Equilibrium

Not all fly masks and rugs are created equal — especially when it comes to UV protection. In this blog, we explore the difference between UVA and UVB rays, why they matter for horses, and how UV protection is tested in fly masks and rugs. Learn how to choose the best gear to keep your horse safe in the summer sun.

We tested the Quick Chill Cooling Rug on one of the hottest days of the year (2024) to find out just how effective it is at reducing and maintaining lower skin temperatures in horses at rest. Testing the Quick Chill Rug in Real-Life Conditions We took advantage of the heatwave to conduct a real-world comparison. With stable temperatures hovering between 28–30°C and the yard outside reaching 30–32°C, conditions were ideal for testing cooling methods. Two cooling methods were involved: Sponging off with cool water Quick Chill Cooling Rug pre-soaked in fresh tap water (18.5°C) for 10 minutes. The rug was only activated with water once and not reactivated for the rest of the test period. To capture accurate results, temperature dataloggers were used, recording skin temperature every 10 seconds across a 2-hour test period.

What the Science Says About Managing Headshaking in Horses.  Headshaking can be a distressing and unpredictable condition—making horses toss or flip their heads repeatedly, often without warning. For riders and owners, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. While there’s no single cure, there are some products that can help. But not all Muzzle Nets are created equal. In this study, researchers set out to test just how effective these nets really are—and which designs work best. The results? Our very own Equilibrium Muzzle Net was among the top performers. What Is Headshaking—and Why Do Nose Nets Help? Headshaking is a clinical symptom, not a diagnosis. It can stem from various causes, but one of the most common is thought to be trigeminal-mediated headshaking—a condition where the horse’s facial nerve becomes hypersensitive. This can lead to discomfort triggered by sunlight, wind, exercise, or even changes in air pressure [Madigan et al., 1995]. The behaviours often include: Vertical or side-to-side head tossing Nose flipping Violent reactions resembling a “bee flying up the nose” Snorting, sneezing, or rubbing the nose on objects The Research: Comparing Nose Net Designs in the Field In a 2003 study published in the Veterinary Record, researchers Mills and Taylor assessed the effectiveness of three different muzzle nets: A traditional full net that covers the whole muzzle Half Net A, with a snug, adjustable fit (the Muzzle Net we offer) Half Net B, a similar design but with an elasticated hem Over a series of weeks, 36 horses with confirmed headshaking were trialled using each net. Owners recorded symptom changes on a detailed assessment sheet. What the Study Found – Half Net A in the Spotlight Feature Half Net A Half Net B Full Net Overall improvement 79% ✅ 76% 68% At least 50% improvement 76% ✅ 69% 65% At least 70% improvement 36% 35% 30% “Bee up the nose” symptom (≥70%) 50.0% ✅ 55.6% ✅ 34.5% ❌ Helped nose rubbing when standing still (50%+ improvement) ✅ Only net to do so ✖ ✖ Appearance rating Good Good Poor Ease of use Easy Easy Easy   Why Half Net A Is a Proven Choice Out of all the designs tested, Half Net A emerged as one of the most consistently effective, particularly for: Reducing up-and-down headshaking Controlling the intense “bee up the nose” reactions Minimising nose flipping and rubbing behaviours, both while moving and stationary It was also the only net to show significant improvement in nose rubbing when the horse was standing still. The Science Behind Nose Nets The prevailing theory is that nose nets offer tactile stimulation to the sensitive nerve endings in the front of the horse’s muzzle. This mild sensory input may help modulate or “distract” the overactive signals in the trigeminal nerve, which is thought to be the root cause in many cases of photic (light-triggered) or idiopathic headshaking [Madigan et al., 1995; Newton et al., 2000]. This makes nose nets a low-risk, effective solution for most horses. Who Can Benefit Most? The Muzzle Net is ideal for horses who: Shake their heads mostly during exercise React in sunlight, wind, or rain Display the classic nose flipping or “bee up the nose” behaviour Have mild to moderate seasonal headshaking Note: The study found that horses over 10 years old were slightly less responsive, especially for nose flipping and shaking during exercise. This may be due to more entrenched behaviours or underlying chronic factors. The Equilibrium Muzzle Net: Small Product, Big Difference It’s lightweight, adjustable, competition legal (always read the relevant rule books to check with your specific governing body), and has helped countless horses (and their riders) return to comfortable, focused work. ✅ Scientifically supported✅ Subtle, smart design✅ Comfortable and secure fit✅ Easy to use and clean✅ Adjustable for a closer fit. Shop Muzzle Nets Now Did you know? The Muzzle Net is the product that founded Equilibrium and was created to help a horse called Timmy, who was diagnosed as a headshaker at 5 years old. Timmy went onto have a successful ridden career and a well earned retirement well into his 20's.  References Mills, D.S., & Taylor, K. (2003).Field study of the efficacy of three types of nose net for the treatment of headshaking in horses.Veterinary Record, 152(2), 41–44.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12553579/ Madigan, J.E., Kortz, G., Murphy, C., & Rodger, L. (1995).Photic headshaking in the horse: 7 cases.Equine Veterinary Journal, 27(4), 306–311.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8536668/ Newton, S.A., Knottenbelt, D.C., & Eldridge, P.R. (2000).Headshaking in horses: possible aetiopathogenesis suggested by the results of diagnostic tests and several treatment regimes used in 20 cases.Equine Veterinary Journal, 32(3), 208–216.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10836475/ Mair, T.S., Howarth, S., & Lane, J.G. (1992).Evaluation of some prophylactic therapies for the idiopathic headshaker syndrome.Equine Veterinary Journal Supplement, (11), 10–12.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9109952/

