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

Discover the Horse Pilot airbag vests available at OHLALA Sellerie: 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, the risk can never be zero. That is why airbag vests have become, in just a few years, one of the most popular pieces of safety equipment in yards across the country. Among the brands that have transformed this market, Horse Pilot stands in a league of its own: French design, cutting-edge technology, and a fit crafted with you — the rider — in mind.

At OHLALA Sellerie, we have carefully selected the finest models from the range so you can ride with complete confidence. In this article, we walk you through everything: how an equestrian airbag works, what sets Horse Pilot apart from the competition, how to choose your model, and how to care for it day to day.

Why wear an airbag vest when riding? 🤔

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

An airbag vest acts as an instant air cushion. Within a matter of milliseconds, it inflates to absorb the impact before the rider even reaches the ground. It is this responsiveness that makes all the difference compared to 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 level or style.

Horse Pilot x In&motion: a collaboration dedicated to rider 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 equestrian 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 mechanical benchmark ⚙️

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

A strap (the leash) connects the vest to the saddle, secured on either side of the stirrup leather keepers. When the distance between the rider and the saddle becomes abnormal — that is, in the event of 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 materials and ergonomic design: ultra-lightweight bi-stretch fabric, mesh panels on the sides and back for breathability, and a patented magnetic connector that clips on and off with one hand, without ever having to drop 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 among 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 equestrian sport: the first wireless electronic airbag designed for riders. Awarded 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 tell the difference between a real fall and a buck, a kick, or a spook — it only activates when truly necessary. Algorithm updates are available via the MyIn&box mobile app, making the E-Twist'Air future-proof 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: using the E-Twist'Air requires an In&motion subscription, taken out at shop.inemotion.com.

A range designed for every rider

Horse Pilot airbags are available in multiple sizes, suitable for both children and adults, with a size range that varies by model.

The Twist'Air is available in a wide range of sizes from Junior XXS to Adult XXL, while the E-Twist'Air comes in sizes XS to XL. For the E-Twist'Air, it is advisable 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 — specially designed to be worn over the airbag without restricting cushion deployment in the event of a fall.

Whether you ride showjumping, dressage, cross-country, eventing, or go hacking, there is a Horse Pilot model to suit your discipline.

How to choose your size 🤨

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

If you are unsure between two sizes, feel free to contact us at OHLALA Sellerie — our team is here to help guide you. ❤️

Caring for your Horse Pilot airbag vest 🫧

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

Cleaning 👇🏼

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

Annual check 📆

When no activation has occurred, it is recommended to weigh the refill cartridge once a year: 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 regularly inspect your vest: check for any tears or punctures, and ensure 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 the vest again. With the Twist'Air, there is no need to re-fold the cushion — a welcome simplification compared to first-generation models. Always use cartridges certified by In&motion and compatible with your model.

Periodic servicing 🔄

Horse Pilot recommends regular maintenance of airbag vests to ensure they perform reliably over time.

• The Twist'Air must be sent in for servicing 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 doubt about whether your airbag is functioning correctly, contact Horse Pilot customer service or OHLALA before using it.

 

Airbag vest and back protector: can you combine them?

Wearing a back protector under an airbag vest is generally not necessary, and can even reduce comfort and effectiveness. There is one exception: in cross-country, a certified back protector remains compulsory under FFE regulations, even when an airbag vest is worn on top. 

Find Horse Pilot airbags at OHLALA Sellerie 

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 find the model best suited to your riding style and build. Safety in the saddle is not a luxury — it is a long-term investment. 🧡