Description KEY FEATURES The Helite saddle strap – for connecting your key ball lanyard (found on your Airvest) to your saddle. High level of adjustability meaning it is able to fit and adapt to all saddle styles and shapes. The equestrian key ball lanyard & saddle strap is standard across all Helite horse-riding products. We strongly recommend that you get one saddle strap per saddle and you leave each securely attached at all times. Keep it away from anything sharp or abrasive that could damage or weaken the strap. Fitting your Helite Key ball Lanyard and Saddle Strap – THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Ideally the saddle strap should be fitted to the stirrup bars of the saddle as this is the most robust area. The closer the lanyard and saddle strap is to your centre of gravity when seated on your horse the better. Try out the length and adjust it until you reach an optimal length. The lanyard when attached to the saddle strap should only be tight when you are stood up. If the length of the strap is too long the inflation of the airbag jacket could be delayed. UK I was out for a ride on my young horse wearing a riding hat and a Helite Airvest. He was spooked by a couple of ponies galloping in a field next to the lane where we were passing. My horse set off with me at speed and suddenly changed direction. I came off and landed on the gravel track. I was knocked unconscious however my Airvest activated and undoubtedly prevented any serious injuries. Was checked at hospital all ok. Just a few bruises. We contacted Airvest and were able to drop off the vest the following day for a full check over. Zara and the team were fab and had it sent back after the service. It only had minor scuff marks. Thank you. All riders should wear an Airvest. Sarah Harman UK Following an accident 4 yrs ago when my horse fell on top of me and left me with a spinal injury and a life confined to a wheelchair. I never thought I could be so happy again in the saddle. Thanks to my new Helite Air Vest I feel confident knowing I have the best protection possible now!! SallyAnne Haigh York I decided I wanted to ride in an air jacket all the time some 12 months ago. A couple of friends had had silly falls and it made me realise you could be injured at any time – and there was no point having the jacket hung up in the lorry for cross country days. For a birthday present, my husband swapped my old style jacket for gilet version for me. I admit to being vain so wanted to wear one discreetly. Last September, 2 friends and I hired a holiday cottage with stables in the Peak District. We were having a great time. We’d had a long hack the day before so decided to do a short hack then hit the village pub. We knew the route we chose had lots of gates. We were all on steady horses so we’re taking it on turns to open them. I was leaning down to open a (rider friendly) gate when some thing spooked my very sensible horse. He went into a blind panic and tried to scramble over the gate I was trying to open. He got breached and I fell first and he landed on top of me. My air jacket inflated and took the full weight of the horse on my chest. He was upside down, wriggling around on top of me trying to get up and he caught my hip and pelvis in the process. I was air lifted to hospital with multiple fractures in my pelvis and a dislocated hip. I had to have two lots of surgery, a lot of metal work and a long painful rehab of learning to walk all over again. This process is still on going. If I hadn’t of had my air-jacket on for that short quiet hack, there is no doubt about it that I wouldn’t be here today. Every new set of medical professionals I saw between the accident and 2 hospitals later were obsessed with assessing me for spinal injuries. They just couldn’t understand or appreciate what the jacket had done for me. I’d had 650kg of horse on me and didn’t have a mark on me from my waist upwards. It’s amazing how many of my friends have since started wearing there jacket more or have gone out and bought a jacket. I think what shocked people with my accident is that I was on a seriously laid back horse, during a quiet hack – it just does prove it can happen to anyone at anytime. Katie Dickson HK Horses “The innovative Helite Zip’In 2 Airvest gives my team and I safety in a comfortable and stylish way. I don’t know what we would do without it!” Morgan Kent Team Flo Eventing I have always had Helite airvests since I started eventing 4 years ago. I currently have a Turtle 2 Airvest, in navy blue to match my cross-country colours. I find the Airvest so comfortable to wear, and the reassurance I get from wearing it is worth everything. Knowing that the air jacket is protected from puncture by the turtle shell is a real bonus. I have had a couple of really nasty falls and my Turtle 2 has definitely saved me from significant injuries. The trauma team at A&E were very impressed and felt that my airvest saved me from life changing injuries. The team at Helite UK have always been amazingly helpful, whether in general use, servicing or sizing. I wouldn’t wear anything else. Flo Burnop View more customer testimonials and videos View Testimonials Frequently asked questions Which vests can this be used for? Any vest that is fitted with an equestrian lanyard.
