11 min read Last updated: January 2026 Riding while on blood thinners can feel like balancing courage with cautionyou want time in the saddle without gambling your health. Here youll learn a simple 3-step plan: get GP clearance, make a BETA Level 3 EN13158 body protector your always-on layer, and add an air jacket for higher-risk days, so you ride confidently. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Get GP Clearance What To Do: Book a GP/sports medicine review and get written clearance with limits on speed, jumping and disciplines. Revisit after any medication or health changes. Why It Matters: Only a clinician can balance anticoagulant risk with your riding plans. Common Mistake: Riding first and checking later or relying on friends opinions. Area: Wear BETA Level 3 What To Do: Make a BETA Level 3 EN13158 body protector your alwayson layer and replace any damaged, outdated or poorly fitting model. Why It Matters: It delivers the best continuous, standardised impact protection across disciplines. Common Mistake: Trusting old, compressed foam or skipping the protector for quiet hacks. Area: Layer Air Jacket What To Do: For crosscountry, hunting, fast hacking or young horses, wear an air jacket over your BETA Level 3 and set correct lanyard length/attachment. Why It Matters: The combo adds reactive protection without losing baseline foam coverage. Common Mistake: Using an air jacket alone or instead of foam in competition. Area: Book Pro Fitting What To Do: Get fitted by BETAtrained staff wearing your usual layers; rehearse mounting, twopoint and gateopening to check movement. Why It Matters: Correct fit stops gaping, ridingup and pressure on spine or cantle. Common Mistake: Guessing size or fitting over bulky coats you wont ride in. Area: Service Air Vest What To Do: Follow the makers service schedule, log services/inflations, and carry spare canisters in your kit or lorry. Why It Matters: Mechanical triggers can seize or fail without maintenance. Common Mistake: Riding after a deployment without replacing the canister or skipping services. Area: Be Seen & Protected What To Do: Wear a certified riding hat, secure heeled boots, and hivis for hacking yearround. Why It Matters: Visibility and core PPE reduce collision and entrapment risks. Common Mistake: Saving hivis for winter or riding in trainers/fashion boots. Area: Plan & Communicate What To Do: Prefer offroad routes and quiet times, share live location, carry ID on you, and keep a written yard plan with contacts and postfall steps. Why It Matters: Clear plans and safer routes cut exposure to traffic and speed up help. Common Mistake: Heading out at peak traffic with no one told where youre going. Area: PostFall Check What To Do: After any fall, sit, do a headtotoe check, call for help, and seek medical advice even if you feel fine. Why It Matters: Blood thinners can mask early internal bleeding or head injury signs. Common Mistake: Getting back on or driving home without observation. In This Guide Can you ride while on blood thinners? What safety standard should you choose? Body protector vs air jacket: what actually protects you? How to get a safe, comfortable fit When should you add an air jacket? What else reduces your risk on the yard and out hacking? Buying checklist for riders on anticoagulants Final word and next steps Riding while on blood thinners is a deeply personal decision that comes down to managing risk well. The right safety gear, fitted correctly and used consistently, is one part of a bigger plan that starts with your GPs advice and continues with smart riding choices every day.Key takeaway: If you ride while on blood thinners, prioritise a correctly fitted BETA Level 3 EN13158 body protector as your baseline, consider adding an air jacket for higherrisk riding, and get medical clearance from your GP before you get in the saddle.Can you ride while on blood thinners?Only your GP or sports medicine professional can advise whether its appropriate for you to ride while taking anticoagulants, and you should seek their clearance before riding. If you are cleared to ride, maximise protection with a BETA Level 3 body protector and disciplined risk management.Because anticoagulants increase bleeding risk, falls that many riders would simply walk off can have more serious consequences for you. Thats why your first step is a medical conversation: discuss your discipline, typical speeds, fall history, and where you ride (arena vs hacking) with your GP. Once you have the goahead, focus on proven protective equipment and safer routines supported by UK bodies such as the British Horse Society (BHS) and competition rules from British Eventing.Quick tip: Keep a written plan in your