[Hollywood]

Just as the title reads. Wondering how often one should replace a cross country vest?

[kookicat]

I replace mine the same as my hat- after a hard fall or every five years. I'm pretty cautious though.

[Duckz]

I bought my vest second-hand and I'm sure it's at least 10 years old. I've wondered about replacing it, but it doesn't seem like the same rules should apply to a vest as a helmet. I'll be interested to see what others think.

[kookicat]

I had a very nasty fall where I truly believe my BP saved my life. I'd rather pay to replace it than worry the protection has been compromised.

[enjoytheride]

I don't think the foam in a vest works the same way as the foam in a helmet so I've had my vest much longer then my helmet and I bought my vest used.

[Hollywood]

I'm guessing by the lack of responses, there really isn't a general rule like helmets.

I have a Tipperary, and it's coming up on 10 years. I plan to try on the CO's at Rolex.

Fortunately, I've not had any nasty falls...so maybe I was looking for a valid excuse to spend money at Rolex:-)

[kimbrawner]

Whenever one of your young horses eats it. Tends to happen every 10 years or so. Also a good time to replace helmets.

[tle]

I think I had mine about 12 years when I replace it (technically closer to 15 but I wasn't using it for the last 3).

I about came unglued this weekend at Equine Affaire when I saw a booth with some vests for sale. Looked at the price tage and it was a VERY reasonable price... $139 I think. Then I looked at the ACTUAL tag... right there in black and white was the fact that that vest, which had the styling of a Tipperary, was NOT approved by any safety organization. Grrr. I wonder how many unknowing folks were sold a so-called safety vest.

[Mtn trails]

The Tipps aren't approved either.

[Janet]

The Tipps aren't approved either.

Well, they make SOME that are approved. But the one most people use isn't.