Research Hub

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.

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.

Introduction In the demanding world of equestrian sports, optimising a horse's performance and welfare requires effective warm-up routines. Horses, like human athletes, can benefit from muscle preparation before intense activities. A key innovation in this domain is the Equilibrium Massage Pad Heatsense, a device designed to promote healthy muscles and relieve tension through both targeted heat and massage. A recent study explored the effects of the Equilibrium Massage Pad Heatsense on the shape and dimensions of horses’ backs. Using this device for a single session demonstrated measurable changes in back dimensions, suggesting that the combination of heat and massage could serve as a powerful tool to prepare muscles for performance, which when combined with an active warm-up can help reduce the risk of injury and optimise performance. This article delves into the study's methodology and findings. Methodology The study involved ten horses aged 10 – 14 years of mixed sex and in regular training. Each horse was subject to two days of data collection. On one day the horses’ back was measured before and after a 30-minute session of massage and heat from the Equilibrium Heatsense. On a separate day, back measurements were taken before and after a standardised lunge session so that the degree of change could be compared. Measuring the Back: Saddle fitters regularly measure and record the shape of the horses back at specific points along the spine so they can create a profile of the back. The same method was used in this study. A flexible curve ruler was shaped over the back and the profile transferred to graph paper for analysis. The Massage Session The Equilibrium Massage Pad Heatsense has 6 massage motors evenly spread throughout and is also capable of delivering targeted, therapeutic heat to the lumbosacral area (just behind where the saddle would sit). The massage session lasts for half an hour and within that time the pad delivers 15 minutes of consistent heat at 42 degrees Celsius. This is controlled by temperature sensors that continuously feed back to the control panel, switching the heat on and off, acting like a thermostat. For this study the massage was set to a medium intensity, and the heat function was activated. The Lunge Session To compare the effects of the Heatsense to the effects of an active warm up, the horses’ backs were also measured (on a separate day) before and after a standardised lunge session. The lunging session involved 10 minutes of walk and 7.5 minutes of trot, performed equally on each rein. Results The findings showed that the Equilibrium Massage Pad Heatsense produced statistically significant changes in the shape of the horses’ backs after a single use. The changes in shape are due to the muscles along the back increasing in size due to increased blood circulation and capillary recruitment. The average increase in muscle size was positive across all measurement points. Most horses showed a consistent increase in size, again, at all measurement points. The most prominent enlargement was seen at the “saddle tree point” position (this landmark is three inches from the caudal edge of the scapula and is where the points of the saddle tree align. This is where the saddle angle/ gullet is recorded), with an increase of 37.5 mm at a depth of 13 cm from the back's dorsal midline. These results were statistically significant, meaning they were unlikely to have occurred by chance. Although most measurement points showed an increase in size, some showed a decrease. Prior research suggests that these changes could be explained by the dissipation of fluid or the reduction of underlying muscle tension. The mean differences in dimensional change of the equine back at widths 6 cm, 10 cm and 13cm ventral to the dorsal midline pre and post- use of the Equilibrium Massage Pad Heat Sense © in ten horses. Measurements were taken at six predetermined anatomical landmarks that corresponded to significant muscle groups which were predicted to be influenced by the Equilibrium Massage Pad Heat Sense ©. Light orange columns represent the back dimensions measured at 6cm ventral to the dorsal midline. Darker orange columns represent back dimensions measured at 10 cm ventral to the dorsal midline. The darkest column represents the back dimensions measured at 13 cm ventral to the dorsal midline. Comparison of Massage Pad Heatsense to an active warm up There was no statistically significant correlation between the results from the Heatsense and the exercise session (lunging). This suggests that muscles more affected by exercise were not necessarily more influenced by the Heatsense, indicating that the exercise and Heatsense are yielding slightly differing responses for some areas along the back. Data within this research suggests that some muscular areas may be more effectively prepared by use of the Heatsense than the exercise session (lunging). More research is needed to better understand the relationship between the Heatsense and exercise effects, as well as to explore potential interactions between the two to optimise health and performance. Conclusion The study supports the therapeutic potential of the Equilibrium Massage Pad Heatsense. With proven effectiveness in expanding muscle dimensions, the device offers a non-invasive and safe way to prepare a horse’s back for training or competition. Its unique combination of carefully controlled heat and massage provides a comprehensive approach to muscle activation, enhancing blood flow, and supporting recovery. For equine athletes and leisure horses alike, the Massage Pad Heatsense represents a valuable addition to warm-up and care routines, helping maintain muscle health and potentially reduce the risk of injury. Will the pad affect saddle fit? No. The pad mimics natural back shape changes that occur during exercise. Saddles should be assessed dynamically to fit both the static and moving back shape. Is back shape change beneficial? Yes, it shows that muscles are engaged, supporting posture, balance, and overall health. Why did some muscles decrease in size? Fluid redistribution and muscle relaxation can temporarily reduce muscle size. Can it replace a warm-up? No, while the pad supports blood flow to the back area, a dynamic warm-up also prepares the rest of the body’s musculoskeletal and neuromuscular system, which is essential for safe exercise. How was the back measured? Back measurements were taken by an experienced saddle fitter in the same way that they would be for saddle fit. This is done using a flexible curve ruler which is placed across the back at various points along the back, located by bony landmarks. Thank you to Jasmine Gutsell from Ivy House Saddlery for conducting this research.

