Education Zone

Do Massage Pads Benefit Horses? New Research on Stride Length, Movement & Benefits A new peer-reviewed study from Hartpury University has given us some of the clearest evidence yet on how a heated vibration massage pad can affect the way horses move. If you’ve ever wondered whether massage pads for horses really make a difference, or if it’s just something riders feel. This study looks at whether a horse massage pad can genuinely and objectively improve stride length and movement. What did the study look at? Researchers carried out a randomised, blinded, controlled study, which is considered the gold standard in scientific research. In simple terms, this means the study was designed to be as fair and unbiased as possible, so the results weren’t influenced by expectation or guesswork. Horses were split into two groups: A treatment group using the Massage Pad Heatsense A control group wearing the pad switched off Both groups followed the same routine, in the same environment. And importantly, the researchers assessing the horses didn’t know which group each horse was in - helping ensure the results were based on what actually happened, not what anyone expected to see. The study looked at two timeframes: Part A: Immediate effects after a single 30-minute session Part B: Effects after 4 weeks of consistent use (30 minutes, 6 times per week) How were the results measured? There are already plenty of product reviews from horse owners who say they can see and feel the benefits of massage pads. But this study set out to measure those effects objectively. ·       Movement was analysed using motion tracking and video analysis. ·       Pain sensitivity was measured using pressure testing. ·       Behaviour was assessed using a recognised scientific system. In other words, this wasn’t based on opinion. It was based on data. This is important when assessing whether a horse massage pad genuinely works, rather than relying on opinion alone. The results of the study: After 4 weeks of consistent use, the study found the following improvements in the treatment group, specifically in trot: +24.7CM +2.7° +2.3° +2.2° STRIDE LENGTH IN TROT   Increased hindlimb retraction (push behind) Increased hindlimb protraction (reach forward) Increased forelimb retraction (shoulder movement)   The control group showed no significant changes over the same period. These findings suggest that using a massage pad for horses can improve stride length and overall limb movement when used regularly. What do these results mean for your horse? Stride length is a key indicator of how efficiently a horse is moving. An increase of this size suggests: ·       Better use of the hindquarters ·       More propulsion and engagement ·       Greater freedom through the shoulder In practical terms, this is often associated with a horse that feels looser, more fluid, and less restricted in its movement. How long does it take for a massage pad to work on a horse? Important: this isn’t an instant effect One of the most useful takeaways from the study is how long it takes to see results. After a single session (Part A), researchers found: ·       No significant changes in pain sensitivity ·       No meaningful behavioural changes ·       No significant improvement in spinal movement This tells us something important: The benefits are cumulative, not immediate. The improvements were only seen after consistent use over time, which reflects how these products are typically used in real-world routines. What the study doesn’t claim: It’s also important to be clear about what this research does not claim about massage pads for horses. The research was carried out on healthy horses with no existing back pain, and it focused on how horses move. It is also important to note that the sample size was relatively small (N=11 for Part B), and the study looked at heat and massage working together, so it doesn’t separate which element drove the effect. However, the combined approach did result in measurable improvements with consistent use. It did not assess: Injury treatment Pain relief in clinical cases Performance under saddle So, while the results are promising, a massage pad should be seen as part of a management routine, not a replacement for veterinary care. If your horse has an existing musculoskeletal condition, always consult your vet or physiotherapist. How often should you use a massage pad for horses? The improvements were seen using a consistent routine: 30 minutes per session 6 sessions per week 4 weeks to see significant results They used the medium massage setting in the study, along with heat turned on. The pad was applied to the thoracolumbar region (across the back), before exercise or at least 4 hours after. If there’s one take-away from these results, it is that consistency was key. So, do massage pads benefit horses? Based on this independent research: Yes - when used consistently over time. The study shows that a heated vibration massage pad can: Improve stride length Enhance limb movement Support more efficient, freer motion But it’s not a quick fix. It’s a tool that works best when used regularly as part of your horse’s routine.   About the research The study was conducted by Gillian Tabor, Natalie Bennett, Corinna Crosby, Zoe Dunham, Emily Jordan and Fiona Bloom at the Equine Department, Hartpury University. Equilibrium Products Ltd provided the heated massage pads for data collection but had no role in the study design, data analysis, or preparation of the findings. Full citation: Tabor G. et al. (2026). Effects of a Heated Vibration Massage Pad on Horses: Randomized, Blinded Measures of Mechanical Nociception, Behavior, and Spinal and Limb Kinematics. International Journal of Equine Science, 5(1), 21–32. [Read the full paper at the International Journal of Equine Science →] (external link, new tab)   Ready to see the results for yourself? [Shop the Massage Pad Heatsense for horses→] (links to product page)   FAQs How long does it take for a massage pad to work on a horse? The study showed no meaningful immediate effects, but significant improvements after 4 weeks of consistent use. Do massage pads improve horse movement? Yes, the research found measurable improvements in stride length and limb movement after 4 weeks of regular use. Can massage pads help with pain in horses? This study did not find changes in pain sensitivity in healthy horses, and it was not designed to assess clinical pain conditions. How often should you use a horse massage pad? The protocol used was 30 minutes, 6 times per week, over a period of at least 4 weeks.

