Horse Pilot airbag vests: everything you need to know before you buy 🔥

Discover the Horse Pilot airbag vests available at Ohlala Equestrian: In&motion technology, Twist'Air and E-Twist'Air models, care advice, and a complete buying guide. 

Falls are part of riding. Whether you are a leisure rider or a seasoned competitor, out on a hack or in the arena, there is no such thing as zero risk. That is why airbag vests have become, in just a few years, one of the most popular pieces of safety equipment in the equestrian world. Among the brands that have transformed this market, Horse Pilot stands in a league of its own: French-designed, cutting-edge technology, and a fit crafted with you — the rider — in mind.

At Ohlala Equestrian, we have selected the finest models from the range so you can ride with complete confidence. In this guide, we explain everything: how an equestrian airbag works, what sets Horse Pilot apart from the competition, how to choose the right model, and how to care for it every day.

Why wear an airbag vest when riding? 🤔

During a fall from a horse, the first areas to take impact are often the most vulnerable: the cervical spine, vertebral column, chest, ribs, and abdomen. These injuries can be serious — even irreversible. A helmet protects your head — but without an airbag vest, the upper body remains completely exposed 🤕

An airbag vest acts as an instant cushion of air. In just a few tens of milliseconds, it inflates to absorb the impact before the rider even hits the ground. It is this responsiveness that sets it apart from a traditional back protector, which passively absorbs shocks without anticipating them.

Today, wearing an airbag is compulsory in certain disciplines (such as cross-country competition) and strongly recommended across all others, whatever your riding activity.

Horse Pilot x In&motion: a partnership built around safety 

Horse Pilot did not develop its airbag alone. The French brand partnered with In&motion, a recognised specialist in textile airbag systems — originally developed for motorcycling and skiing — to adapt them to the specific demands of horse riding. 

The result of this collaboration is a range of airbags certified to the NF S72-800:2022 standard, the first and only official standard dedicated to equestrian airbag vests. This CE certification, issued by the notified laboratory Aliénor (a subsidiary of CRITT), guarantees an uncompromising level of performance and reliability. All Horse Pilot airbags are made in France and come with a 2-year warranty.

The two flagship models: Twist'Air and E-Twist'Air 

The Twist'Air: the benchmark mechanical model ⚙️

The Twist'Air is the mechanical model in the Horse Pilot range. It works on a tried-and-tested system that is straightforward to understand:

A strap (the leash) connects the vest to the saddle, attached on either side of the stirrup leather keepers. When the distance between the rider and the saddle becomes abnormal — in other words, during a fall — the tension on the strap triggers the CO₂ cartridge, which instantly inflates the protective cushion. 

What sets the Twist'Air apart from older mechanical models is the quality of its materials and ergonomic design: ultra-lightweight bi-stretch fabric, mesh panels on the sides and back for breathability, and a patented magnetic connector that can be clipped and unclipped with one hand — without ever dropping the reins. The vest comes ready to use with its gas cartridge included. 

The Twist'Air can be worn under a compatible jacket or directly over a t-shirt. It is one of the first equestrian airbags to meet the criteria of the NF S72-800:2022 standard.

The E-Twist'Air: the next-generation electronic airbag 🎉

The E-Twist'Air is a true world first in the equestrian world: the first wireless electronic airbag designed for riders. Recognised at the spoga horse TOP INNOVATIONS 2025, it integrates the In&box technology developed by In&motion.

At the heart of the system, a 6-axis sensor (accelerometers and gyroscopes) analyses the rider's movements in real time at over 1,000 measurements per second. A predictive algorithm, continuously refined by data scientists, detects imminent fall situations and triggers airbag inflation in under 60 milliseconds. 😮

The system is smart enough to distinguish a genuine fall from a buck, a kick, or a spook — it only activates when it truly needs to. Algorithm updates are available via the MyIn&box mobile app, keeping the E-Twist'Air up to date over time.

Battery life reaches up to 30 hours of continuous use, and protection covers all vital areas: cervical spine, chest, abdomen, and vertebral column. Please note: the E-Twist'Air requires an In&motion subscription, taken out via shop.inemotion.com.

A range designed for every rider

Horse Pilot airbags are available in a range of sizes, suitable for both children and adults, with the selection varying by model.

The Twist'Air is available in a wide range of sizes, from XXS junior to XXL adult, while the E-Twist'Air comes in sizes XS to XL. For the E-Twist'Air, it is recommended to size down from your usual size, as it runs large.

The range is unisex, with ergonomic cuts designed to suit all body types. Horse Pilot also offers airbag-compatible clothing — bomber jackets, over-vests, and competition jackets — specifically designed to be worn over the airbag without restricting cushion deployment in the event of a fall.

Whether you ride show jumping, dressage, cross-country, eventing, or go out hacking, there is a Horse Pilot model suited to your discipline.

How to choose your size 🤨

To find the right size airbag vest, you need to consider your chest and waist measurements. Horse Pilot generally recommends sizing down from your usual size for the E-Twist'Air model, to ensure the best possible fit and support.

If you are unsure between two sizes, don't hesitate to contact us at Ohlala Equestrian — our team is here to help. ❤️

Caring for your Horse Pilot airbag vest 🫧

An airbag vest has no fixed lifespan, provided it is properly maintained. Here are the key points to keep in mind.

Cleaning 👇🏼

Your Horse Pilot airbag should not be machine washed. To clean it, use a slightly dampened stiff-bristled brush, then leave it to air dry on a hanger. Never dry clean it. When storing, always hang it on a hanger, away from moisture and heat sources (radiators, a car in direct sunlight). ☀️

Annual inspection 📆

If the airbag has not been activated, it is recommended to weigh the refill cartridge annually: it should read 204 grams (± 6 g). If the weight is below this, the cartridge must be replaced even if it has never been used.

Make it a habit to inspect your vest regularly: check for any tears or punctures, and make sure the cartridge is full and correctly fitted.

After activation ⚠️

After a fall that has activated the airbag, you must replace the CO₂ cartridge before using it again. With the Twist'Air, there is no need to re-fold the cushion — a welcome simplification compared to first-generation models. Only use CO₂ cartridges certified by In&motion and compatible with your model.

Periodic service 🔄

Horse Pilot recommends regular servicing of your airbag vest to ensure it continues to perform reliably over time.

• The Twist'Air must be sent in for service every 2 years and/or after 5 activations.
• The E-Twist'Air must be serviced every 5 years and/or after 8 activations.

If you have any doubts about the performance of your airbag, it is recommended that you contact Horse Pilot customer service or OHLALA before use.

 

Airbag vest and back protector: can you wear both?

Wearing a back protector under an airbag vest is generally not necessary and may even reduce comfort and performance. One exception: for cross-country, an approved back protector remains compulsory under FFE regulations, even when worn beneath an airbag vest. 

Shop Horse Pilot airbags at Ohlala Equestrian 

Looking to invest in a Horse Pilot airbag vest or complete your kit with compatible clothing? Explore our full selection online:

👉 View all Horse Pilot airbags available at OHLALA

Our team is on hand to answer all your questions and help you choose the model that best suits your riding style and build. Safety on horseback is not a luxury — it is a long-term investment. 🧡