tack room covering where you ride, emergency contacts, and what to do after any fall (even if you feel fine). Share it with your instructor or hacking partner.What safety standard should you choose?BETA Level 3 to EN13158 is the UKrecognised standard and the minimum level recommended for all riders across disciplines. Its also the required standard for body protectors in regulated UK competitions like British Eventing crosscountry.The BHS confirms that BETA Level 3 body protectors offer the best protection available for general riding. For eventing and crosscountry obstacles, a safety vest to this standard is mandatory, as reflected in competition guidance and British Eventing rules. If youre returning to the saddle, bring your existing protector to a proper fitting; standards evolve and foam can degrade over time. At Just Horse Riders, we recommend treating your body protector like a helmet: regularly reviewed, replaced when damaged, and always worn when mounted.Round out your essential kit with a certified hat from our curated range of riding helmets, and if you hack in low light or country lanes, add highvisibility rider gear so youre seen earlier by drivers yearround.Body protector vs air jacket: what actually protects you?Body protectors provide continuous, passive protection; air jackets provide reactive protection only when triggered, and should be worn over a BETA Level 3 protector for best coverage.Heres the core difference. Body protectors manage impact with fixed foam thats always on and requires no mechanism to work. As BETA Executive Director Claire Williams explains:Your body protector offers continuous protection, whereas an air vest offers protection only when triggered to do so. Therefore, your body protector will offer you protection at the first level, whether on the ground or in the saddle, while an air vest comes in as the second level of protection, as you need to be thrown off a horse for it to inflate. (Your Horse)Air jackets are quick many inflate in under 100 milliseconds once you separate from the saddle (AirVest UK). However, on their own they dont meet a recognised safety standard and, per the BHS, offer little protection in isolation. Research cited by British Eventing indicates the most effective setup is the combination of a BETA Level 3 body protector with an air jacket worn over the top (Your Horse).There are also known limitations. BETA notes that in rotational falls where you tumble with the horse rather than being thrown clear an air vest may not trigger because it relies on separation to activate. And if youre kicked or land on a fence or rock, a foam body protector is generally more effective for the immediate, pointload impact (Ride EquiSafe). Think of it this way:Think of your body protector as the seat belt in your car and your air vest as the air bag. (BETA perspective, Your Horse)Finally, air vests have moving parts (trigger and piston) that need periodic servicing to remain reliable (Your Horse). Body protectors are failsafe by comparison: no mechanism, just correct sizing and wear (Ride EquiSafe).How to get a safe, comfortable fitProper fitting by BETAtrained staff is critical to effectiveness and comfort, and you should wear your usual riding layers for the fitting. A poorly fitted protector can shift, expose vital areas, or feel bulky, making you less likely to wear it consistently.The BHS advises that body protectors be fitted at a reputable outlet by someone with BETA fitting training. Wear the clothing youll typically ride in for many riders, thats a base layer plus either a schooling top or show jacket so the adjusters sit correctly without gaping. Modern foam protectors are designed to be worn close to the body, ideally under a jumper or jacket, and should not touch the saddles cantle or press on the cervical spine (FUNDIS Equestrian).Quick tip: Do a full mount to dismount rehearsal during the fitting. Walk, trot position, twist as if to open a gate, and simulate a light twopoint. If it rides up, pinches, or limits head movement, adjust or try another size/model.For show days, check your disciplines rules then build your outfit around the protector. Our selection of sleek, performance womens competition clothing and wellcut womens jodhpurs and breeches helps the protector sit flat and close, reducing bulk under a jacket while preserving mobility.When should you add an air jacket?Add an air jacket over a BETA Level 3 body protector for higherrisk riding such as crosscountry, hunting, fast hacking, or young horse schooling. Do not use an air jacket as a replacement for a foam protector in regulated competition.British Eventing and most regulated events require a BETA Level 3 body protector for