Horse riding airbags

Horse riding is a wonderful sport, but it can also be dangerous, whether in competition or leisure riding. To provide riders with even greater safety, Horse Pilot offers a range of airbag vests designed to protect vital areas in the event of a fall, including the chest and ribs, back, and neck. This allows you to progress safely on courses suited to your level. All of our equestrian airbag vests are made in France and certified according to the latest standard in force, NF S72-800:2022.

Our women’s, men’s and children’s equestrian airbags

Horse Pilot airbags have been specially designed to combine protection, comfort and discretion. The equestrian airbag vest must ensure perfect freedom of movement thanks to a cut adapted to all riders. For this reason, choose adjustable models so you can wear them on your back and feel comfortable in the saddle. Made from both water-repellent and stretchy materials, they combine aesthetics and optimal protection.

A premium equestrian airbag brand for horse falls: Horse Pilot

Known for its technical innovations in equestrian equipment, Horse Pilot offers airbag vests made using these new technologies. Our airbags combine high comfort, optimal ergonomics and top-quality protection. Deployment is extremely fast and effectively protects vital areas of the upper body such as the shoulders, abdomen, back and spine down to the sacrum and coccyx. In addition, Horse Pilot brings new energy to the airbag thanks to the new patented “In&motion” technology. Read reviews from riders who have already chosen our equestrian airbags. Discover our guide: the steps to install your Twist’Air airbag and use it for the first time.

Horse Pilot airbags are compatible with equestrian clothing

Horse Pilot airbag vests offer riders close-fitting, tailored equipment for equestrian sports. The vest is relatively thin, giving it an elegant and discreet design. If you want to wear a jacket or coat over it, it is possible, but the garment must be compatible with wearing an airbag. In the event of a fall, the airbag must be able to inflate in order to provide protection. We recommend choosing Horse Pilot airbag-compatible clothing. In our compatible range, you will find over-vests, bombers, coats and competition jackets for show jumping. Please note that the FFE authorises the use of Horse Pilot airbag vests in official competitions.

A high-quality technical equestrian airbag for riding

Horse Pilot offers riders high-quality technical airbag vests. They provide great comfort as well as optimal efficiency and durability. We know it: show jumping can be a dangerous sport at times, and wearing an airbag vest helps protect you and cushion your falls. Discover our article: the airbag protects against falls from a horse.

High-performance equestrian airbags

Horse Pilot airbags are both stylish and high-performing. With a long lifespan, they are resistant to wear and to bad weather. Their effectiveness is well proven. Finally, they allow riders to be protected comfortably: thin and lightweight, they provide excellent freedom of movement.

Equestrian airbag and rider freedom of movement

In horse riding, it is important to be able to move freely without being hindered by your equipment. Our airbags are free from unnecessary folds or extra thickness, and their breathable, stretch fabric helps riders maintain full freedom of movement. The airbag does not touch the saddle at the lower back and therefore does not ride up unexpectedly.

Horse Pilot equestrian airbag sold ready to use

Our airbag vests are delivered ready to use. They come with a gas canister and a magnetic leash — the strap that attaches to the stirrup bars and triggers the airbag in the event of a fall. You can purchase additional gas canisters on our website.

Why buy an equestrian airbag vest for horse riding?

Buying an equestrian airbag offers many benefits. Between protection, safety and confidence, the advantages are numerous. It also makes it easier to introduce children to equestrian sports thanks to wearing an airbag vest, allowing them to ride ponies safely at the riding school. Beyond protection, wearing an equestrian airbag vest reassures riders and makes learning easier and more peaceful. Safety rules are also evolving, and the FFE enforces minimum safety requirements.

Riding school regulations

The FFE (French Equestrian Federation) has established rules common to all riding schools, particularly regarding protective equipment. Wearing a helmet is mandatory for all disciplines, while back protection (a protective vest with a rigid back panel) is mandatory for certain activities such as eventing (CCE).

Rider safety and existing equipment

There are many pieces of equipment designed to improve rider safety. First, a helmet is essential for horse riding. There are also back protectors or protective vests, which are mandatory for certain disciplines in competition. In particular for eventing, in addition to wearing the proper rider outfit, wearing a protective vest is mandatory — and adding an airbag on top appears to be the safest solution.

The equestrian airbag provides better rider protection

An airbag is not mandatory for leisure riding or competition, but it provides significant protection for the upper body in the event of a fall or accident. It can sometimes prevent riders from suffering serious injuries and/or long-term damage.

