Equilibrium

Stretch & Flex Wraps are made from Stomatex® Originally developed for human athletes, Stomatex® was designed to provide four way stretch, to enable use around mobile joints, plus excellent support for active limbs, and an outstanding ability to keep the skin dry. Stomatex® is a revolutionary material, used across a wide range of products throughout the world including the sport and leisure industry, transport and healthcare to name but a few. It is used in the manufacture of heat acclimatisation suits, padding for wheelchairs, special wetsuits and sports injury support bandages. Stomatex® is an unusual looking, spotty material. It is a high performance fabric made from lightweight, ultra-thin, non porous polyester membrane that has multiple innovative uses. This unique material demonstrates superior tensile strength and elasticity, whilst offering significant advantages over various plastic foam materials. These factors make Stomatex® ideal for close contour applications where body movement must remain unhindered. Stomatex® works by replicating the way in which the stomata of a plant breaths and removes excess water through transpiration. How does Stomatex work? Trapped vapour molecules are efficiently removed from beneath the fabric by the flexing action of minute dome shaped chambers, each with a tiny pore in the centre. Reflecting the rate of physical activity, the chambers create a self-contained micro climate, allowing cooler, drier air to pass through at a controlled rate. This keeps the skin free from perspiration and maintains an ideal skin temperature over an extended period of time. By imitating this process Stomatex® is able to overcome the problems of perspiration and over-heating traditionally associated with the use of closed cell foam materials. It can therefore ensure that body heat, blood flow and compression remain consistent during a wide range of activities. Stomatex® provides a unique four way stretch to enable use around mobile joints such as that  in the lower limb of the horse and an outstanding ability to keep skin dry preventing damage  from perspiration. The harder the horse works, the more Stomatex® works meaning that more heat will be dispelled from the wrap keeping the leg at a comfortable temperature level.

Often one of the first questions we get regarding the range of feeds and supplements we market at Equilibrium Products is “what is the sugar content?” High sugar diets have been increasingly implicated in conditions such as laminitis. Horses are well adapted to digesting sugar and starch in their diets, a capability that has evolved over millennia adapted to the life of a browsing herbivore – essentially trickle feeding of a high fibre based diet. Sugar, a NSC (non-structural carbohydrate along with starch) is an unavoidable part of the horse’s diet alongside the proteins, fibres and oils, vitamins and minerals consumed daily. Sugar is readily found in grass, especially fast growing spring grass, hay/haylage and compound feeds. It’s also an essential nutrient – glucose is the main energy source of the brain, but glucose in the body is sourced not only from eating and digesting sugar, but also converted from the end products of the digestion of fibre. Its likely true that what has changed in recent times is the quantity of sugar a horse consumes not only in one day, but in individual meals. The issue appears to be that in certain breeds at least, higher intakes of sugar, especially when fed in rapidly consumed single meals are in some way affecting the way the horse’s body utilises the absorbed sugars. This “disregulation” of normal metabolic processes is thought to lie behind the incidence of diseases, such as laminitis. The disregulation can be attenuated by controlling starch and sugar intakes, and increasing exercise levels. Sugar and laminitis Dietary management of horses highly susceptible to these conditions means not only maximising fibre and really limiting starch and sugar intakes – by soaking hay and haylage to reduce forage sugar content and selecting high fibre low starch feeds, also ensuring meal sizes are small and preferably little and often. This may make you think that turnout is the ideal situation but in spring, grass grows fast and is nutritionally rich, especially in sugar.   For animals prone to weight gain and or laminitis, this is not an option. For animals prone to these conditions, spring and early summer can mean a very restricted and basic diet– usually involving the horse or pony spending a lot of time indoors without much to eat. Against the evolutionary need to trickle feed, this is not necessarily welfare friendly – behavioural problems linked with boredom could occur and gastric health will be challenged. Restricting grazing to a few hours per day is common but research has shown that, ponies especially, can eat as much in 3 hours as they can in a day when access to grazing is limited. The key in these situations is to extend the eating time of the low calorie low sugar diet as much as possible. Try using small holed hay nets to extend eating time, or give a low sugar, quality fibre block to keep him occupied for longer. Hay and haylage can contain up to 15% sugar, which can be reduced by up to half by soaking the forage for 12-16 hours. It’s easy to choose a compound feed with a low NSC content, as most manufacturers list the starch and sugar contents; chops and chaffs can also be used to slow up consumption of a small hard feed. Sugar and treats Its natural to want to be able to treat or supplement your horse and pony, and whilst in reality they are only fed in a few grammes per day, some treats and supplements can be high in sugar and starch, particularly if they include molasses or cereals – which might not be suitable for the diet your excitable, overweight or laminitic-prone horse or pony. As with humans there are now just as tasty, healthier, low sugar products available to make treating, rewarding or supplementing your horse a low sugar event – all part of the management of the at risk horse or pony.

