What kind of water should be used to activate the evaporative cooling vest?
Tap or clean water is best but a stream (creek, river, pond, or trough) may be used as it might be a handy source at the time.  Dirty water will activate the vest but may eventually damage the special fibers.

Can I wear a cooling vest during my Dressage test?
The United States Equestrian Federation, in the discipline of Dressage, indicates that cooling vests may be worn underneath a riding jacket during competition.

What are Pony Club requirements for a Body Protector Vest?
United States Pony Clubs (USPC) recommends the use of a properly fitted riding body protector.  USPC expects Regions and Clubs to allow Pony Club members to wear a protective riding vest. During United States Eventing Association (USEA) sanctioned Eventing competitions a vest must be worn during the cross-country phase.  If a rally is held in conjunction with a USEA sanctioned event the member must comply.

When must a body protector vest be worn?
A body protecting vest must be worn warming-up for and in the cross-country test of eventing.  Depending upon the recognition of the event and how Competition B is executed, a protective vest (back protector) is required during Section E, the navigation effort through hazards, for competitors and grooms in combined driving.

What color(s) can a body protector vest be?
Stable, team or club colors are permitted.  The Casco MTR offers a wide selection of colors. 

What is the current recommended standard for a body protector vest to meet for equestrians in the cross-country phase of eventing?
The current standards in effect this year are the ASTM-F 1937-98.  The BETA 2000 Level 3 is its equivalent.  The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) recommends that the vest meet or surpass the current ASTM standard or be certified by the Safety Equipment Institute.  There are other accepted testing institutes.  The Casco MTR meets or surpasses these requirements.

Can a body protector vest be worn during Dressage?
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) indicates that any exhibitor may wear a protective safety vest, specifically designed for use in equestrian sport, in any division of class without penalty from the judge. 

Can a Casco MTR be worn by grooms and drivers?
Yes, at USEF licensed National Combined Driving competitions / events protective riding vests and medical armbands are strongly recommended attire in Competition B.  As mentioned above, back protectors or protective vests are required during Section E.  The Casco MTR design is appropriate for use while seated as a driver.

What does ASTM stand for and what does it do?
ASTM was known as the American Society for Testing and Materials but has since become globally known as ASTM International.  It developed standards to improve quality of and confidence in products.  For more information visit www.astm.org or to see a list of products tested, like the Casco MTR.

Can I wear an inflatable air-vest in place of a body protector vest during the cross-country phase of eventing?
No, according to the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) inflatable vests are permitted only when worn over a body protecting vests.

How long does a CO2 cartridge last?
Activated cartridges need to be replaced.  They may not be used again; they cannot be refilled.  Cartridges do not expire and should stay good indefinitely.  However it is recommended to check them regularly.  Replace the cartridge if it shows any sign of corrosion.

Can the vest be washed?
It should not be laundered or washed.  It can be wiped with a damp cloth to remove stains.  Please follow cleaning instructions in the User's Guide.

Can something be worn over the vest?
If something light and unrestrictive is worn over the vest it should allow it to inflate freely.  An air-vest should be worn over a body protector vest.

Can the vest be reused after it has been activated and inflated?
Yes, granted it has not been damaged.  Replace the gas cartridge (with the tool attached to the vest) and refold the vest into its original shape.

How quickly does the Hit-Air inflatable vest inflate?
About 0.15 to 0.25 seconds.  Very fast!

What accessories come with an inflatable vest purchase and which need to be purchased separately?
A vest comes with a CO2 cartridge, a key ball set and a lanyard.  A saddle strap, additional C02 cartridges, and additional lanyard could be purchased separately.  The saddle strap (pommel strap, grab strap, bucking strap) attaches to an english saddle so the lanyard (coiled wire) has a place to fasten.  An additional lanyard may be convenient for a rider riding in different saddles; an additional saddle strap would be handy for this too.  A key ball set and lanyard can be purchased if they need to be replaced but do initially come with a vest.  The vest also comes with a tool (allen type wrench) to change out the cartridge.  A replacement tool kit comes with this tool and a setting bolt (set screw).

What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept  most major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.  We also accept checks, just send it to us with your order.  To expedite your order paid by check contact us.   We will ship after the check clears.

What do I do if I have problems with my order?
If you have problems with your order please contact us first thing. Then we can help you get your questions and concerns resolved quickly.

Is your site secure?
Yes. Our site is hosted on secure servers and the checkout process is encrypted for your protection.

What if I'm looking for an item that you don't currently carry?
Due to our ever expanding product line an item we carry may not yet be featured. If you can't find the item you are looking for please contact us with the product name and description and we will do what we can to help.

How can I get in touch with you if I have a question?
Please see the contact us page for information on reaching us.