crosscountry phases; an air jacket can be worn in addition but not instead of the foam layer (Treehouse Equestrian). Before buying, check the manufacturers guidance on whether the vest is designed to be worn solo or strictly over a body protector most recommend the combination for adequate protection, a point echoed by the BHS.Maintenance matters. Air vests rely on a mechanical trigger that should be inspected and serviced regularly to prevent seizing (Your Horse). Keep spare canisters in your lorry or kit bag and log each inflation and service date. As the FEI continues to assess safety equipment use globally (Your Horse), expect guidance to keep evolving but the UK consensus today is clear: foam first, air second.What else reduces your risk on the yard and out hacking?Combine protective gear with smart habits: ride within your comfort zone, choose good footing, make yourself visible, and keep your horse comfortable and wellprepared. Small choices stack up to big risk reductions.Build your routine around these pillars:Be seen, sooner. UK daylight is short for much of the year and weather changes fast; add highvisibility clothing for hacking even on bright days.Protect your head. A wellfitted, certified hat from our riding helmets collection is nonnegotiable for every ride.Wear secure footwear. Heeled, supportive boots reduce the chance of a foot becoming trapped explore our horse riding boots.Reduce spook triggers. In summer, flies and midges can tip a calm hack into a sideways leap; consider appropriate fly protection alongside consistent schooling. If you need horsewear solutions, browse proven options from WeatherBeeta.Check your tack and your horse every time. Run a quick hand check while tacking up to spot sore spots or rubs; our grooming essentials keep this fast and thorough.Support your horses limbs for schooling. Appropriate boots can help protect against knocks over poles or bridleway brush; see horse boots and bandages for everyday and competitionready options.Plan your routes. Prefer offroad bridleways and quiet times of day. Share live location with a family member and carry ID on you, not just on your phone.Pro tip: If you do come off, sit down, breathe, and do a headtotoe selfcheck. Because blood thinners can mask early bleeding symptoms, call for help and seek medical advice even if you feel mostly fine.Buying checklist for riders on anticoagulantsPrioritise a BETA Level 3 body protector, add an air jacket for higherrisk work, and book a professional fitting before you ride. Use this checklist to keep decisions simple and focused on protection.Medical first. Get explicit GP clearance to ride and ask for written guidance on intensity (flatwork only, jumping height, hacking speeds).Body protector baseline. Choose a BETA Level 3 EN13158 model, fitted by BETAtrained staff. Practise mounting/dismounting and twopoint during fitting.Add reactive protection where appropriate. Select an air jacket designed to be worn over a foam protector; confirm compatibility and lanyard length with your saddle.Service and spares. Log vest service dates; keep at least one spare canister in your lorry or grooming box.Comfort layers that dont bulk. Pick closefit technical wear so the protector sits flush our jodhpurs and breeches are designed for stretch and stability in the saddle.Visibility and head protection. Add hivis and a certified hat from our riding helmet range.Footing and grip. Choose supportive, heeled riding boots that work with your stirrup tread and discipline.Horse comfort kit. Keep grooming simple and consistent with our grooming collection to spot issues before they cause a spook or stumble.Budget wisely. If youre upgrading multiple items, check our rotating offers in the Secret Tack Room clearance.Quick tip: Set a calendar reminder to recheck fit each season weight changes, new base layers, or a different saddle can subtly alter how a protector sits.Final word and next stepsYour doctors clearance plus the right kit gives you the best chance to ride safely and confidently. In the UK, that means a BETA Level 3 body protector as your alwayson layer, an optional air jacket over the top for speed and jumping, and consistent, visible habits on todays busy roads and bridleways.Next steps:Book a GP review and discuss your riding plans.Check the latest guidance from the BHS on body protectors and your disciplines rules (e.g., British Eventing requirements).Arrange a professional fitting for a BETA Level 3 protector and, if needed, an air jacket.Update your essentials: helmet, hivis, and secure boots.At Just Horse Riders, we help riders balance safety, comfort, and budget every day. If youre shopping for a safer setup, our team can point you to