We’ve added two bridle designs to our Net Relief range. The Muzzle Net for Anatomical Bridles and Muzzle Net for Grackle Bridles are available alongside the original Muzzle Net for Cavesson.  Headshaking can be one of the most distressing conditions a horse owner might have to deal with and ‘Net Relief’ is one of the most effective products in controlling the symptoms of head shaking. Research by De Montfort University found that nose nets offered relief for 79% of horses and that they are the most effective treatment found for sufferers. The Net Relief Muzzle Net is a contoured mesh that fits closely over the upper muzzle, allowing no restriction on the bit or the horse’s breathing and attaches easily to the horse’s noseband. Totally unobtrusive and permitted by British Dressage and British Eventing for use in competition (see rule applying to the use of nose nets for each organisation) “Would like to say thank you for having such an amazing product as your Muzzle Net. My boy was practically un-rideable during the summer months. I’ve used other nets and saw no difference, but then purchased your nets and it’s amazing the difference – NO headshaking, NO snorting and NO more being uncomfortable at all – it is amazing the difference! Thank you so much!” “My horse developed headshaking this year. It was a very severe head shake which results in bolting, throwing himself into the hedge and shaking up and down and side to side. He was virtually unrideable until I was advised by a friend to try your net for muzzles. He was not cured but it enabled him to put up with it enough to still be ridden and also compete. We have won a lot of different disciplines this year including show jumping at agricultural level, unaffiliated dressage and qualifying for the NPS working hunter novice finals. Without your product none of this would have been possible. We have just been to our south western welsh pony and cob performance awards where he won the ridden section c trophy and came 3rd overall!!! He was 2nd working hunter, 3rd dressage, 6th show jumping and 6th showing! Judges have been very good and not marked down for the net but just asked. I think his shaking has something to do with tree pollen as for a few late summer months he was fine. Thank you ever so much for such a fab product and I am glad even BD accept it now.” “During the Summer months, my horse suffers from a Pollen allergy which causes him to headshake and generally get very irritated and itchy around his nose area – that is until I tried Equilibrium Nose nets. They are fantastic and his head shaking has stopped completely and he is a lot more relaxed and happy. For the last three summers he has worn a no sent from April – October to help to relieve the hay fever like symptoms which he seems to suffer from. I now wouldn’t be without one during the summer – they are fantastic, especially as you can cut them down to get the perfect size to fit the individual horse.”