If you’ve ever shopped for a horse rug—especially a turnout rug—you’ve likely come across the word “denier”. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it important when choosing protection for your horse?In this guide, we’ll break down what rug denier is, how it affects durability and performance, and why choosing the right denier matters more than you might think—especially if your horse is turned out daily, loves to roll, or is a known rug-wrecker. What Is Rug Denier? Denier (D) is a measure of the thickness (or density) of the individual yarns used to weave a fabric. Technically, it refers to the weight in grams of 9,000 metres of the fibre used.- A higher denier means thicker threads → stronger, more durable fabric- A lower denier means finer threads → lighter fabricIn horse rugs, denier usually refers to the outer shell fabric—typically made of polyester or nylon—which is responsible for the rug’s tear strength, abrasion resistance, and overall toughness. Why Is Denier Important in Turnout Rugs? Turnout rugs are exposed to a lot—weather, mud, rubbing, biting, rolling, and rough play. The denier rating of the outer fabric plays a huge role in how well your rug holds up.1. Durability & Tear ResistanceA higher denier offers greater resistance to rips and punctures. The new Equilibrium Endure Turnout Rug uses a strong 1680D outer, making it one of the most durable rugs on the market.2. Weather ProtectionHigh-denier rugs also offer better wind and water resistance. Thicker fabrics naturally repel weather better, and they hold up more effectively against prolonged rain and harsh winter conditions.3. LongevityInvesting in a higher-denier rug may cost more upfront, but it pays off in the long run. With tougher yarn you should be dealing with far less repairs, and in the unfortunate event where your horse does manage to rip it the damage is often more contained and easier to patch, saving you time and money. Which Denier Is Right for Your Horse? Here’s a quick guide to help you match denier to your horse’s needs: Denier Rating Best For 600D–840D Calm horses, dry climates, or occasional turnout 1200D Regular turnout in normal weather conditions 1680D+ Playful, or destructive horses; prolonged rain and wind, those who feel the cold   When choosing a turnout rug, rug denier shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s one of the clearest indicators of how long your rug will last, how well it’ll protect your horse from the elements, and how much hassle it will (or won’t) give you mid-season. If you're looking for:- Exceptional durability- Strong weather protection- A reliable option for all-day turnout…then the Endure Turnout Rug with 1680D outer is built to exceed expectations—season after season. Shop the Endure Turnout Rug

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.

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.