ridertested options that fit well and work hard for UK conditions.FAQsCan I wear just an air vest without a body protector?No not in regulated UK competition, and most manufacturers recommend an air jacket be worn over a BETA Level 3 EN13158 body protector. When worn alone, air jackets offer limited protection and dont meet a recognised standard (BHS).What types of falls might not trigger an air vest?Rotational falls, where you tumble with the horse rather than being thrown clear, may not create the separation needed to activate the lanyard. Air vests also provide limited protection once on the ground against kicks or sharp, localised impacts (Your Horse).Why is a body protector considered failsafe compared to an air vest?Body protectors are nonmechanical and work continuously through foam impact absorption; they only need correct fitting. Air vests rely on mechanical triggers that require regular servicing to stay reliable (Ride EquiSafe; Your Horse).Whats the best protection setup for crosscountry?A BETA Level 3 EN13158 body protector is mandatory, and many riders add an air jacket over the top for extra, reactive coverage. British Eventing rules allow air jackets in addition to, but not as a substitute for, foam protectors (Treehouse Equestrian).How often should an air jacket be serviced?Follow the manufacturers schedule and treat it like vehicle maintenance the trigger and piston can seize over time without servicing. Keep a dated log of services and inflations (Your Horse).Are modern body protectors still bulky?Modern foam protectors are lighter and more flexible than older models. Apparent bulk is often a fitting issue, which is why a BETAtrained fitting and wearing the protector close to the body under a jumper or jacket is recommended (Your Horse; FUNDIS Equestrian).Do body protectors cover the neck?No. Foam protectors dont provide neck coverage, which is one reason some riders add an air jacket that inflates around the neck, spine, chest, and hips for additional coverage (Ride EquiSafe). Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Riding HelmetsShop Hi-Vis GearShop Riding BootsShop Jodhpurs & BreechesShop Boots & Bandages

The Irish Senior Jumping team continues its CSIO3* Longines EEF Series Nations Cup season on Friday with Jessica Kurtens squad competing at Lier, Belgium in a Region West qualifier off the back of an excellent podium finish in Mannheim, Germany last week.Ireland finished third behind Germany and this Fridays hosts Belgium last Sunday and Horse Sport Ireland High Performance Jumping Manager Kurten has selected a completely different set of five combinations in the squad for Lier.Denis Lynch and his top class stallion, former Aga Khan team member Vistogrand, are joined by Niamh McEvoy and Irish Sport Horse BP Rocket Man, recent winners of a Medium Tour 1.50m four star Grand Prix on the Sunshine Tour in Andalucia.Jason Foley and Chedington Hazy Toulana, the pair who jumped clear in last years Longines League of Nations leg win in Abu Dhabi will also feature, while Clem McMahon makes a senior Nations Cup return after some excellent results with the Patrick Breen-bred Irish Sport Horse Carneyhaugh Unison.Denis Lynch and Vistogrand jumping for Ireland at the Dublin Horse Show in the Aga KhanConan Wright completes the squad making his senior Nations Cup squad debut with Mr. Cornet De Regor, who was a podium finisher in Ermelo recently.Looking forward to competing in Lier, Kurten said: Lier is the first of our two qualifiers in the Longines EEF Series so we will be looking for a good result.Again, we have chosen an ambitious team of Niamh McEvoy, Jason Foley, Denis Lynch and Clem McMahon, with Conan Wright the reserve.We are expecting very strong competition here in Lier and Im looking forward to taking on the other teams with our great horses and riders.The Longines EEF Series Region West qualifier from Lier, where Ireland takes on 12 nations hosts Belgium, Brazil, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, last years winners Portugal, Spain, and Sweden begins at 2pm Irish time.It will be broadcast live on ClipMyHorse TV and we will be in Lier providing you exclusive content from behind the scenes, as well as all the action in the arena as it happens.BREEDING: Carneyhaugh Unison (ISH) 2017 Mare by Cornet Obolensky (BWP), out of Carneyhaugh Allegro (ISH), by Don Juan De La Bouverie (SBS) , Breeder: Patrick Breen, Owner: Hilton Farm, Rider: Clem McMahon.BP Rocket Man (ISH) 2017 Bay gelding By Stakkato Gold (HANN) Out of BP Quidy (ISH) By Quidam Junior I (KWPN) Bred by Austin Broderick. Rider: Niam McEvoyThe post Irish jumping team moves on to Lier with EEF Series qualifying points on offer appeared first on .