Riding safety in polo: Jayme De Candia’s testimony

Sécurité à cheval en polo : le témoignage de Jayme De Candia

In a sport as fast-paced and committed as polo, everything can change in a fraction of a second. A sudden stop by the horse, an imbalance during a swing, an unpredictable trajectory... and a fall becomes inevitable.

Some riders today choose to anticipate these risks without giving up the intensity of their sport.

This is the case of Jayme De Candia, a rider at the La Mariana Polo Club, who has been using a Hit-Air airbag vest since he started in the discipline.

Protection has become systematic on horseback

Polo requires particularly exposed technical movements. In this context, more and more riders are looking for protection that can deploy before impact with the ground.

Jayme De Candia explains that he adopted the airbag vest early in his practice:

"Fearing injury or damage to my spine, I've been using a Hit Air vest since I started playing polo (5 years ago). I had never fallen before and you never know when it will happen; that's why I wear it systematically."

Complete3 airbag vest

A sudden fall during a gallop swing

A first accident occurs during a technical game action. At full speed, while making a right swing, his horse suddenly stops.

"I was at a gallop to make a rather exposed right swing, when my horse suddenly stopped, planting his front legs on the ground and at the same time turning his neck; I had no support in front of me, I literally flew off without being able to control my fall, luckily my body rotated and I fell on my back."

In this type of situation, the rider often has no way to cushion or redirect their fall. The body instantly goes forward due to speed and inertia.

The cervical, dorsal and lumbar areas then become particularly vulnerable.

Airbag deployment before impact

A few fractions of a second before hitting the ground, the airbag vest deploys automatically.

"Before I hit the ground, I felt the sound of the air cartridge deploying, which reassured me that it was working properly. I felt the cushions enveloping me, and when I hit the ground, I had a violent initial whiplash that was stopped by the cervical cushion. The rest of my body was on a really comfortable mattress."

His Hit-Air airbag therefore protected vital areas: the cervical spine, spinal column, and back.

When an airbag properly envelops these areas, it significantly reduces trauma related to impact.

Immediately resuming play after the fall

One of the most striking things about Jayme De Candia's recovery was the absence of pain after the accident.

"I got up immediately after realizing I had no injuries, I caught my horse, got back on, and continued playing. I got back on the next day with no pain at all.

All my polo friends told me I would be sore for days afterwards. But no! I was perfectly fine because the vest had completely protected me."

This experience also strengthened his conviction about safety on horseback.

After this accident, Jayme De Candia made a strong decision:

"2 days later I bought a second one for my son, who also plays polo."

Why he chose Hit-Air

Not all equestrian airbags offer the same level of coverage. This is precisely what guided his choice.

"I chose Hit Air after comparing it to others on the market. The difference lies in the protection of the cervical spine down to the sacrum and coccyx, which other brands don't offer."

Cervical spine protection remains a key concern for many riders. In the event of a severe fall, head whiplash movements can cause particularly serious injuries. Extended back protection down to the sacrum and coccyx also provides additional safety during rear impacts.

The Polo Club La Mariana, a haven of elegance on the outskirts of Paris

Only 45 minutes from Paris, Polo Club La Mariana offers a refined environment where polo takes on another dimension, blending sporting demands with a search for aestheticism.

The Monaco Bentley Club and JDC Cup, between sport and prestige

On Sunday, May 31, 2026, the Polo Club La Mariana in Longvilliers is set to host an event in a unique setting just a few kilometers from Paris. The J. de Candia & Bentley Monaco Club Cup promises total immersion in a world where equestrian sport meets assumed elegance.

The final of the J. de Candia & Bentley Monaco Club Cup will be the highlight of the event.

On the program: a picnic, exhibited cars, an open-air cinema, and polo initiation to allow curious visitors to discover the basics of this sport.

Hit-Air is the safety partner for the J. de Candia & Bentley Monaco Club Cup this Sunday, May 31.

Published on May 27, 2026

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