THE MINDS BEHIND THE PROTECTION
A conversation with Y/ELM+ founders Erik and Alexandra on redefining equestrian safety.
THE SPARK: A GAP IN THE MARKET
The journey of Y/ELM+ began when Alexandra returned to the stable after a decade in North America. She quickly realized that while other high-performance sports had seen massive leaps in safety technology, the equestrian world seemed to have stood still.
PERFORMANCE MEETS COMFORT: THE INVISIBLE PROTECTION
"I’ve long felt that the Equestrian world deserves much better protection products." Alexandra explains. "The safety bar for riders could be considerably higher. I wanted to provide products that exceed the standards of sports like downhill skiing, climbing, and cycling."
WE BELIEVE THAT THE PROTECTION THAT IS BEING WORN EVERY DAY IS THE SAFEST
Alexandra emphasizes that the technicality must never compromise the rider's experience. "Equally important is that riders actually want to wear the product. That’s why we put so much effort into making our gear feel unobtrusive, look good, and mold to the body."
REDEFINING SAFETY: THE HYBRID CONCEPT
The Hybrid Helmet 2.0 has been called "the smartest helmet on the market," a title that comes from its ability to address safety both before, during, and after an accident.
"It’s about the ability to add different functions depending on your needs," Erik notes. "We wanted to change the perspective of safety to also address the time before and after the actual millisecond of impact. To see and be seen to avoid accidents, but also to enable a quick rescue if one occurs."
FROM SKETCH TO STABLE: THE HELIUM CHALLENGE
When creating the Helium Vest 1.0, the goal was to create a back protector that offered maximum spinal protection without hindering movement.
"We wanted a vest you'd want to wear every single day in the saddle," Erik says. "It needed to be low profile, breathable, and conform to the body. Using a specific polymer compound and high-quality mesh, we achieved that 'second skin' feel."
THE VISION:LEADING THE NEXT GENERATION
Y/ELM+ is just getting started. With several innovations already in the pipeline, the founders are committed to continuing their mission of redefining what rider safety means.
"In five years’ time, I hope Y/ELM+ is generally considered the innovation leader in rider safety," Erik concludes.
Alexandra agrees, noting that the goal remains the same as on day one: "Exceeding standards and providing riders with the protection they truly deserve."
WITH A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON LIFE, HOW HAS YOUR VIEW ON RIDER SAFETY EVOLVED WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT THE NEXT GENERATION OF YOUNG EQUESTRIANS?
Becoming a mother has definitely deepened my perspective on safety. Before, I mostly thought about performance, functionality, and innovation from a rider’s point of view. Now I also think about longevity, responsibility, and the next generation.
It’s no longer just about creating products people want today, it’s about helping shape a safer culture around riding for young riders growing up now, especially girls. I want the next generation to grow up expecting high standards when it comes to protection, design, and innovation, because they deserve that.
ERIK, WITH YOUR BACKGROUND IN HIGH-PERFORMANCE SPORTS, HOW HAS THAT INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU DESIGN PROTECTION FOR RIDERS?
I simply believe that riders should have the same opportunity as other athletes to wear comfortable safety gear. So every product being developed has a very outspoken goal and aim - Helium Vest - The most comfortable riding vest, Hybrid Helmet - The smartest riding helmet.
