Education Zone

As horse riders, we’re used to keeping a close eye on our horses — spotting a tiny change in their stride, noticing a slight swelling, or picking up on unusual behaviour. But how often do we pay the same attention to our own bodies? Breast cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. The earlier it’s found, the better the chances of successful treatment. That’s why regular self-checks are vital — and why we’re proud to support CoppaFeel!, a charity helping people build the habit of checking regularly. 10% of our Pink Stellar Style Headcollar and Leadrope will be donated towards this vital charity.  Why Early Detection is So Important Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK. While many cases are diagnosed after age 50, it can also affect younger people — which is why knowing your normal and spotting changes early could save your life. When breast cancer is caught early, treatments are often less invasive and survival rates are much higher. That’s why self-checking is one of the most powerful tools you have for protecting your health. How to Check Yourself: A Step-by-Step Guide Self-checking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s about getting to know your body and recognising when something feels different. CoppaFeel! recommends checking at least once a month. Here’s how: Look Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and arms by your sides. Look at the shape, size, and outline of your chest. Raise your arms and check again. Notice any dimpling, puckering, or skin changes. Feel Using the flat part of your fingers, move around your entire breast area, including up to your collarbone, under your armpits, and down to your ribcage. Check one side at a time. Apply different pressures: light, medium, and firm. Notice ChangesBe alert to: A lump or thickened area Changes in shape or size Skin changes (dimpling, rash, redness) Nipple changes (discharge, inversion) Constant, unusual pain in the breast or armpit If you notice anything unusual, don’t panic — most changes aren’t cancer — but do see your GP as soon as possible. How to Fit Checks Into a Rider’s Lifestyle We know life with horses is busy — early mornings, late nights, endless yard chores, and little time left over. But fitting in a quick self-check is easier than you think: Shower routine Bedtime habit Making checks part of your horse-care routine ensures you won’t forget — because if you can’t go a day without looking after your horse, you shouldn’t go a month without looking after yourself. Helpful Resources CoppaFeel! Self-Check Guidance CoppaFeel! Text Reminders  NHS Guidance Final Thought As equestrians, we’re experts at spotting subtle changes in our horses — now let’s apply that same skill to ourselves. Regular self-checks are quick, simple, and could make all the difference. This Breast Cancer Awareness season, join us in spreading the word, riding with pride in our limited-edition pink products, and supporting CoppaFeel! with every purchase. Take care of yourself as well as your horse — because early detection matters.