Riding out on horseback is a rewarding experience, but it comes with safety challenges, especially when sharing roads or bridleways with motorists and cyclists. High-visibility (hi-vis) gear is essential for ensuring you and your horse are seen in various conditions, reducing the risk of accidents. Here’s a detailed look at why hi-vis gear matters and how to incorporate it into your rides. Why High-Visibility Gear Is Essential Enhances Safety on Roads When riding near traffic, hi-vis ensures you are visible to drivers from a greater distance, giving them more time to slow down and pass safely. Bright colours and reflective strips are particularly effective in low-light conditions, such as early mornings, evenings, or cloudy weather. Improves Visibility on Offroad Hacks In wooded or rural areas, hi-vis gear makes it easier for others, including cyclists, walkers, and fellow riders, to spot you. This can prevent startling encounters that might upset your horse. Prepares for Emergencies If you and your horse become separated, hi-vis gear increases the likelihood of being spotted quickly, whether by search teams or passers by. Types of High-Visibility Gear For the Rider Hi-Vis Jackets or Vests: Lightweight and comfortable, these are a must-have for any ride. Helmet Covers: Bright, reflective covers ensure visibility from above. Leg Bands or Armbands: These add extra visibility without adding bulk. For the Horse Reflective Saddle Pads: A practical choice for daytime and night-time visibility. Leg Wraps or Boots: These provide added safety and can double as protective gear. Boots such as the Tri-Zone Brushing Boot are super lightweight and breathable, but add great visibility with the bright colours and reflective strips that will catch attention as your horse moves.  Exercise Sheets: These brightly coloured sheets often come with reflective strips for maximum visibility. When to Use Hi-Vis Gear Low-Light Conditions: Dawn, dusk, and overcast weather demand hi-vis clothing. All Road Riding: Always assume drivers might not expect to see horses and act accordingly. Winter Months: Shorter days mean less natural light, making hi-vis gear indispensable. Tips for Using Hi-Vis Gear Effectively Layer Reflective and Bright Colours: Combining neon colours with reflective strips enhances visibility in all lighting conditions. Inspect Gear Regularly: Check for wear and replace as needed. Involve the Whole Group: If riding with others, ensure everyone, including their horses, is outfitted in hi-vis gear. A Simple Step for Safer Riding Hi-vis gear is an affordable and effective way to ensure the safety of both horse and rider. By making yourself visible to drivers, cyclists, and fellow riders, you minimise risks and can enjoy your ride with peace of mind. Stay safe, stay seen, and make hi-vis gear a standard part of your riding routine.

Horses are natural grazers. In the wild, they spend the majority of their day slowly consuming forage as they roam across large areas. In this article, we will explore why slowing down a horse’s eating is so important, and we will look at practical methods to help manage greedy eaters.