We are dedicated to creating carefully designed products that improve the wellbeing of the horse.  All of our products are thoroughly researched, tested and quality checked. The Equilibrium Massage Pad has been independently tested by Myerscough College in Lancashire. The results, following 4 weeks of testing, show that the massage pad offers significant benefits to working horses, improving back flexibility, promoting relaxation and that it could help to increase stride length. There were two parts to the study: 1) The horses were measured for signs of stress / relaxation immediately before, during and after the application of the massage pads over a six week period 2) The horses were assessed in terms of flexibility and suppleness. There were two groups of horses – a treated group and a control group. Test Methods Back flexibility was assessed using the ‘Arch Dip Test’.  The Arch & Dip test is a reliable and proven indicator of back flexibility (Pelham & Schobesberger 2006). It involves the use of pressure stimulus to generate a reflex in the horses’ back. Pressure applied to a specific region in the spinal area results in the horse ‘dipping’ away from the pressure, with a more flexible back allowing the horse to exhibit a greater ability to dip away from the source of the pressure. The arch test involves the application of pressure to the horses’ midline, in order to stimulate an upwards arch reflex in the horses’ back away from the source of pressure. Similarly, a more flexible back allows the horse to exhibit a greater ability to arch the back upwards away from the source of the pressure. As a measure of relaxation, the horses also had their heart rates monitored. Results Reducing Stiffness Test results demonstrated an overall improvement in back flexibility of approx. 46%. Stride Length The trial showed that the stride length of the horses who wore the Massage Pad which was turned on increased over the test period by 12cms, whereas the control group showed little improvement. Horse owners know that a small change in stride length can make a major difference to the way of going in the horse. Promoting Relaxation Using a heart rate monitor, horses wearing the Equilibrium Massage Pad had a consistently lower heart rate than those in the control group. Conclusion The results after 6 weeks of testing indicate that 1) the horses appeared more relaxed and 2) the performance of the horse would be expected to improve due to the increased flexibility of the horses’ back muscles. Relaxed muscles will assist with flexibility and movement in particular for competition horses performing dressage movements and jumping technical fences.

Boots are safety equipment As riders, we protect our most vital areas (head and torso) with riding hats, body protectors and more recently air jackets. Rider protective equipment is subjected to extensive testing to meet standards and regulations and we believe that as a vital part of your horse, protective boots for your horse’s legs should undergo a similar testing process. Tri-Zone boots go through a unique 3-phase testing process, giving you confidence that you are choosing the best leg protection for your horse. Materials are carefully selected to provide maximum protection but without being bulky, heavy and not make your horses legs hot and sweaty. Each individual layer in the Tri-Zone boot is researched and sourced for their advanced technical properties and tested in an independent laboratory before it goes anywhere near a horse’s leg. What is the Boot Testing Process? Testing Phase 1 – Independent Laboratory In the same laboratory that test standards of riding hats and body protectors, Tri-Zone boots are safety tested to their limits for their ability to withstand concussion and penetration whilst remaining lightweight, breathable and flexible. How are the boots tested and what for? Protection For concussion and penetration the testing is carried out using a custom made test rig consisting of a tower from which either a blunt hammer or a cutting blade is dropped onto the boots in a controlled fashion. The weight of the blade and hammer are fixed and different forces are applied to the boots by varying the height from which they were dropped onto the boots. Boots were hit with forces ranging from 1.25 to 20 Joules. These forces were chosen as being those likely to occur in the horse during exercise, for example when hitting obstacles or over-reaching. Heat & Breathability We test our boots to measure how well the boots allow heat to escape in order to reduce the risk of tissue damage. Research has shown that when tendon cells are heated to 48°C for 10 minutes approx, 80% of them die*. We use several different methods to assess heat release from boots. The heat release is estimated by fitting the boots to a metal flask containing water at 45°C in a room at 20°C with no significant radiation. The surface temperature of the boots is measured using a thermal camera. We tested Tri-Zone boots, along with a number of other boots on the market. From this it was clear that some boots were very effective insulators and kept the heat in so the outside of the boot appeared cold. Other boots appeared much hotter on the surface, showing that they were allowing heat to escape. Heat release was then estimated by measuring the rate at which the temperature of the water in the flask dropped whilst 20°C air was being blown over the boot (via a fan). This was done to simulate the movement of air over the boot and leg as would occur during exercise. Flexibility If boots are constructed of inflexible (i.e. stiff) material or if boots are applied too tightly, they have the potential to restrict joint movement and cause other problems such as tendonitis. Stride characteristics and performance could also be affected. Boots need to allow as much freedom of movement as possible without compromising on their primary function of protection. We test our boots to make sure that they do not restrict the horse’s movement whilst still exceeding protection requirements. An 8cm x 1m steel pipe is set up secured to a workbench. The boots are fixed to the pipe and a 10kg weight is attached with a clip on the boot and the downward direction measured. The degree of flexibility is measured by how much the boot bends. Weight Adding even small amounts of weight to the end of the leg in the form of a boot significantly increases the effort the horse must make to run and can also alter the stride characteristics. Some boots can double in weight if the horse is being exercised in the rain, on wet ground or going through water. This can seriously affect stamina and performance. We design and test our boots to minimise water absorption, excess weight but without compromising on protection. Testing Phase 2 – Tester Panel The boots then undergo trials by an extensive tester panel of horse owners and riders who test them for the fit, comfort,  ease of use and washing to ensure we have not only a safe product but one that people can easily use and trust. Testing Phase 3 – Rider Tests Finally the boots go through the rigorous test of being used all day, every day on busy competition yards by teams of professional riders. Tri-Zone boots are worn either at home or at competitions by an array of Olympic riders, world champions and top producers. *The effect of exercise-induced localised hyperthermia on tendon cell survival. | Journal of Experimental Biology | The Company of Biologists