As horse riders, we know the importance of resilience, preparation, and looking after ourselves and our horses. But sometimes, the biggest challenges aren’t on the cross-country course or in the show ring — they’re in our own health. This Breast Cancer Awareness season, we’re proud to support CoppaFeel!, a charity dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer in young people, by donating 10% of profits from our limited-edition pink products, the Tri-Zone All Sports Boots and Stellar Style.  Alongside this, we’re working with equestrian influencer Phoebe Scholtens, who bravely shared her personal story of being diagnosed with a BRCA1 gene mutation. After undergoing a preventative double mastectomy and reconstruction, Phoebe is now passionate about spreading awareness of this gene mutation and encouraging others to take action. Let’s take a closer look at what the BRCA1 gene is, why it matters, and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones. What is the BRCA1 Gene Mutation? Everyone has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Their job is to help repair DNA damage and keep cells healthy. But when there is a mutation (a change) in these genes, it increases the risk of developing certain cancers — particularly breast and ovarian cancer. A BRCA1 mutation doesn’t mean cancer is inevitable, but it does mean your risk is significantly higher than the general population. That’s why awareness and early action are vital. Why is it Important? Knowing your genetic risk gives you the power to make informed choices. For women, a BRCA1 mutation can mean: 55 to 72 percent of women with a pathogenic BRCA1 mutation will develop breast cancer in their lifetime (https://www.bcrf.org/about-breast-cancer/brca1/) Other sources say 65 to 79 of them will develop breast cancer before the age of 80 (https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/worried-about-cancer/causes-and-risk-factors/brca1-and-cancer-risks-for-women) 36 to 53 of women with this gene mutation will develop ovarian cancer before the age of 80. (https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/worried-about-cancer/causes-and-risk-factors/brca1-and-cancer-risks-for-women) There are also increased chances of developing cancer at a younger age For men, BRCA1 mutations also slightly raise the risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer. Because BRCA1-associated breast cancers tend to develop earlier and sometimes present in more aggressive forms, early awareness and action can make a real difference. Understanding your genetic status can help you take preventive steps and be proactive about your health. How to Get Diagnosed Testing for BRCA mutations is usually offered if: You have a strong family history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer A close relative has already tested positive for the mutation You or a family member were diagnosed with cancer at a young age The process typically starts with a GP appointment. You may be referred for genetic counselling, where you’ll discuss your family history and whether testing is right for you. Genetic testing for BRCA1 (and BRCA2) is typically done via a blood or saliva sample. It’s important to approach testing with support — emotional, medical, and sometimes familial — because results can impact you and relative.  What Can Be Done if You’re Diagnosed? Receiving a positive BRCA1 test result can feel overwhelming, but it is not a diagnosis of cancer — it is a call to proactive decision-making. These are the main strategies usually considered:  Enhanced screening: Regular breast MRI or mammograms starting earlier than usual. Ovarian cancer screening/ultrasounds and monitoring.  Preventive surgery: Options such as mastectomy or removal of ovaries to reduce risk.  Medication: Some treatments can lower the risk of developing breast cancer. Lifestyle choices: While genetics is non-modifiable, factors like maintaining healthy weight, limiting alcohol, staying active, balanced diet, and avoiding smoking can support overall risk reduction and well-being. Everyone’s journey is different. Phoebe chose to undergo a double mastectomy and reconstruction to reduce her risk — a decision made with strength, courage, and foresight. Phoebe’s Story Phoebe Scholtens, an inspiring equestrian influencer, discovered she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation. Facing the risks head-on, she made the bold choice to have a preventative double mastectomy and reconstruction. Her story highlights the importance of awareness, early testing, and taking control of your future health. By sharing her journey, Phoebe is helping riders and non-riders alike recognise the power of self-advocacy. How You Can Help This October and beyond, you can support the cause by choosing from our limited-edition pink products — including the Pink Stellar Style Headcollar. Not only will you look stylish in the saddle, but 10% of profits will go directly to CoppaFeel!, helping fund life-saving awareness campaigns. If you have a family history of cancer or any concerns, speak to your GP. And don’t forget: regular self-checks are key, no matter your age. Let’s ride forward with courage, in style, and in pink — for awareness, for support, and for the future.

As owners of horses, ponies, and donkeys, we all know how heartbreaking it can be to see images and reports of animals needlessly suffering, without the love and care they all so desperately deserve. Many of us simply wish we could take them home ourselves, but luckily help is at hand in the form of rescue charities up and down the country, like Redwings Horse Sanctuary. Last week Candice and I took a break from the Equilibrium Products head office to go and meet the residents and staff at Redwings Ada Cole centre in Essex, and to get a taste of the vital work they do to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome horses, ponies and donkeys. So, with a car packed with tasty treats and supplements, including Vitamunch, Simply Irresistible, Simply Sunshine, and of course our new Crunchits Advent Calendars, we were ready to go and meet some very special equines. Redwings Ada Cole is home to 90 horses, ponies and donkeys, each with their own harrowing stories of how they ended up at the centre. Guided by Redwings team members Steph and Jess, we were taken from field to field, each filled with herds of happy, content, and healthy animals. As we walked, Steph and Jess told us about many of the animals in their care, how they arrived, and their personalities (like Edward the pony, who Jess proclaimed as a personal favourite and has a tendency to steal buckets for fun…). Many of the stories we heard started tragically, particularly as many of the horses and ponies at the centre originated from Spindles farm, an infamous case of horrific neglect affecting over 100 horses. For all, it is hard to believe the horses they are talking about are the same ones in the field; one such case is Zippy. As one of Redwings’ ‘Adoption Stars’ Zippy is quite the celebrity at the centre. Despite a tough start in life, this stunning Gelderlander is the picture of health, and very affectionate with both visitors and staff alike. During our day at Redwings Ada Cole, we were treated to an up close and highly personal view of what life is like at the centre. Taking pictures with our chosen Adoption Stars Zippy, Elvis, Tinkerbell, and donkey Del Boy, we could see just how caring and dedicated the staff are to every resident, and how important it is to educate visitors about the plight of rescue animals. It also clear to see that the interaction, and support from the public is vital for continuing the charity’s work; as the largest equine rescue charity in the UK, and with 1500 equines in their care nationwide, there is certainly a lot of work to do! So what can be done to help? Redwings relies on fundraising and donations, but we think one of the best and most rewarding ways to get involved is by adopting one of the charity’s many Adoption Stars. For only £15 you can adopt a horse, pony or donkey for a year and receive a picture and regular updates, access to your Star’s online diary and even an invitation to your adopted horse or donkey’s birthday party! Whether as a gift for a loved one, or as a new four-legged friend for you, adopting with Redwings is a simple but rewarding way of helping to support their rescue efforts, and on-going care of these very special horses. Adopt an Adoption Star here Sadly, not all of us have the time or resources to rehome these wonderful animals ourselves, but by supporting charities like Redwings we as horse, pony and donkey lovers can be sure that rescued equines all over the country will receive the love, care and attention they need to be bought back to health. So, in the run up to winter why not help by adopting, donating, or take a visit to your local Redwings centre to see the wonderful work they do for yourself? You’re sure to have an eye-opening experience, and if you’re lucky may even get to witness the ‘donkey button’ in action! Find out more about how you can help here Please note: If you do visit your local Redwings Centre, if you bring any treats for the horses, please drop them at the visitors centre on arrival. Please do not feed the horses, ponies and donkeys directly.