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

Stretching your horse is an easy way to maintain good muscle health. Stretches should only be carried out once the muscles have been warmed up. After exercise is the best time to stretch your horse, alternatively using the Equilibrium Massage Pad and the Massage Mitt on key areas, such as the neck, shoulders and quarters can help to warm the muscles up. Stretching a cold muscle increases the risk of damage to the muscle fibres as they are less elastic and can tear more easily. Stretching regularly has many benefits, including: Increased flexibility – which can be associated with an increased stride length Help maintain healthy muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia Improved joint ROM(Range Of Motion) Promote body awareness Help improve general posture Listed below are 10 simple stretches that you can do with your horse on a regular basis to help keep them supple though their top line, encourage a good stride length and improve neck flexion. Passive Stretches Fore limb Protraction Pick up the horses’ foot as normal and then gradually draw the limb forward supporting the fetlock joint and flexor tendons. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times on each leg. If your horse is snatching the leg back, reduce the amount of stretch and build up gradually each day. This will stretch the triceps, lattisimus dorsi and other muscles involved with forelimb movement. Hind limb Protraction Draw the horses’ hind limb forwards toward the forelimb fetlock; make sure you keep the leg in a straight line rather than pulling the limb away from the body. Again, hold for 30 seconds and repeat 3 times on each leg. This will stretch the hamstring muscle group. Lateral Extension of Spine Place one hand on the wither and the palm of your other hand on the point of hip. GENTLY place pressure on the point of hip in a straight line towards the back of the horse. Hold for 30seconds and repeat 3 times on each side. Some horses may find this one more difficult than others, take your time and increase the stretch slowly. If your horse tries to move away, ask for less stretch. If the muscles of the back are twitching hold the stretch and don’t ask for any more until this has stopped. Severe twitching may suggest your horse is in a bit more discomfort and would benefit from a once over by your vet. Back lift Run your finger tips down the crease in the muscles on your horses’ hind quarters, to encourage you horse to tilt their pelvis and lift through the lumbosacral region. ‘Tickle’ the area to try and maintain the lift for 15 seconds, repeat 3 times. Don’t try this one if you know your horse can be a bit handy with their back legs! Baited Stretches of the Head and Neck These baited stretches are really easy to achieve using the high value, low sugar treats, Crunchits. This way you don’t need to worry about how many treats your horse is having. With each of these stretches try to maintain the position for 10-15 seconds before giving the treat and repeat this 3 times on each side. Maintain smooth movements without any snatching or grabbing; if your horse is having to try and grab it may mean you’re asking too much too soon, reduce the stretch and build up gradually. Try to ensure your horse is stood as square as possible for all these stretches 1. Take the crunchit between the front legs close to the ground. This will stretch the muscles of the neck and back that make up the top line. 2. Take the crunchit between the horses’ front legs, ensuring he doesn’t start to twist at the poll. This will encourage greater flexion of the neck muscles, the poll, and cervical vertebrae. 3. Bring the crunchit around to the side to encourage lateral flexion. Aim for the horses’ shoulder. 4. From lateral flexion bring the crunchit down to ground level to stretch the muscles closer to the wither – these muscles are particularly important for self carriage. 5. Take the crunchit round to the flank to get an even greater lateral stretch. 6. Finally bring the crunchit forwards, trying to keep the neck horizontal and in line with the back to get full neck extension. Place your other hand on his shoulder to stop him from taking a step forwards and cheating!

We know that winter can present extra challenges to feeding regimes but this handy little hay block is a really handy way to help keep your horse happy and healthy this winter. Unlike other fibre blocks, vitamunch is based on quality Timothy grass, packed with selected vitamins, minerals and herbs & then sealed for freshness in handy 1kg packs. 1. Relieve boredom Poor pasture and restricted turnout can lead to long hours stood in the stable or out in muddy fields with limited forage. Long periods without food, against their physiological design, can affect both mental and physical health. Vitamunch is great as a boredom breaker both in the field and in the stable, and can be fed in a handy munch net to keep your horse occupied for longer! 2. Help prevent gastric ulcers and keep a healthy gut A horse’s digestive system is designed to eat little and often. Fibre from forage remains the most important part of the diet. As a basic rule of thumb, a horse should eat a minimum of 1% of its bodyweight per day as forage-fibre. This is equivalent to 5kg for a 500kg horse.Gastric ulcers can occur when the horse goes long periods without food, as acid from the stomach can irritate the stomach lining when it is empty or from a lack of saliva, which is usually produced from chewing and eating.Vitamunch is high in fibre and also takes the horse longer to chew, which helps produce more saliva and helps to keep the digestive tract moving. 3. An easy way to add vitamins, minerals and herbs Winter grass can be lacking in nutritional goodness and your horse may be not getting everything he needs. 1kg block of vitamunch provides 50% of the published daily requirement of essential nutrients (based on an average sized horse of 500kg). 4. Sealed for Freshness The individual sealed packs means that vitamunch can be stored for 12 months to keep some at home, in the feed room, lorry or back of the car ready for your horse at any time. Vitamunch Lifestyle Web (5) 5. Healthy, handy and ready for use Vitamunch can be fed everyday in addition to your horses daily feed and supplements or as a useful distraction for stressful situations such as box rest, travelling, loading, shoeing, clipping, separation or unforeseen circumstances.