Understanding Sweet Itch.  The weather is getting warmer, the sun is high in the sky, and your horse starts itching and rubbing his mane and tail. Sound familiar? Many owners dread the onset of summer because of the continuous threat of sweet itch. Sweet itch, or Summer Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis, is an allergic reaction to the bites and saliva of Culicoides midges. It affects any breed or age of horse and usually occurs between the months of April and October when midges are most active. The threat of sweet itch should decrease during spring and autumn and disappear during the winter. The allergic reaction can range from mild to very severe, resulting in hair loss and bleeding scabs, which may lead to infection. Therefore, it is essential to recognise sweet itch as soon as possible, and take action to prevent it worsening or, if possible, prevent it from occurring at all. What are the symptoms of sweet itch? Sweet itch symptoms can vary greatly between horses, as some suffer more serious effects than others. Mild symptoms include itching and rubbing, usually around the mane and tail and along the top of the back. This can cause patchy hair loss on the coat and loss of mane and tail hair, which may lead to broken and damaged skin. If left untreated, the damaged skin can become sore and infected. In severe cases, sweet itch can extend under the belly, and down as far as the legs. There are some behavioural signs to look out for, too. Horses suffering with sweet itch may become easily agitated, restless or lethargic and show a lack of concentration during work. Vigorous swishing of the tail or headshaking is also common. How do I prevent sweet itch?Prevention is better than cure, and there are a number of measures you can take to minimise the risk of your horse developing sweet itch. Good management Midges are mostly active at dawn and dusk, so if possible, bring your horse inside at these times. Try protecting your horse in the stable by applying fly repellent or cover the stable door with fly-proof netting. Be aware that certain field conditions are more attractive to midges since they congregate near water or boggy marshes, so try not to turn out near these areas. Fly repellents It’s important to do as much as possible to keep flies and midges away. Using a fly repellent can do just that, and they are available as sprays, creams or gels, so there is something to suit everyone. Horses respond differently to each brand of repellent, so make sure you find the one that is right for your horse. Although usually very effective, repellents do wear off the skin over time, so they may need to be applied a couple of times a day, or every few hours if midges become particularly bad. Sheets and hoods Specially designed sweet itch sheets and hoods are now available which enable horses to be turned out without the need for frequent application of repellents. Special fabrics are often used that midges are unable to penetrate. They added bonus is that they also protect the hair, mane, and tail from being rubbed. How do I treat sweet itch? When sweet itch strikes, it is important to treat it as soon as possible. Keep irritated areas clean and dry. If the skin is sore or broken, apply a healing agent like calamine lotion or a nappy rash cream such as Sudocrem®  to help soothe irritation and soreness. Remember that these products won’t protect from further bites. Rubbing benzyl benzoate into the skin is also known to help (although this is not recommended for use on broken skin), or look for an alternative made from natural ingredients. With good management and care, sweet itch is a manageable condition, allowing you and your horse to enjoy the summer months. However, if the sweet itch becomes too severe, or you are worried about infection, it is always wise to consult your vet. For more information or advice on sweet itch, contact the Itchy Horse Company (Formerly known as the National Sweet Itch Centre), Tel: (01352) 840333; visit: HTTP://WWW.itchyhorse.CO.UK

Choosing the Best Fly Mask for Your Horse With different styles, colours and varying levels of protection now available, finding the perfect fly mask for your horse is no longer an easy task. For many horse owners the confusion results in the purchase of a lesser quality fly mask, and often less effective mask that may mean compromising on protection, fit, or in some circumstances both. Buying the cheapest fly mask in the shop can, in the long run, prove to be more costly as a less effective fit is likely to result in more losses and more damage in the field, thus reducing the lifespan of the fly mask and increasing the likely need to repurchase throughout the season. So before you hit the tack shops for your summer essentials, be sure to keep reading for our top tips of what to consider before buying a fly mask… What Style of Fly Mask Should I Choose? Full Face Fly Mask A full face fly mask is a great option if your horse is very sensitive to flies and midges, or if you need to protect your horse’s muzzle against the sun. For all-round protection, the Field Relief Max Fly Mask provides over 70% UV protection and is made from a durable mesh to keep flies at bay. Fly Mask with Ears Horses that are susceptible to irritation from midge bites often benefit from the additional protection a fly mask with ears can offer, but look carefully at the shape of the ears on the mask you are considering. Are they horse-ear shaped? Too often fly masks misjudge the actual shape of the horse’s ear, making them too straight or floppy and therefore easier for the horse to remove. Take a look at the Field Relief Midi with Ears and see how an ergonomic ear shape can make all the difference to the fit of your fly mask. Fly Mask without Ears Many horses find that a fly mask with ears to be an annoyance, which encourages them to rub and thus displace or pull their mask off completely. Many horses simply cannot tolerate anything touching their ears. Look for a fly mask with adjustable fastenings behind the ears so the fly mask doesn’t have to be put on over the head and ears. For horses like this, a visor style like the Field Relief Midi is ideal for providing a high level of protection along with a secure fit. Muzzle Fringe Designed with a simple hook and loop attachment, the Field Relief® Muzzle Fringe attaches easily to all fly masks in the Field Relief® Range. Ideal for horses who might not like a traditional nose piece or cover, or need protection from the flies and midges without the UV protection. Detachable Nose Piece Designed with a simple hook and loop attachment, the Field Relief® Detachable Nose Piece attaches easily to all fly masks in the Field Relief® Range. Ideal for horses with pink or sensitive noses, who need UV protection, or those who are extremely sensitive to flies or midges around their muzzle.

