Safety > Air Jackets for Riders

An air jacket for horse riding is a piece of equestrian safety equipment designed to inflate rapidly if the rider becomes separated from the horse. Once activated, the airbag provides additional protection around key areas such as the back, chest, pelvis and neck. Air jackets are used by both amateur and professional riders across a range of disciplines.

Most horse riding air jackets use a tether system that connects the rider to the saddle. If the rider falls and enough force is applied to the trigger, a CO₂ canister inflates the jacket. The exact mechanism and inflation time vary by brand and model, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for fitting, activation and resetting.

Depending on the model, an equestrian air jacket can provide additional coverage around the back, pelvis, chest and neck. The inflated air chambers are designed to help cushion these areas during a fall. Always check the specifications of the individual jacket because the level and shape of coverage can vary.

An air jacket should not automatically be considered a replacement for a body protector. Some manufacturers recommend wearing their riding air jacket alongside a BETA Level 3 body protector, and certain equestrian disciplines or competitions may have their own safety requirements. Always check the guidance for your individual air jacket and the current rules for your discipline.

An air jacket equestrian riders use should fit securely while still leaving enough space for the airbag to inflate correctly. Fit requirements vary between designs. For example, Treehouse advises that the Helite Original Air Jacket should extend approximately halfway down the buttocks when deflated and have around a fist’s width of space between the air jacket and body protector.

The best air jacket for horse riding depends on your discipline, size, preferred fit and whether you want a standalone jacket or an airbag that integrates into compatible outerwear. Consider factors such as certification, inflation system, body coverage, weight requirements and ease of replacing the canister. Treehouse currently stocks air jackets for riders from specialist equestrian safety brands including Helite and Racesafe.

Air jackets for horse riding are used across disciplines including eventing, showjumping, dressage, hacking and general training. However, competition rules vary, so riders should always check the requirements of the relevant governing body before competing in an air jacket.

Treehouse stocks women’s air jacket options alongside unisex and young rider designs. Some air jackets are available in conventional clothing-style sizing, while others have adjustable fits. Always use the sizing information for the specific jacket rather than relying solely on your usual dress size.

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but an equestrian air vest may have a more streamlined, gilet-style appearance, while a traditional air jacket can look more like visible protective equipment. Some systems also allow the airbag to be zipped into compatible outer jackets or gilets, giving riders more flexibility in how the protection is worn.

Many mechanically triggered air jackets can be reset after deployment and fitted with the correct replacement CO₂ canister, provided the jacket has not been damaged. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and inspect the jacket before using it again. If there are signs of damage or you are unsure whether it is safe to reuse, seek advice before riding.

Some air jackets for horse riders have minimum rider-weight requirements because the trigger force and canister size vary between models and sizes. For example, Treehouse lists minimum rider weights for different Helite child and adult sizes, while the Racesafe VeloAir also specifies a minimum rider weight. Always check the requirements for the individual jacket before purchasing.

This varies by model. A complete horse rider air jacket may include the airbag, CO₂ canister, saddle strap and lanyard or tether system. Some integrated systems also include compatible outerwear or storage accessories. Check the individual product description so you know exactly what is included and whether any additional components are required.