So, what is ‘the correct seat’? International rider, trainer and FEI judge, Judy Harvey explains, “The rider’s seat remaining in balance over the centre of gravity is critical in effective horsemanship. To achieve this, the rider’s leg has to be underneath their seat.  Draw an imaginary line from the ear, shoulder, hip heel. This should be perpendicular to the ground. An established, still, relaxed, lower leg is critical to staying in balance. For those who find it difficult to achieve this position the symmetry straps are a fantastic training aid, developing the muscle memory to help achieve great riding”. SHOP NOW Do you have wayward legs? We all know from our lessons that the correct leg position for a secure effective seat is to have the heel and hip in alignment with the leg relaxed and still, toes pointing forward and heel slightly lower than the toe. The lower leg is therefore in the ideal position to influence the horse’s impulsion, straightness, bend, collection and lateral movement. The very best riders make it look easy but many of us struggle with the position and stillness of our lower leg. We have outlined some of the more common leg problems – do you identify with any of these? The ‘Skier’ – the foot pushed too far forward and the heel is forced down.  The rider is more likely to be ‘behind the movement of the horse’ and the leg is too far forward to be effective. The ‘Swinger’ – the lower leg (below the heel) is swinging back and forth like a pendulum. This involuntary movement is more pronounced at canter but will also be seen in rising trot. This ‘swinging leg’ not only looks untidy it also means that the rider will have to use a much stronger leg aid to influence the horse as the horse will be become numb to the constantly moving leg. The ‘Percher’ – the lower leg is drawn back too far with the heel up.  Here the rider is ‘perched’ in the saddle with their upper body weight too far forward.  This is a very insecure position and can be particularly seen when riders are jumping.  It the horse refuses or ‘stumbles on landing this position means that the rider is likely to fall off to the front. The ‘Duck’ – the toe points outwards and the heel is in constant contact with the horse’s side. In is more common that riders have one leg where the toe  points outwards. It looks untidy, potential dangerous as the turned out foot is more likely to be catch (going to gateways etc) and horses may ignore the aids from this rider. A simple and effective lower leg training aid can help! Many riding instructors recommend Symmetry Straps to help riders achieve a better lower leg position.  Symmetry Straps secure the stirrup irons to the girth in a safe manner – ensuring that the leg is in the correct position and by restricting the movement preventing the leg from getting out of position or swinging back and forth. Using Symmetry Straps on a regular basis as part of their training programme riders can develop the muscle memory and muscle strength to keep their legs in the correct position without the straps. They are discreet and designed in such a way that the rider from the saddle can control whether they are fitted or not and how restrictive to make them.  Yes, I want to improve my riding & BUY SYMMETRY STRAPS NOW