Introduction to Cushing’s Disease (also known as PPID) What is Cushing’s Disease? Cushing’s Disease (also known as PPID, short for Pituitary Pars Intermediate Dysfunction), is a chronic progressive condition that shares some similarities with equine metabolic syndrome. It is one of most common problems affecting the hormonal (endocrine) system in horses and ponies and particularly in those over 15 years. Thanks to advancements in horse welfare, horses are living longer so Cushing’s Disease is becoming more prevalent. What causes Cushing’s Disease? Cushing’s Disease is caused by the overproduction of hormones by an enlarged and overactive pituitary gland ‐ a pea‐sized gland in the base of brain. The overproduction of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) by the enlarged Pars Intermedia (middle) part of the gland stimulates the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol (a steroid hormone). It is the increased levels of cortisol which causes most of the clinical signs associated with Cushing’s Disease. The condition progresses as the nerves connected to pituitary gland slowly degenerate What are the clinical signs of Cushing’s Disease? The most common signs of Cushing’s disease are recurring bouts of laminitis, which is the most serious complication, and hirsutism (excessive hair growth). Cushing’s Disease is the only condition known to cause hirsutism, which ranges from mild changes in coat shedding to the production of a long curly coat. Other symptoms include: excessive sweating; increased appetite; increased drinking and urination; pot‐bellied appearance; lethargy or more docile temperament; poor performance; lower immune function leading to recurrent infections eg skin, respiratory or dental problems; greater susceptibility to worms; loss of muscle condition, particularly over the topline; abnormal fat deposition, particularly around the Insulin resistance is also associated with Cushing’s Disease. How can I prevent or manage Cushing’s Disease? Cushing’s disease is a progressive condition so there is no known prevention. However, the risk of nerve damage may be lower in horses kept in good health with high levels of anti‐oxidants but this is unconfirmed. Similarly, early treatment following diagnosis may slow down the progression but, again, this is unproven. Given their lower immunity, horses with Cushing’s Disease should be on an effective worming, dental and vaccination regimen, plus any wounds should be frequently monitored for infection. Vitamin C supplementation (20 g per day) has been shown to increase antibody response to vaccines in aged horses, especially those with pituitary dysfunction or Cushing’s syndrome. See Feeding horses with EMS & Cushing’s Disease  How is Cushing’s Disease treated? There is no cure but effective treatment is available to address underlying hormonal imbalances. So far, Pergolide is the only licensed medication to demonstrate sufficient benefit and works by reducing the production of cortisol. Pergolide is available in a tablet form that can be hidden in feed. Associated conditions, such as laminitis, also need to be managed and treated accordingly. Horses with Cushing’s Disease may develop insulin resistance, so this will be managed in a similar way to EMS. Additionally, clipping will help to prevent excessive sweating if your horse grows a thick coat. What is the prognosis of Cushing’s Disease? There is no reason why a horse or pony with Cushing’s Disease, that is well managed, can live a long and normal life. Thank you to vet, Rachel Harrison-Osborne of Wendover Heights Veterinary Centre, for her input to this article. Helpful resources https://www.ed.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.18061!fileManager/dvepfactsheet‐cushingsdiseaseandequinemetabolicsyndrome.pdf https://www.laminitis.org/cushings.htm https://www.bhs.org.uk/welfare-and-care