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FAQs

Below we have tried to pre-answer some of the questions you may need answers for. If your question is not answered below or it needs individual attention, please do not hesitate to email us enq@airowear.co.uk and we will endeavour to answer your query as soon as possible.

Can I request a catalogue?

We think that riding through trees is more fun than cutting them down for paper so we would prefer you to view our products online in the Product section.

If you really do need a paper version of our catalogue, please send us a request enq@airowear.co.uk
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Where is Airowear sold around the UK?

No matter whereabouts you are in the country, there will be an Airowear stockist near you. Just click here Find an Airowear Retailer and we'll show you where to shop.
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Where is Airowear sold around the world?

To find a retailer, other than in the UK, you will need to contact the International Distributor for your country. Click here for International Distributors page. If there is no International Distributor listed for your country, please Contact Us
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What will my body protector protect?

Body protectors offer some protection from impacts suffered as a consequence of falling from horses. Impacts may be against soft or hard ground, or objects such as trees vehicles, posts and rails. However serious the accident, the body protector is designed to reduce the severity of injury but cannot claim to be entirely preventative. Body protectors do not offer spinal protection or prevent injuries involving severe torsion, flexion, extension or crushing of the body.
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Can you explain the standards for body protectors?

All of Airowear's body protectors have been manufactured and tested to meet the requirements of EN13158:2000, (European standard for 'Protective Jackets, Body and Shoulder Protectors for Horse Riders') The body protectors are also CE marked to show their confirmation to the Personal Protective Equipment Directive 89/686/EEC. In addition Airowear test to the BETA 2000 Standard for Horse Riders' Body and Shoulder Protectors.
EN13158 and the BETA Standard have specific tests to establish the performance of garments under impact.
There are three categories of protection as follows:
Level 3: - Purple 2000. A body protector conforming to BETA 2000 Level 3 will provide a level of protection that is considered appropriate for normal horse riding, competitions and for working with horses.
Level 2: - Brown 2000. A body protector conforming to BETA 2000 Level 2 will provide a lower level of protection than Level 3 and is only considered appropriate for use in low risk situations.
Level 1: - Black 2000. A body protector conforming to BETA 2000 Level 1 will provide a low level of protection that is only considered appropriate for licensed jockeys.
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How do I know what size of body protector I need?

Because we know that one size simply cannot fit all, we have over 80 sizes in the Reiver tabard style and over 60 sizes for the Zippa. We also make-to-measure in case you don't fit comfortably into a standard size! For a full explanation, diagram and measuring guide, please see our Fitting Guide page. I want to add colour to my body protector If you have a Reiver tabard style of body protector you can put a Colour Swap silk over it to temporarily add XC colours to your existing body protector. These covers are excellent products if you want to update your colours as news shades and combinations come into season or even to suit your outfit for the day! Check out your choice of Colour Swap colours here Colour Swap. Alternatively, you can have your body protector made to order in your own colour scheme. We have 18 colours for you to choose from with an endless number of colour combinations to ensure your colourway is truly unique. Check out how your body protector will look with your chosen colours by clicking here 'Mix 'n' Match your own colours'
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Do you have silks to match?

Yes of course we do! Simply choose your silk colours using our 'Mix 'n' Match' your own colours and order with your bespoke body protector. What solutions do you have to protect the shoulders? We are able to offer you two solutions for protecting your shoulders; either integrated shoulderpads with the Zippa Plus (Airowear are the only manufacturer to provide these) or separate shoulderpads available in small, medium and large sizes.
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How should I care for my Airowear body protector?

Washing: Only the outer fabric cover of the Reiver tabard body protector can be taken off and washed. The foam panels are removable to enable the cover to be machine washed. To remove the cover, simply undo the Velcro panel at the base of the front and half way down the inside of the back. Whilst removing the cover, you will see layers of foam that are centrally joined, gently ease these out together without attempting to separate them. Prior to washing the cover, we recommend that you fasten the Velcro to avoid damaging the fabric. Wash the cover as per the instructions. Replace the foam panels, ensuring the labels face towards the body. Any other treatment to the foam panels could seriously impair the performance of the garment. If necessary, the foam may be surface wiped with warm water and a cloth but never apply any solvent cleaner. As the cover cannot be removed for washing on the Zippa style, we recommend that your body protector be hand washed in warm water with a mild detergent. Dry flat and away from sources of heat.

Fastenings: The Velcro fastenings tend to collect horse hair, straw and other associated dirt during wear. To maintain a secure fastening, always clean the Velcro fastenings before use. Using a stiff brush is ideal for this.

Storage: To store, we recommend you lay your body protector in a flat, clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and extremes of temperature. Avoid storing under heavy or sharp objects.

Temperature: The impact absorbing materials used in the body protectors are sensitive to temperature and perform best between 5°C - 25°C. If the body protector is exposed to low temperatures, the foam may become brittle and break, so in these circumstances, before using, allow to return to the ambient temperature range when the foam will regain its flexibility. Above 25°C, the foam will become excessively soft and its performance may be significantly reduced.

Inspection: We recommend that you check your body protector regularly for wear and tear. Damage to the impact absorbing materials may be apparent by reduced thickness or a change in feel. If in doubt, replace your garment. In the event of a fall, where the garment has had a serious impact, it should be replaced.
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Does Airowear make repairs on older products?

If the repair is under warranty, we will be happy to repair it for you. Sometimes there will be a charge, but we will notify you first of any charges. Note: not many things last forever so if you have had your body protector for over 5 years, we suggest it's time to treat yourself to a new one as your current garment may no longer meet the highest safety standard and it may be compromising your safety!
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How do I return my garment for repairs?

Please contact enq@airowear.co.uk with your repair queries.
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What is Airowear's warranty policy?

Airowear body protectors carry a 12-month warranty from the date you purchased it from the retailer and is only applicable to items purchased through an authorised Airowear retailer. Airowear does not recognise sales conducted through eBay as meeting these criteria. This warranty does not cover damage caused by accident, improper care, negligence, normal wear and tear, improper washing, or natural breakdown of colours and materials over extended time and use. At Airowear's discretion, we will repair or replace a defective item. Requested repairs that are not under warranty will be repaired at the owner's expense. We accept Visa and MasterCard for repairs not covered under warranty. Colour Swap is not covered under Airowear's warranty
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