Rules & Regulations for the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA)

Recently, a question arose at an IEA show about the proper use of air canister vests. There are many brands on the market from which to choose. Riders (and coaches) who choose to show in air canister vests must carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for their air canister vest model.

 

In most cases, air canister vests come with a strap provided by the manufacturer that is designed to be anchored/tethered at the stirrup bars (a vest purchased secondhand may not come with a saddle strap, but the user should buy one to use the vest correctly). IEA wants to clarify that placing a saddle strap on the provided saddle is NOT a violation of IEA rules about adjusting tack.

 

Attaching an air canister vest correctly to the provided saddle is, in fact, required by IEA rules.

 

The use of additional personal safety equipment and gear marketed for equestrian sports including air vests and safety vests with air canisters is the personal choice of each participant and their parent/guardian. It is the responsibility of the rider and their coach to ensure proper use of personal safety equipment and gear in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. IEA does not assume responsibility for the function or malfunction of such safety equipment. In certain instances safety equipment and the use thereof may present a risk of harm to the participant, the animals, and other riders. The possible malfunction of safety equipment, one’s own equipment or another rider’s equipment, constitutes an inherent risk of the sport and as such is included within the waiver of liability agreed to when becoming an IEA member.