Headcollars are one of the most used pieces of horse equipment. In fact, 88% of owners use a horse headcollar every day*. As riders, we have safety equipment to protect ourselves, such as boots, hats, and body protectors. This is obviously to prevent injury or the severity of injury in the event of an accident. But is there a need for our horse headcollars to be safe too? We designed our Stellar Headcollar after researching headcollar accidents, read on to find out what we found. Why is it important that horse headcollars are safe? We’ve already established that headcollars are used frequently. But when looking into the research around headcollars, there didn’t seem to be any. Even ‘safe’ headcollars seemed to have no testing (from what is publicly available to view). First, is there a need for safety? Are headcollars potentially causing injury to horses? Dr David Marlin undertook a survey of 5615 horse owners to find out*. The results showed the following: Almost 1 in 3 horses were injured as a result of a headcollar related incident. More than 1 in 7 people were injured as a result of a headcollar related incident. 167 horses were fatally injured as a result of a headcollar. These incidents happened during various points of general horse handling, with most of them occurring when horses were tied up. If you think about it… Most horse owners tie their horses up daily. Then when we travel or compete, horses can be tied up even more frequently. Of course, there are always other accidents that can happen, especially if your horse is turned out in a headcollar. We all know of the freak accidents too, where horses get their headcollars attached to gates, or stable doors. In summary, these survey results certainly demonstrate the need for headcollar safety. While some horse owners may think that their horse doesn’t need a safe headcollar, it follows the same principle as our own riding hats. You may only fall off once every few years – but your hat is there to protect you when you do. Your horse may have never had an accident involving a headcollar. But a safe headcollar will be there to help them if they do. How do you know a horse headcollar is safe? The first step to find out if a headcollar is safe is to look at what could potentially cause injury. There is likely to be two reasons: The force placed on the horses’ head from the headcollar during an incident. The horses panic, if they are restricted, could cause them to fall or thrash around blindly. Survey Results These reasons are backed up by the survey results too, showing that horses sustained various injuries from headcollars*, including: Bruising Cuts Fractures Like a hat, body protector or pair of boots for your horse, the only way to know if a headcollar is safe is to test it. For headcollars, determining its safety is going to be related to when it releases. If it doesn’t release, this could cause severe injury not only to the horses’ head and surrounding structures, but also cause the horse to panic and potentially do further damage. Headcollar Testing Dr David Marlin tested a range of typical headcollars to find out their release points. The results were surprising, with some headcollars being able to suspend a horse’s entire body weight before releasing or breaking. Look at the below diagram for example. This is a representation of the amount of weight it takes for these headcollars to release shown in hay bales. It doesn’t take much imagination to understand how much weight goes onto your horse’s head when they are struggling to get free. On the other end of the scale there are headcollars which released far too easily. This could mean that they are not suitable to handle your horse with for day-to-day management. This too could pose a safety risk if they were to release while leading or unnecessarily.  What is the solution? For your horse’s safety, in the event they need to get free, using a headcollar which releases at the lowest amount of force will always be the safest option. This, however, is not a practical solution. We need to be able to tie up our horses and have the headcollar be able to withstand some pressure. Or lead and have the headcollar withstand a horse pulling or perhaps feeling fresh. Therefore, the ideal headcollar will provide a balance – so that you can handle your horse safely, but it will also release if you horse gets into real trouble. Without testing, there’s no way to measure this. So, using a headcollar with testing behind it can give you confidence that if your horse needs it, it’s ready to release. The Stellar Headcollar The Stellar Headcollar was designed because of this research and testing. It can be used for everything from tying up, leading, travelling and even as a field safe headcollar too. We not only wanted to create a long lasting, comfortable and smart headcollar, but we wanted one you could trust too. Horses as we know are unpredictable, so having a headcollar there for when you need it could save your horse from serious injury.  References; An online survey of equestrian headcollar use and safety - Marlin - 2022 - Equine Veterinary Education - Wiley Online Library Opening forces or failure of commercially available equine headcollars and other safety devices - David J Marlin, Kirstie Pickles, Roberta Ferro de Godoy, Jane M Williams, 2021 (sagepub.com)