Freejump Airbag Vests: How They Work, Sizing and Care
A Freejump airbag vest is a wearable safety system that tethers to your saddle and inflates in a fraction of a second if you and the horse separate, cushioning the torso before impact. At Ouma Horse, the largest premium tack shop in the Middle East, the Freejump airbag line is one of our most trusted safety products, available for adults and kids, with the accessories to keep it serviceable. Here is how the system works and how to get yours right.
How an Equestrian Airbag Vest Works
The Trigger System Explained
The vest connects to the saddle via a lanyard system. In a fall, when rider and saddle separate, the tether releases the trigger and a gas cartridge inflates the vest around your torso almost instantly, before you reach the ground. After deployment, the cartridge is replaced and the vest is ready again.
What the Airbag Protects (and What It Does Not)
Inflation cushions the areas the vest covers: torso, spine area, and vital zones, depending on the model's coverage. It does not replace a helmet, and it does not make risky riding safe; it adds a meaningful layer of protection to good practice, not a substitute for it.
The statistics of falling are simple: every rider falls eventually, and beginners fall more while learning balance. That is exactly why airbag adoption has moved from professionals to everyday riders, and why we fit them for leisure riders and juniors, not just competitors.
Airbag Vest vs Traditional Body Protector
A traditional body protector is passive foam, always "on", with no cartridge to manage. An airbag is slimmer and cooler to wear until the moment it matters, then provides its protection by inflating. Some riders combine both for maximum coverage; for hot-climate riding, the airbag's lighter feel between falls is a real advantage.
Choosing and Fitting Your Freejump Vest
The Range at Ouma Horse
We carry the Freejump Airbag, the Freejump Airbag Kids for young riders, and the Freejump Airbag Crystal edition, plus the accessories that make ownership practical: the airbag saddle strap, the key ball lanyard, and the dedicated airbag cleaner. Everything lives in our Airbag Vests & Accessories collection.
Getting the Fit Right
The vest must sit close to the body so inflation happens where it should. Fit is based on your height and chest measurements, worn over your normal riding top. It should feel snug without restricting your shoulders or your position in the saddle. The most reliable route is an in-person fitting at our Riyadh or Jeddah store, especially for children, whose sizing changes quickly.
Setting Up on the Saddle
Fit the saddle strap correctly once, then clipping in becomes a two-second habit before every ride. The golden rule of airbag ownership: clip in when you mount, unclip before you dismount. Make it as automatic as your girth check.
New airbag owners worry about accidental triggers when dismounting; in practice the habit forms within a week, and normal dismounts become a non-event once unclipping first is automatic. Ask us to demonstrate the full mount-unclip routine at fitting.
Care and Maintenance
After a Fall: Inspection and Cartridge Replacement
After a deployment, replace the cartridge and inspect the vest per the manufacturer's instructions before riding in it again. Keep a spare cartridge in your kit bag; a deployed vest with no spare means riding unprotected until you restock.
Cleaning and Storage in Hot Climates
Sweat and dust are the enemies here. Use the dedicated Freejump airbag cleaner rather than harsh detergents, let the vest dry fully out of direct sun, and store it hanging in a ventilated space, not compressed in a car boot through a Saudi summer.
Travelling With Your Vest
If you fly to compete, check current airline rules for gas cartridges before travelling and pack cartridges according to those rules. Plan this ahead of competition trips rather than at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freejump Airbag Vests
Can children wear Freejump airbag vests?
Yes, the Freejump Airbag Kids is designed for young riders. Fit matters even more for children, so we recommend an in-store fitting and a size review as they grow.
Can the vest be used again after it inflates?
Yes. After a deployment you replace the gas cartridge and check the vest per the manufacturer's guidance, and it is ready to protect again.
Do I wear the airbag over or under my jacket?
The vest needs to inflate unobstructed, so follow the model's instructions; as a rule it is worn as the outer layer or with garments designed to accommodate inflation. Ask our team to show you the correct setup with your competition jacket.
Shop Freejump Airbag Vests at Ouma Horse
Browse the airbag vests and accessories collection and the wider Freejump range (stirrups, spurs, apparel, and custom Voronoï helmets including a Saudi Arabia flag edition), with same-day delivery in Riyadh before 10 PM. For fit advice, visit us in Riyadh or Jeddah. New rider building a safety kit? Start with our guide to horse riding for beginners.