Approval and protection

These vests have been tested by SATRA Technology Centre (Kettering, United Kingdom) according to the SATRA M38:2012 technical specification for equestrian airbag vests. The impact tests, with the vest inflated, are identical to those in level 3 of the EN 13158:2009 standard for protective vests. CE type certification issued by SATRA (notified body no. 0321).

When inflated, the air cushions protect against impacts during a fall from a horse, onto soft or hard ground or an obstacle (tree, vehicle, post, pole). A rider on the ground may also be struck, trampled or crushed by a horse. Once inflated, the system supports the neck and torso and thereby reduces the risk of excessive flexion of the spine; however, protection against neurological injuries to the spine is not guaranteed.

For greater protection, the ProAir2 and Hunter Showjumper can be worn over an EN 13158 protective vest. Always wear an approved riding helmet; if wearing shoulder protectors, choose ones that are approved and CE-marked.

Fit

To benefit from the protection, the vest must cover the intended areas, cause no discomfort when riding and allow you freedom of movement. When worn and inflated correctly:

• the lower front of the vest extends at least 25 mm below the ribs and reaches the pelvis at the sides;
• at the back, it extends no more than 15 cm above the top of the pelvis (average adult);
• the upper back reaches the level of the 7th^e cervical vertebra (the protruding bone at the base of the neck);
• the front reaches the top of the sternum;
• it covers 75% of the clavicle on the sides.

Measurements by size: see the size guide on the product page.

Composition, cleaning and storage

• Composition: outer material 100% polyester, lining 100% polyester. These materials are not known to cause allergies.
• Cleaning: wipe with lukewarm water only, then dry on a hanger in a well-ventilated place. Do not machine wash, use bleach, tumble dry, or iron.
• Storage: on a hanger, in a dry, well-ventilated place, away from sunlight and extreme temperatures. Do not place heavy objects on it. Do not sew or glue anything onto the vest: you could puncture the air cushions and prevent them from functioning properly.

The airbag system

Operation

The rider attaches a lanyard to the ring on the adjustable saddle attachment, which is securely fastened to the saddle. If the rider falls or is ejected, the lanyard becomes taut and pulls out the trigger pin; a spring then pushes the piston into the neck of the CO2 cartridge, which empties into the airbag until it is fully inflated. Maximum inflation lasts 10 to 15 seconds, after which the CO2 automatically escapes through a pressure relief valve in the trigger.

You may feel slight compression for a few seconds while the gas escapes. If the discomfort persists, open the front closure to reduce the pressure.

Air cushions

Made of highly durable polyurethane, they can tear or become damaged if they hit a pointed or sharp object. Do not expose them to temperatures above 50 °C.

Trigger pin

Pulling the lanyard removes the trigger pin, regardless of the direction. For your safety, do not dismantle the pin or remove any parts.

CO2 cartridge

• Use only an original Point Two cartridge, of the size supplied with your air vest, with a bayonet fitting (screw-in cartridges are not suitable).
• Store and use the cartridge below 45 °C. Use it above 0 °C; after storage below 0 °C, let it warm up indoors or replace it.
• No naked flames, and do not leave full cartridges in a hot car.
• If there is rust or corrosion, replace it immediately and dispose of it safely and in an environmentally friendly manner.
• Check that a used cartridge is completely empty before removing it.
• Keep replacement cartridges out of reach of children.
• The cartridge is not reusable: after use, replace it with a new cartridge of the same capacity.
• Weigh the cartridge every year: its weight must not differ by more than 3 g from the weight engraved on it.

Saddle attachment and lanyard

Installing the adjustable saddle attachment

1. Remove both stirrup leathers from the saddle.
2. Standing level with the pommel, pass one end of the attachment through the D-ring, then slide the loop over the stirrup bar.
3. Do the same on the other side with the other end. You may need to loosen the girth to reach the stirrup bars.
4. Adjust the strap equally on both sides so that the ring is centered on the pommel. It should be short enough not to extend behind the pommel, but not so tight that it presses flat against the withers.
5. Put the stirrup leathers back on and check that they are securely attached.

Attaching the lanyard

The lanyard clip attaches to the central ring of the saddle attachment. It must be securely closed, otherwise the vest will not inflate in the event of a fall.