From rescuing to rehabilitating to rehoming, Redwings Horse Sanctuary is a charity 100% funded by donations, with all funds going towards helping horses in desperate need. Redwings Caldecott is the largest Redwings visitor centre in the UK and is a forever home to nearly over 100 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. For many of these four-legged furry friends, their forever home will be at the sanctuary, with those that are fully healthy and have been successfully rehabilitated, are put on the path to finding loving homes too! Our Team Volunteer Day at Redwings. Back in August 2021, the team here at Equilibrium Products ventured to Caldecott near Great Yarmouth, for a day of volunteering at Redwings Horse Sanctuary. The team helped throughout the morning, doing various jobs including gardening and tidying the memorial garden, as well as sorting and labelling through various preloved items that had been donated that would be then sold on to help raise more funds for the charity. Thank you for your donations! As our day of volunteering came to an end, we took this as a perfect opportunity to present Redwings with our donation of £3,097.77, with a special thanks going to all our lovely customers who purchased our Crunchit Advent Calendar and Christmas Crackers back in 2020; to whom without we wouldn’t have been able to present such a large donation. There's still a way to donate! You can still donate now with every purchase on our website!

We've teamed up with Brooke to improve the lives of equids worldwide. Brooke is an international charity that protects and improves the lives of horses, donkeys and mules which give people in the developing world the opportunity to work their way out of poverty. Their vision is a world where working horses, donkeys and mules are free from suffering and have a life worth living. “We’re absolutely delighted that Equilibrium Products have chosen to work with Brooke and think it’s a great fit as two organisations that care so deeply about equids. It’s great to see equestrian companies doing what they can to support less fortunate horses, donkeys and mules, especially during such difficult times.  Equilibrium’s support will make a huge difference and will help us to continue our vital work to relieve the suffering of working horses, donkeys and mules around the world and create lasting change for future generations.” - Chris Wainwright, CEO Brooke. With a mission statement to create innovative products to make a difference to the wellbeing of the horse, we are proud to be able to support Brooke in their campaigns across the world. You could support Brooke too by donating with your order placed on our website or find us at Your Horse Live 2022 for a selection of Brooke merchandise.  Margaret Donnelly, Managing Director and Founder of Equilibrium Products, says: “We are pleased to be supporting Brooke, a charity that does so much good for working horses, donkeys and mules across the world.  As a charity that has a core focus of education to allow local communities to become self-sufficient and improve the lives of these animals, we felt that Brooke was a perfect fit for Equilibrium Products to support them as one of our chosen charities.”