The sports airbag: an existing technology

Airbag vests are used in other sports besides horse riding. For example, motorcyclists use them to stay protected in the event of a fall. Like equestrian airbags, they protect sensitive areas such as the spine, neck and abdomen. Airbag vests are also used in skiing. In that case, they deploy during a critical fall when an abnormal skier position is detected.

Equestrian airbags are popular with many riders

Many riders have already been won over by equestrian airbags — including top-level riders. Philippe Rozier and Athina Miliotis have tested and approved our airbag vests. Although expensive, it is essential for your safety. You can also take advantage of sales to find the one that suits you best, or choose to pay in 3 or 4 instalments at no extra cost.

Recognised effectiveness of equestrian airbags

Many riders, especially competitive ones, have already adopted the airbag. Whether in competition or training — including when riding young horses — this protection is often considered essential.

Airbag and psychological support / confidence boost

For most riders wearing an airbag, the main benefit is reassurance. Knowing you are protected in the event of a fall allows you to ride more calmly, reducing fear of serious falls.

How should an equestrian airbag be worn?

It is important to remember that an airbag vest must be worn over your riding clothes, not underneath. This ensures it can deploy properly and protect the rider in the best possible way in the event of a fall and impact. Only compatible garments can be worn over it.

How does an equestrian airbag work?

Horse falls are often violent and sudden. The airbag therefore works quickly and deploys in less than one second after the fall, as soon as the distance between the rider and the saddle becomes too great to be normal.

How the equestrian airbag works

An airbag works simply: when riding, you must connect the vest strap to the saddle’s stirrup bars. In the event of a fall, the triggering element (a key-ball) is pulled out of its housing. The canister is then pierced by the firing pin, releasing the gas and inflating the air cushions.

Deployment speed of the equestrian airbag

The airbag deploys at very high speed. A fall lasts only a few seconds, so the rider must be protected as soon as they hit the ground.

Coverage of the equestrian airbag

An airbag protects the rider’s entire upper body, focusing especially on sensitive areas. The air cushions are positioned around the neck, pelvis and spine, greatly reducing the risk of injury.

Recharge and CO₂ canister

An airbag works using a CO₂ canister. After each deployment, it must be replaced or refilled so the vest can work again.

Lifespan of an equestrian airbag

An airbag vest works with CO₂ canisters, which inflate the air cushions instantly. A canister can only be used once and must be replaced after each deployment. However, the vest can be reloaded immediately and used again after a fall. As long as the internal integrity of the air cushions inside the vest is not compromised (holes, tears, etc.), the vest remains effective. We recommend triggering the inflation of your equestrian airbag vest at least once a year to ensure it is functioning properly. If it does not inflate correctly, either the gas canister has leaked or the vest is defective.

Can you combine an equestrian airbag with a back protector?

A back protector is a rigid shell placed on the rider’s back and fastened with straps around the waist. It is designed to protect only the back, unlike the airbag, which protects the rider’s entire torso. Therefore, combining both is not useful: the airbag will protect the back in the event of a fall, and a back protector would be unnecessary and could even restrict movement.

How to care for your equestrian airbag (cleaning)

Caring for an airbag vest is simple and quick. It helps ensure a longer lifespan. Simply clean it with a large sponge, warm water and a mild detergent (eco-friendly) or Marseille soap for stubborn stains. Please note that machine washing or tumble drying is strictly prohibited. Discover our dedicated article: How to care for and clean an equestrian airbag.

How to choose your equestrian airbag

Although all airbag vests work in the same way, many models are available. To choose the best airbag vest, several factors should be considered: how you will use it (competition, training), the disciplines you practise, the rider’s preferences (fitted, lightweight, wider, etc.), weather conditions and value for money.

Equestrian airbag size guide

It is essential to choose an airbag vest that suits your size and body shape. If it does not fit the rider properly, it may restrict movement — or even be ineffective in the event of a fall. To help everyone choose the right airbag, we have created a size guide to help you select the ideal size. Our airbag range is available in two models, for children and adults. The range is unisex and suits both men and women. Airbags are available in the following sizes:

Adult sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL

Children’s sizes: XXS-J, XS-J

Our teams ensure that all sizes are available all year round for fast delivery within 1 to 2 working days. The embedded technology is the same for adults and children, which explains why, whatever the size, our airbags are always priced at €550. If you are unsure, feel free to contact our team — they will help you choose the size best suited to your body shape when purchasing your equestrian airbag vest.