Airbag Vests & Protective Gear

Rider safety is an absolute priority, whatever discipline you practice. The equestrian airbag vest is today one of the most significant advances in equestrian protection : in the event of a fall, it inflates within milliseconds to cushion impacts on the back, ribs, and chest area. OHLALA Sellerie selects the finest rider protection vests so you can ride with complete confidence.

Why wear an airbag vest for horse riding?

How does a rider airbag vest work?

A rider airbag vest works via a mechanical or electronic inflation system. In the mechanical version — the most common — a cord connects the vest to the saddle. In the event of a fall, the tension created by the separation between rider and horse triggers the release of a CO2 cartridge that instantly inflates the protective chambers. The deployment time is around 0.1 seconds. Electronic systems (gyroscopes, accelerometers) offer detection without any physical attachment.

Standards and certifications: what you need to know

In official competition, wearing a equestrian protection vest certified model may be mandatory depending on the federation. The European standard EN 13158 (levels 1, 2, and 3) defines protection levels. Some airbag vests combine a certified back protector with an inflatable system, offering active protection enhanced protection. Before purchasing, always check that the model complies with the regulations of your discipline.

Choosing your equestrian protection vest

Airbag vest vs. classic back protector: what's the difference?

The equestrian back protector classic back protector is a rigid or semi-rigid protection that absorbs impacts to the back, ribs, and lumbar region. It remains effective and provides a solid foundation for safety. Protection vests are mandatory in cross-country competitions. The airbag vest adds a dynamic layer of protection: it adapts to the rider's body on impact and covers a larger surface area (back, ribs, chest). For show jumping, cross-country, or endurance riders, an airbag vest is a valuable addition.

Airbag vests for children and adults: key points to watch

For the children's airbag vest, it is essential to check that the inflation system is compatible with the actual separation force between a child and their saddle. Some children's models are specifically calibrated for lighter weights. For adults, the cut and strap adjustment directly affect protection effectiveness: a poorly fitted vest may shift during a fall and reduce its performance.

OHLALA Sellerie: equestrian safety at the heart of our selection

Featured brands and models

OHLALA Sellerie selects equestrian airbag vests from trusted manufacturers known for the reliability of their inflation systems, material quality, and wearing comfort. Models suited for club riding, cross-country, show jumping, or trail riding are available in both adult and children's sizes. You'll find airbag vests from Hit Air, Seaver, Freejump, Pénélope, Spark, Horse Pilot, and Equithème. 

Care and CO2 cartridge replacement

After each deployment, the CO2 cartridge must be replaced and the vest carefully inspected before any further use. The vest fabric should be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions, generally by hand in cold water. Store your airbag vest away from heat and moisture to preserve the integrity of the inflation system.