Considerable force is required to deploy the system: it should not deploy during normal use, but accidental deployment remains possible if the lanyard catches on an obstacle. If the horse falls and the rider remains in the saddle, the airbag will deploy only once the lanyard is fully taut and the deployment force has been reached.

After deployment

• Move out of danger before removing the vest.
• The airbag remains inflated for 15 to 20 seconds, then the gas gradually escapes through the trigger’s pressure-release valve. Do not block this valve.
• If the cushions are punctured during inflation, all the chambers deflate and the vest loses its air.
• In the event of external damage during deployment, contact us to have the airbag vest inspected and the cartridge replaced. Severe internal or external damage may make repair impossible.

Reset the trigger mechanism and change the cartridge

After deployment, the pin and lanyard have detached, the piston has slid towards the cartridge, and the spring is visible.

Remove the empty cartridge

1. Unlock the empty cartridge by pressing down slightly and turning it counterclockwise, towards the right inside the trigger mechanism body.
2. When the bayonet lug reaches the right of the slot, the cartridge is released.
3. Pull the empty cartridge upwards.

Reset the trigger mechanism

4. Loosen the spring tension cap with the Allen key provided until the spring disappears beneath the pin opening.
5. Using your finger or the Allen key, push the piston back into place through the trigger mechanism opening: the notch in the silver piston must be aligned with the hole in the centre of the housing.
6. Insert the pin fully into the opening, into the piston notch. Hold it with one hand and start tightening the cap with the other.
7. Finish tightening with the Allen key until the edge of the cap is flush with the trigger mechanism body and the markings on the cap and body are aligned. Do not overtighten.

Install a new cartridge

Before reassembly, check that there is no visible damage (holes, tears) on the exterior or the air cushions, and that the air cushions are completely deflated. Use an original Point Two cartridge of the correct size: 60 cc for adult sizes and children’s L and XL sizes, 50 cc for children’s S and M sizes.

8. Check that the new cartridge has a bayonet fitting. Align the bayonet lug with the slot in the trigger mechanism.
9. Insert the cartridge into the trigger mechanism. If you encounter resistance, check the alignment of the lug and the slot.
10. Pressing down slightly, turn the cartridge clockwise, towards the left, until the lug is to the left of the slot.
11. Close the zipper on the cartridge cover.

Servicing, warranty and liability

Inspection and servicing

• Frequently check for visible wear, especially after an accident, and inspect the airbag areas (no snags or tears) before every use. Also check the tether, especially with daily use: at the first sign of wear, contact us.
• If you think the airbag is damaged: reset the trigger, install a new cartridge and pull the tether to inflate it. If it inflates poorly, loses pressure or deflates faster than usual, have it inspected and repaired. If in doubt, the vest should be replaced.
• When properly cleaned and maintained according to these instructions, the vest has a service life of approximately three years under normal conditions.
• Point Two requires servicing once a year, after six inflations or after a particularly severe fall (trigger inspection, cleaning and removal of the cover, and a full airbag pressure test). Contact us to arrange this. Servicing by anyone other than Point Two technicians voids the airbag and trigger warranty.

Warranty

The airbag in Point Two vests is covered by a lifetime warranty, provided that the vest is serviced annually by Point Two. If reduced performance is detected during the test inflation, the airbag will be replaced free of charge.

Limitation of liability

• Point Two accepts no liability for injury, death or property damage arising from the use of its products, or for improper installation or misuse.
• Each vest is inflated and tested before shipping, but Point Two cannot guarantee that it will inflate every time.
• Any modification or misuse may cause a malfunction. A vest that has sustained an impact must be examined and, if necessary, serviced by Point Two. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations before applying any care product, adhesive or other item to the vest.
• Equestrian sports are inherently dangerous: riders use Point Two products at their own risk.
• Pregnancy: data is limited. Point Two advises against wearing the vest beyond 18 weeks of pregnancy due to a theoretical risk of miscarriage or premature birth, amniotic embolism, placental abruption and isoimmunisation.

Manufacturer: Point-2 Equine Ltd (United Kingdom). French translation of the manufacturer's user guide (July 2025).