Bestsellers
Air Jackets & Airbag Vests for horse riding
An equestrian air jacket is the fastest-acting piece of safety kit a rider can own. Worn over a show jacket, a competition shirt or a body protector, an airbag vest for horse riding inflates in around a tenth of a second the moment you separate from the saddle, cushioning the neck, spine, ribs and tailbone before you reach the ground. It protects you in the ring, in the warm-up, on the yard and out on a hack, and it works the same way whether the fall is fast or slow.
Built for Jumping
The majority of our range is designed with showjumping in mind, because that's where the demands are highest. Jumping falls are short-distance but high-energy, often with the horse close by, the real risks are spinal compression, rib and collarbone injury, and crush trauma. A showjumping air vest spreads impact force across a far greater surface, stabilises the cervical spine, limits hyperextension of the neck, and puts a protective buffer between you and a hoof.
Jumping riders ask for two things, and we stock accordingly: freedom of movement and a clean look in the ring. That means slimline air jackets that don't fight your shoulders in a forward seat, cuts that sit tidily over a show jacket in navy and black, lightweight vests for schooling over fences at home, and junior air jackets for young riders and Pony Club jumping.
And Everything Else You Ride
The same technology protects you across every discipline. Our range also covers cross country air jackets for eventing, hi-viz air vests for hacking and road work, breathable summer models for endurance and long days out, insulated and waterproof shells for winter, discreet options for dressage and flatwork, and robust vests for hunting, riding club and leisure riding. Whatever you're doing, the vest does the same job. Brands include Helite, Freejump,Equiline, Seaver, Komperdell and Horse Pilot, alongside replacement CO₂ canisters, lanyards, saddle straps and spare covers.
How an Air Vest Works
Most horse riding airbag vests use a tethered lanyard clipped to the saddle. If you're unseated and separate from the horse, the lanyard pulls a pin, a CO₂ canister discharges, and the vest inflates in roughly 80–150 milliseconds, normally before impact. Once deployed, fit a fresh canister, repack it, and you're ready to ride again. Sensor-based electronic air vests that work without a saddle tether are beginning to appear in equestrian sport too.
Getting the Size Right
Air vest sizing depends on what you'll wear underneath, a base layer and show jacket, or a body protector. Measure over that layer. The vest should sit snugly with no significant slack, and you should be able to fold into a light seat and follow the horse over a fence without it riding up or catching your shoulders. If you're between sizes, fitting a growing junior, or unsure how it will sit under a show jacket, use our air jacket size guide or contact our team - we ride, compete and fit these every week.
Frequently asked questions - Equestrian Airbags
How does a horse riding air jacket work?
A lanyard clips from the vest to your saddle. If you're unseated and separate from the horse, the lanyard pulls a pin, a CO₂ canister discharges, and the vest inflates in roughly 80–150 milliseconds — usually before you hit the ground.
Can I wear an air jacket for showjumping?
Yes, and it's increasingly common in both the warm-up and the ring. Air jackets are generally permitted in jumping classes, but requirements vary by federation, level and age group and change from season to season, so confirm against your governing body's current rules.
Will an air jacket restrict me over a fence?
Modern slimline models are cut specifically for jumping and shouldn't interfere with a forward seat or your following arm. Correct sizing is the deciding factor, a vest that's too large rides up and gets in the way; a well-fitted one you stop noticing.
Does it look bulky over a show jacket?
Far less than early designs. Current models are made in navy and black to sit neatly over competition wear, and some brands offer versions designed to be worn under a jacket or integrated with it.
Is it worth wearing for hacking or flatwork?
Yes. Plenty of serious falls happen on the road, in the school or on a young horse rather than over a fence. Hi-viz air vests are popular for road work, and lightweight models are comfortable enough for everyday riding.
What happens if I forget to unclip before dismounting?
The vest deploys. It's harmless but uses a canister, so make unclipping part of your routine as you get off. A quick-release clip helps, and most riders treat it exactly like a seatbelt within a few sessions.
Can I reuse an air vest after it deploys?
Yes. Fit a fresh CO₂ canister, repack the vest to the manufacturer's instructions, and it's ready again. Keep a spare canister in the lorry, deployments at a show are more common than you'd expect.
Which size air jacket should I order?
Measure your chest and waist over whatever you actually ride in, base layer and show jacket, or body protector. It should fit snugly. Sizing varies between brands, so use our brand-specific size guide.
How long does an air vest last?
Several years with proper storage and care. Follow the manufacturer's inspection schedule and check the bladder, seams, lanyard and canister regularly, especially after any deployment.