KATE Keenan has often and adamantly stated that wearing an air jacket saved her from further injury, or worse, when she fell while competing in a CNC1* class at Maddybenny late last August.

She has just as often queried why so many of her fellow riders are still reluctant to wear an air jacket and now, thanks to the George Mernagh Memorial Fund Bursary, will have €5,000 to spend on research into their use in eventing. The study will also support youth participation in Irish equestrian sports by generating increased awareness of ways to improve safety.