Riding airbags for kids

Children’s riding airbags: protection designed for young riders

A children’s riding airbag vest is a piece of protective equipment designed for young riders. Connected to the saddle by an attachment system, it is triggered when the rider is separated from their horse or pony during a fall. The cartridge then releases the gas required to rapidly inflate the airbag around the upper body.

Depending on the design of the model, the inflatable areas may cover the neck, chest, back, abdomen, pelvis and coccyx. When choosing an airbag for a child, several factors require particular attention: minimum rider weight, body measurements, fit, areas of coverage and how the vest is intended to be worn.

How does a children’s riding airbag vest work?

Children’s riding airbags generally use a mechanical activation system. A tether system (a connecting lanyard combined with a saddle strap, or an all-in-one strap) connects the airbag vest to the saddle. In the event of a fall, when the child moves sufficiently far away from their horse or pony and the required pulling force is reached, the airbag mechanism is activated.

The ball is then released from the trigger mechanism and the gas cartridge inflates the different air chambers of the vest. This mechanical system requires neither a battery nor electrical charging.

After deployment, allow your child’s protective vest to deflate, check its condition, reset the mechanism according to the manufacturer’s instructions and then install a compatible riding airbag cartridge for the model and size of the vest before it can be used again.

Minimum rider weight: children’s airbags available from 17 kg

The young rider’s minimum weight is one of the first criteria to check when choosing a children’s airbag. The mechanical system must be able to activate when the child is separated from their horse or pony during a fall. The minimum rider weight, however, varies considerably between models.

At Vestride, riding airbags designed or suitable for young riders have minimum rider weights ranging from 17 to 35 kg. This difference is particularly important for smaller children: an airbag may be available in a size that matches their body measurements without necessarily being suitable for their weight.

Hit-Air Complet 3: extensive coverage for young riders

With a minimum rider weight of just 18 kg, the Hit-Air Complet 3 is a particularly interesting option for smaller young riders. It also stands out for its extensive coverage, with large inflatable areas around the upper body, an inflatable neck collar and an extended section protecting the coccyx area.

This extensive coverage includes the back and spine, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis and coccyx areas. The Complet 3 can therefore be particularly suitable when looking for both a low minimum rider weight and extensive body coverage.

How to choose the right size children’s riding airbag

Once the minimum rider weight has been checked, the next step is to determine the airbag size best suited to the child’s body shape and measurements. Depending on the manufacturer, the size guide may take into account chest circumference, waist circumference, back length or several of these measurements. We therefore recommend measuring the young rider and consulting the specific size guide for the brand and model. Sizing is not necessarily equivalent from one manufacturer to another.

An oversized airbag should not be chosen in anticipation of the child’s growth. The vest should fit their current body shape and measurements so that it can be worn in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

As the child grows and reaches the measurements and weight requirements for adult models, you can consider our selection of adult riding airbags. The transition to an adult size should be determined according to the manufacturer’s size guide rather than based on a specific age.

How should a children’s riding airbag be worn?

Riding airbag vests are available in different designs. Some models are intended to be worn over riding clothing, while slimmer, close-fitting models may be worn with jackets specifically designed to allow the airbag to deploy correctly.

When an airbag is worn underneath a jacket, the jacket must be specifically designed for this purpose and provide sufficient room for the system to inflate in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Discover our selection of airbag-compatible riding clothing.

How to attach a children’s riding airbag to the saddle

A mechanical riding airbag relies on a connection between the rider and the saddle. A saddle strap is fitted to the saddle, and the airbag vest’s connecting lanyard is attached to it once the child is mounted. Young riders should get into the habit of clipping in once they are in the saddle and unclipping before dismounting. The first few uses are a good opportunity to teach them this routine so that connecting the airbag becomes a natural part of preparing to ride.

The straps, attachments, trigger balls and other components of the system must be compatible with the airbag being used and should be checked regularly. If necessary, discover our straps, attachments and trigger balls for riding airbags, whether you need to replace a lost or damaged component or equip a second saddle.

What should you do after a children’s riding airbag has deployed?

After a fall, the priority is of course to check the young rider’s condition. The airbag will then gradually deflate. Before using it again, visually inspect the airbag vest for any potential damage caused by the fall.

You must then reset the trigger mechanism by carefully following the procedure specified by the manufacturer and install a new compatible cartridge. If you are unsure about the condition of the vest or its mechanism, our team is available to help you check that everything is in order.

How to care for a children’s riding airbag

A riding airbag contains inflatable chambers and an activation mechanism, so it should not be cared for in the same way as conventional riding clothing. Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions and avoid washing methods that could damage the system. Regularly check the overall condition of the vest and its accessories, including the fabric, seams, fastening, trigger mechanism, connecting lanyard and saddle strap. The airbag should also be stored in a dry place and within the temperature conditions recommended by the manufacturer.

Which riding airbag should you choose for a young rider?

Choosing the right airbag for your child requires several factors to be considered together: minimum rider weight, size, chest circumference, back length, areas of coverage, vest design, comfort and compatibility with riding clothing. The specific features and sizing of each brand should also be taken into account.

As a specialist in rider safety equipment, Vestride offers a multi-brand selection, allowing you to compare different solutions rather than focusing on a single manufacturer. If you are unsure between several sizes or models, our team can advise you based on your child’s weight and body measurements and help you identify suitable riding airbags.