For both beginners or experienced riders, the airbag is an increasingly popular piece of safety equipment in stables. Depending on the model, it provides optimum protection for sensitive areas such as the spine, cervical vertebrae, sacrum and coccyx. Designed to offer maximum protection and comfort, the airbag is highly recommended to protect the youngest from the most serious falls.
Why choose an airbag for children and which model to choose : this article explains.
Why choose an airbag for a child ?
Unlike helmets, protective vests are not compulsory for riders. However, it is highly recommended for falling protection.
A few years ago, back protectors were thick, rigid and unpleasant. Now, equestrian brands have improved their products with lighter, more flexible and discreet protection. Among the latest innovations, the airbag has proved its worth and plaised many riders.
The airbag offers maximum safety. Connected to the saddle by an elastic strap, it is equipped with a CO2 cartridge that activates when the rider falls. The air immediately spreads into the airbag’s chambers, which inflate to cushion the fall.
The simplest airbags protect the back and neck, while the more sophisticated models also protect the neck, tailbone, and ribs.
Why must the airbag be suitable for the child’s weight?
Airbag models for children are specially designed with a torso length and fit appropriate for their body shape.
But most importantly, each airbag vest has a minimum allowed weight. For those below this weight, it is strongly not recommended. And for a good reason : a minimum force is required to dislodge the key ball and activate the airbag mechanism. If this force is insufficient, the activation may be minimized or delayed. In this case, your child will not be properly protected.
Here is the list of airbags suitable for children and their activation weight :
- Kids Airbag Vest – Allshot by Equiline : 18 kg
- TWIST’AIR Airbag Vest Kids – Horse Pilot : 20 kg
- COMPLET 3 Airbag – Hit-Air : 25 kg
- AIRSAFE Airbag Vest – Equithème : 25 kg
- AIR 2 Airbag Vest – Equithème : 25 kg
- PRO AIR Airbag Vest – Point Two : 25 kg
- Spark Airbag Kids : 30 kg
- SAFEFIT Airbag Vest – Seaver : 30 kg
- C-PROTECT AIR Airbag Kids – Segura : 30 kg
- Freejump : 35 kg
- ZIP’IN 2 Airbag Vest – Hélite : 35 kg
- Privilège Equitation Airbag Vest : 35 kg
If your child has not yet reached the minimum weight, other protective alternatives are available, such as body protection and back protectors.
