Riding airbags for kids

If your child has lost an airbag component, don't panic. Vestride offers a full range of replacement connection accessories. Find the component you need in our sections Cartridges and Accessories. 

It's important to renew your child's safety equipment as he or she grows. As soon as the airbag rises above the child's pelvis, we recommend upgrading to the next size up. If it doesn't fit properly, the airbag won't provide optimum protection for your child. 

If the airbag you have chosen is not the right size or does not fit, you have 15 days in which to return it to us. The cost of returning the airbag is borne by the customer, while the cost of exchanging airbags is borne by Vestride.

Only Spark, Hit-Air, Equiline's Oxair and children's models, Helite's Airjacket and Freejump's X'Air Safe airbags can be worn over clothing. Airbag jackets can be worn over thin clothing (teeshirts, sweaters) or combined with compatible garments. 

Your airbag should be adjusted to your body shape and size, but not too tight. We advise you to keep a fist's width between your chest and the airbag, to give it the space it needs for optimum inflation.

We recommend storing it on a hanger away from moisture. Storing it on a hanger helps protect the membrane by limiting the risk of folding or cracking. Avoid storing it in a ball in your rack, or exposing it to high temperatures (radiators, cars in direct sunlight, etc.). 

The cartridge contains super-compressed CO2, essential for inflating the airbag vest. When contact is broken between rider and horse, the cord releases the striker, which pierces the cartridge and releases the CO2. The vest membrane inflates in milliseconds. 

The saddle strap is fastened to either side of the saddle through the two stirrup leathers. This way, there's a perfect balance of release in the event of a fall, whether to the left or right of the horse. The buckle attaches to the connecting strap, which in turn connects to the airbag. 

After triggering, your vest's membrane is inflated and the cartridge is emptied of its CO2. To reset, unscrew the old cartridge, expel all the air from the membrane, connect the trigger ball using the key supplied, then screw in a new cartridge. The exact re-priming procedure differs depending on the airbag model. It is important to follow the instructions given in the user manual supplied with the vest. If necessary, you can always contact us. 

The airbag must never be immersed in water, put in the washing machine or tumble dryer, or even ironed. This could damage the metal components as well as the inner membrane, and alter the effectiveness of the vest. In the event of stains, we recommend cleaning the vest gently with a soft, damp brush, or using a sponge with a little soapy water. Leave to dry in the open air, preferably on a hanger.