Protection and limitations
- Protection is provided only once the airbag has inflated, and only in areas covered by the air cushions. Other parts of the body are not protected.
- The airbag cushions the impact during a fall onto soft or hard ground, or against an obstacle (tree, vehicle, post, rail). It also provides some protection against kicks and trampling.
- It does not prevent injuries in accidents involving severe twisting, bending, or extension, or crushing.
- If the rider is not ejected (for example, when the horse falls with the rider), the airbag may not deploy. Consider using additional protective equipment.
- The sound of the deployment may frighten horses.
Components
Vest
It contains the airbag. Its size is shown on the collar label. Wear it over your clothing, with the elastic belt fastened.
Strap
It connects the vest to the saddle strap: when riding, the snap hook attaches to the D-ring on the saddle strap. The strap’s key ball must be correctly positioned and locked in the trigger.
Rearming key
Supplied with the vest, it is used to rearm the system after inflation.
CO2 cartridge
A Racesafe cartridge of the correct size is supplied. The CO2 weight is indicated on the cartridge; the correct weight for your vest is printed on the cartridge pocket.
Trigger
It consists of a cap, a spring, a needle piston and the key ball. When the key ball is pulled from the system, the spring is released and pushes the needle, which punctures the cartridge and inflates the airbag.
Saddle strap
Supplied with the vest, it attaches to the stirrup bars. The rider is responsible for installing and adjusting it correctly according to this manual and must attach the lanyard snap hook to its D-ring each time it is used.
Air cushions
They absorb impacts at their optimal pressure. After deployment, the pressure gradually decreases and the airbag can be reused. Do not expose it to temperatures above 50 °C for extended periods; store it in a cool, dry place.
Installing the saddle strap
- Remove the stirrups from the saddle.
- Slide the fabric loops at both ends of the strap over the stirrup bars.
- Adjust the strap: tighten it to remove any slack. The metal D-ring must be centered.
- Put the stirrups back in place.
- Attach the lanyard to the D-ring. The lanyard should be taut when you are standing in the stirrups and have slack when you are seated.
| Vest size | Horse (min. height) | Lanyard length |
|---|---|---|
| YR1, YR2 | 110 cm | 45 cm |
| YR3 / XXS, A1 / XS, A2 / S | 110 cm | 49 cm |
| A3 / M, A4R, A4T | 120 cm | 52 cm |
Adjusting the vest
Choose the size based on your chest measurement and back length from waist to shoulder (see the size guide on the product page). Zipped over your clothing, the vest should be comfortable, like a coat or waistcoat. Tighten the elastic belt for a close but comfortable fit: once adjusted, it must not move or twist while you ride.
CO2 cartridges
| Vest size | YR1 / YR2 | YR3 / A1 | A2 / A3 | A4R / A4T |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cartridge | 30 g | 38 g | 45 g | 55 g |
- Cartridges are single-use only: replace it after each inflation with a cartridge of the correct size.
- Use only Racesafe cartridges, identifiable by their Racesafe label and size.
- A punctured cartridge is empty and cannot be reused.
- CO2 cartridges are hazardous materials: compressed gas at very high pressure. Store them safely and handle them with care.
- Replace a damaged or deteriorated cartridge immediately.
- Store them below 45 °C, protected from moisture and light, and do not expose them to intense heat for extended periods.
- If the cartridge has been stored below 0 °C, leave it at room temperature for a few minutes before installing it.
- Do not strike, cut, or puncture the cartridge; never throw it into a fire.
- Recommended annual check: weigh the cartridge; its weight must correspond to the weight printed on the label within ±3 g. Also check its condition: no dents or corrosion.
Reactivation after inflation
- Open the cartridge pocket to access the used cartridge.
- Unscrew the used cartridge and dispose of it. Obtain a new Racesafe cartridge of the same weight.
- Using the rearming key, unscrew the cap at the base of the trigger mechanism halfway, so that the keyhole is centered and the key ball can be inserted.
- Holding the key ball in the hole, tighten the cap fully with the key.
- Screw the new cartridge into the top of the trigger mechanism.
- Pass the tether through the opening provided on the cartridge pocket so that it is accessible from the outside.
- Close the cartridge pocket.
Maintenance, storage and inspection
- Cleaning: surface cleaning only, using a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not wash, immerse, tumble-dry, iron, dry-clean, or use bleach.
- Storage: suspended in a dry, well-ventilated place, protected from sunlight and extreme temperatures, without being crushed.
- Transport: suspended or laid flat, protected from extreme temperatures and without being crushed.
- Inspection: regularly check for visible wear, especially after an accident. A severe fall can damage the airbag; if in doubt, the vest must be replaced.
- Annual inspection recommended by Racesafe, and more frequently in the event of visible damage, after more than six inflations, or after a particularly severe fall. The request must be made on the Racesafe website.
Composition: outer fabric 85% polyamide, 15% elastane; lining 100% polyester; air cushions 100% polyurethane.
Warranty and service life
Racesafe airbag vests are covered by a 1-year warranty. By registering your VeloAir on the Racesafe website, the warranty for the airbag and trigger is extended to 2 years from the date of purchase. The warranty is limited to repairing or replacing the VeloAir and does not cover cartridges.
The following are not covered: normal wear and tear; damage caused by failure to follow this manual, friction or impacts during use, misuse or improper storage, or natural disasters; changes in appearance that do not affect operation; lack of proof of purchase; repairs carried out by anyone other than Racesafe.
Service life: the vest can be inflated a maximum of 30 times and has a service life of 10 years from the date of manufacture, provided it is stored, used and maintained correctly. The month and year of manufacture are printed on the label located in the cartridge pocket.
Racesafe and its distributors accept no liability for risks related to the use of their products, including serious injury and death. The VeloAir may malfunction due to deterioration or damage resulting from prolonged use or storage: annual servicing is strongly recommended. Do not disassemble or modify any component, except for the resetting procedure described above. The VeloAir must not encourage you to take greater risks. It is not suitable for people with reduced physical, sensory or mental abilities without supervision or instructions from someone responsible for their safety; supervise children to ensure they do not play with the airbag system.
Certification
The VeloAir complies with Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective equipment and is certified according to the NF S72-800:2022 standard by the notified body ALIENOR CERTIFICATION (No. 2754, Châtellerault, France). The declaration of conformity is available on the Racesafe website.
Manufacturer: Racesafe Limited, Corby (United Kingdom). French translation of the manufacturer's user guide (February 2026).
