How Does Helite’s Technology work?
Helite equestrian airbag systems come with a mechanical detection system that includes a lanyard, saddle strap and CO2 cartridge. To activate the system, the rider simply has to install the saddle strap and hook the lanyard's carabiner on the saddle strap. No tools or technical knowledge is required.
In case of a fall, the lanyard will unhook and the cartridge will deploy the airbag in less than 100 ms (faster than the blink of an eye). The airbag absorbs the impact and completely stabilizes the upper body from head to tailbone. For an airvest to deploy the rider and horse must be separated.
After inflation, the system can be reused and reset by the rider in less than 2 minutes by simply changing the CO2 cartridge.
How To Install The Device Correctly?
To install the device correctly, the saddle straps and lanyard must be placed properly. Check out the video below for how to install the saddle strap.
How To Install The Saddle Strap?
Saddle straps are easy to install and don't require any special tools or technical knowledge.
- Remove the two stirrups from your saddle.
- Attach the two Y-arms on each side of your saddle to the stirrup bars. You may need to loosen the saddle strap to reach the stirrup bars.
- Put your stirrups back on.
Once the installation is complete, make sure to adjust your saddle strap and lanyard properly.
CAUTION: Only hook the lanyard to the saddle strap. Hooking onto other parts of the saddle may cause damage to the saddle and negatively affect deployment of the airbag. Additionally, ensure the lanyard cannot wrap around or get tangled in the saddle.
What’s The Proper Length For The Saddle Strap?
Once you have installed the saddle strap, get on your horse with the airbag and stand up in the stirrups. If the saddle strap is at the proper length, there will be very little stretch from the lanyard.Why Install The Saddle Strap?
The saddle strap ensures that the airbag will deploy in case of a fall. Attaching the lanyard directly to the saddle could result in damage to the saddle and could interfere with the deployment of the airbag.What Body Parts Are Protected By The Airbag Vest?
In the event of a fall, the unique shape and design of the Helite airbag offers optimal protection of these vital areas:
- Neck
- Spinal Column
- Kidneys
- Thorax
- Hips
- Tailbone
The airbag compresses the truck for better resistance to hyper-extension as well as stabilizes the head and neck. Helite airbags also stiffen the trunk to secure and protect internal organs such as:
- Lungs
- Pancreas
- Abdomen
- Stomach
- Liver