1. Hydration is Key Ensure your dog has constant access to fresh, cool water. Placing multiple water bowls around your home and garden can encourage regular drinking. 2. Limit Exercise During Peak Temperatures Avoid walking your dog during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, opt for early morning or very late evening walks when temperatures are cooler. Sometimes on very hot days, you might need to wait for the sun to go down before cool enough to walk. Be mindful of hot pavements; if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws. 3. Provide Ample Shade and Ventilation Whether indoors or outdoors, ensure your dog has access to shaded areas and well-ventilated spaces. Avoid leaving your dog in confined spaces like cars, conservatories, or outbuildings, as temperatures can rise rapidly, leading to fatal heatstroke 4. Recognise Signs of Heatstroke Early detection of heatstroke symptoms can save your dog's life. Watch for signs such as excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, purple gums or red skin, vomiting, diarrhoea, and collapse. If you suspect heatstroke, cool your dog rapidly using cold water all over and contact your vet immediately. Do not leave them unattended. 5. Avoid Overexertion Limit your dog's physical activity during hot weather. Overexertion can quickly lead to overheating. Provide mental stimulation through interactive toys or training sessions instead of vigorous play. 7. Protect Against Sunburn Dogs with light-coloured fur or exposed skin areas are susceptible to sunburn. Apply pet-safe sunscreen to vulnerable areas like the nose and ears, and limit sun exposure during peak UV hours. 🐾 Special Considerations Breed-Specific Risks: Flat-faced breeds (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs) and dogs with thick coats are more prone to heat-related issues due to their anatomy and fur density. Age and Health: Puppies, senior dogs, and those with underlying health conditions require extra care during hot weather. Weight: Dogs carrying extra weight may retain more heat and cool more slowly and therefore may be more at risk. 🧊 Recommended Cooling Products Cooling products are not to be used as treatment for suspected heatstroke, but they can be used to help keep your dog comfortable in warmer weather. Check out our Quick Chill Dog Cooling Coat here.  

When I bought Fly in May 2020, the vetting noted she was a head shaker and warned me about the impact this may have on our ridden career and her comfort in life. When I spoke to her owner before purchasing she said it was just the flies which irritate her.  So I took the risk, and bought her! Through that first summer, I struggling a lot with Fly tossing her head around when ridden. I had never dealt with, or been around a head shaker before. I rode her in ear veils, which didn’t seem to make any difference, and then I tried her in a nose net, which helped slightly! Once the winter came all symptoms disappeared?    Roll onto 2022. I got the vet out to have a look at Fly as the head shaking seemed to be getting slightly worse, and was noticeable in the field, which was upsetting to see, as when you Google "head shakers" it’s not always the best outcome. One of the first comments the vet made when Fly stepped from the shade into the sun was ‘have you noticed she blinks more than twice the amount of the average horse’ and suggested she is sensitive to UV, hence the symptoms completely disappearing in the winter.    I did some research and came across Equilibrium’s Riding Mask - this has been life changing for Fly. Instantly the head shaking stopped, she was happy to be ridden in a consistent contact and concentrated a lot more while jumping. When I then started British Dressage and found that they allowed the mask to be worn, this was amazing news as without the mask, there wouldn’t be a possibility of Fly to now compete up to Medium level and attend championships!   Originally when I started British Eventing in 2022, they did not allow the ride on mask to be worn for the dressage phase, but after petitioning for this rule to be charged, this is now allowed!    Equilibrium’s Riding Mask, provides over 65% UV protection which helps protect Fly’s sensitive eyes, has an excellent, comfortable fit around any size and shape bride, and provides a barrier from flies.    Apart from Equilibrium’s Riding Mask and nose net, through the spring and summer, Fly wears a fly mask with over 70% UV protection in the field, and has antihistamines in her feed to keep any pollen related reactions to a minimum. Through summer she also goes out overnight and is stabled through the day to make her more comfortable.    How do I tell when she needs a helping hand? Once we get to March, I keep an eye on the UV index each day, and anything over 3 she has her protective items on. Bear in mind, it doesn’t have to be a sunny day for them to be affected, UV light will make reflections on surfaces which can affect the horses eyes. This usually lasts until the beginning of October.    Head over to my Instagram to follow our journey and ask me any questions about head shaking!    @lin.firefly  

Rehabilitation following surgery can be a long and challenging journey, requiring careful management to rebuild strength, maintain mobility, and support overall wellbeing. For Scooby, a warmblood X Thoroughbred recovering from kissing spines surgery, the path to recovery took an unexpected turn when a sarcoid removal interrupted his progress. With limited exercise options available during his box rest, an innovative solution was needed to help maintain his condition and keep him comfortable. That’s where the Equilibrium Massage Pad Heatsense made all the difference.