What are sarcoids? Sarcoids are benign skin tumours that can be found in horses, donkeys and mules, they are generally not life threatening but do destruct the skin cells that are surrounding them. They appear in different forms on a horse and are most commonly found on the abdomen, inside the backs of legs, the chest and around the ears and eyes. Normally at the sight of previous traumas and where flies congregate. Even though there are 6 different types of sarcoids they all start small and grow at different rates, when they enlarge the skin may ulcerate that can attract flies and cause an open sore. Why does a horse get sarcoids? Sarcoids are caused by an infection the virus Bovine Papilloma Virus (BPV), it is a virus that originates from cattle but is spread by flies. All horses may be infected by BPV in their life, however not all of them will be susceptible to the virus and present with sarcoid growth. How do I know if my horse has sarcoids? Not all lesions that appear on the skin are sarcoids so a vet should be able to diagnosis whether it is a sarcoid or any other skin problem.  If the vet is unsure they can take a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, this is the last resort diagnosis as a biopsy is invasive. As to know if your horse has the gene that makes them susceptible to sarcoids there is a genetic test that can be carried out however these are not used very often by vets as they can be inconclusive and are expensive to run. How can I prevent sarcoids? There is no easy prevention of sarcoids as there has not yet been a vaccine developed for the disease. Making sure your horse’s immune system is at its strongest in order to help fight the virus and boost the immune system. How are sarcoids treated? There are many ways that sarcoids can be treated and as they all react differently to treatment. The main way of treatment is the use of Liverpool cream, a chemotherapy cream created at the University of Liverpool. This takes place over a number of weeks and can become expensive as the  cream can only be applied by a vet.  The cream is applied every day for a week or every other day for 2 weeks although this may change on a case by case basis.  It is method that makes the sarcoid look worse before becoming better, as it kills all the cells from the area that it is applied to and after a long period of time the sarcoid falls off along with all of the skin cells containing the virus. This then leaves a raw patch of skin exposed (see picture on right), which is why the best time for Liverpool treatment is in the winter where no flies can infect the exposed patch of skin.  There  are many success stories of it fully getting rid of sarcoids although others say that it returned, again reiterating that every sarcoid is different and may have a different reaction to treatment. Another way is rubber banding this is specific to certain types of sarcoids as it is not possible to get a band around every one as some lie flat. But if a band can be placed around it, then the circulation to the sarcoid will slowly be cut off until it dies and falls off.  Along the same lines as this,  there is also laser surgery and Cryosurgery.  They all aim to remove the sarcoid cleanly leaving no trace. Laser is the least invasive using lasers to remove it, Cryosurgery uses a repeated rapid freezing method which is time consuming. Alternatively there are homeopathy treatments that have worked in some cases but also have limited success as they tend to need harder treatments to remove the sarcoids. However there has been proven success with Bloodroot treatment which is a plant extract, used in a similar way to Liverpool cream, the picture on the left shows a pony who had bloodroot treatment and the results after 3 weeks (2 weeks of treatment with 1 week off in between), for this pony however, the treatment did not completely get rid of it. Do I need to treat my horse’s sarcoids? Not necessarily if the lesion is not getting bigger or is in a place that will not affect the horse then it is up to you if you leave it. However when the sarcoid is smaller it is easier and quicker to treat so early treatment is recommended. Discuss with your vet which is the best method of removing for your horse and its type of sarcoid.

What causes colic? Colic can be caused by gut “spasms” (e.g. due to a change in diet), impaction of partially-digested food material or sand, stretching of the gut wall by gas, twisting of the gut so that its blood supply is cut off, displacement of a segment of gut from its normal position, stomach ulcers and fatty tumours wrapping around the gut and strangulating it. Horses are prone to colic because of their unusual GI tract anatomy (particularly the length) and the way their gut works.  It is important to note that many other conditions, e.g. urinary problems, azoturia etc, can present as colic. What are the clinical signs of colic? Mild colic Moderate colic Severe colic ·         Lip curling   ·         Flank watching ·         Restlessness ·         Pawing the ground ·         Dullness ·         Frequently posturing to urinate   ·         Lying down and getting up ·         Lying on their side for long periods ·         Violent rolling   ·         Sweating ·         Rapid breathing How can I prevent colic? Some causes of colic are preventable if good stable management and a regular daily routine are followed: Use an effective worming programme to control parasite levels. Ensure your horse has a constant supply of fresh and drinkable water. Feed small quantities and use good quality, high fibre, feed stuff and include plenty of forage in your horse’s diet. Be consistent with your feeding routine and make gradual changes to your horse’s diet. Ensure your horse has a consistent turn-out and exercise regime. Turn out on good quality pasture, avoiding poor or overgrazed fields or, conversely, lush spring grass. Have an effective dental programme in place because tooth problems can cause digestive issues if food isn’t chewed properly. In sandy areas, avoid feeding horses from the ground as they may ingest large amount of sand. Reduce stress levels by ensuring your horse has a consistent routine and environment and be mindful of stress when travelling your horse. If your horse has a habit of eating his bedding, ensure he is bedded down on something other than straw; this is particularly important if your horse has to suddenly undergo a prolonged period of box rest. Habits such as crib-biting and windsucking will increase the risk of colic and some horses are more prone to recurrent episodes of colic Thank you to vets, Rick Farr and Nikki Pursey, of Farr & Pursey Equine Veterinary Services, for their input to this article. Helpful resources The Royal School of Veterinary Studies – colic information sheet The University of Liverpool Equine Hospital