vest's lanyard/bungee, feed the slack through the plastic or metal adjuster until it hits the correct height. Safety Note: You should never be able to stand completely upright next to your horse while still clipped into the saddle. If you can step down and stand flat on the ground without the vest triggering, your lanyard is much too long.
A saddle strap should never be fastened to the saddles d-rings as they will not support your weight.
They should be attached to your stirrups leather bars.
From www.Hoofprints.ie
