Point Two equine air jackets are to remain on sale in horse tack shops despite the debate the product has sparked in the horse world.

Concerns were raised that the protective jacket, which saw a huge rise in popularity after their launch on the eventing circuit last year, were not as safe as advertising of the product had claimed.

However tests conducted by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) on the jackets have shown that there is no evidence that the Point Two would exacerbate any neck injury in an accident.

It also suggests that the air jacket offered improved protection when worn with a British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Level 3 body protector than when the latter was worn alone.

TRL test team manager Vincent St.Clair told Horse and Hound magazine, "There is more to do, but the aim of the project was to show there is no worse effect using the air jacket – something that was a concern to British Eventing."

Claire Williams, executive director at BETA said she was "delighted" the jacket had been tested, but added: "This report does raise more questions than answers."

However she also added that the testing does mark an encouraging step forward in the evolution of body protectors.

The jackets, which cost around £400, and need a special saddle attachment, need to be fitted properly in a horse tack shop for them to be effective in a fall.