Net Relief Riding Mask
A unique fly mask for riding which protects your horse’s face, eyes and ears from flies and strong sunlight.
• Provides an effective barrier for flies and biting insects.
• Protects from the sun’s harsh rays with over 65% UV protection.
• Comfortable fit and excellent visibility with excellent clearance over the eyes and eyelashes
• Ideal for all ridden work allowing your horse to concentrate on working, rather than on flies and bright sunlight.
• Approved by British Showjumping and British Dressage for use in competition **Nose nets and Equilibrium Net Relief Riding Masks (or similar) are permitted and must be discreetly coloured i.e., the same/similar colour to the horse. Masks or nose nets should cover the face/nose only, leaving the mouth and bit visible. Face masks/nose nets are not permitted under FEI rules, which may be applied to certain competitions in the UK.
What inspired the Riding Mask for horses?
Timmy, who if you haven’t heard of him before, is the reason behind Equilibrium Products. He was a very sensitive soul who started shaking his head as a youngster. This led to the development of many products, including the Muzzle Net, Field Relief Max and finally, the Riding Mask. While the Muzzle Net gave him much needed relief, paired with the Riding Mask it was an even better solution!
What is the material used within this ride on fly mask?
Two types of mesh are used within the Riding Mask. There is a softer one, which goes over your horses’ ears to keep them protected but comfortable. And then a slightly firmer PVC mesh over the face, giving it structure to stay away from your horses’ eyes and eyelashes. This mesh also provides over 65% UV protection for those horses who are sensitive to sunlight.
Who is this Ride on Fly Mask for?
While anyone can use the Riding Mask, it is great for horses who:
• Are sensitive to sunlight.
• Are sensitive to flies and midges.
• Shake their heads when ridden.
How do I care for the Riding Mask?
To clean the Riding Mask, we recommend that you just rinse it regularly in lukewarm water. Do not wring or spin the material.
Other products in the range.
For horses who are very sensitive, stop to itch their muzzle area or headshakle while riding or hacking, we recommend pairing the Riding Mask with the Equilbrium Muzzle Net.
If your horse likes the Riding Mask, they may get on with the Equilibrium Field Relief Fly Mask range too!

 Flexible horse support boots designed to be comfortable and breathable.

• Offers the support of a bandage with the convenience of a boot.
• The unique material actively pumps air away from the leg to keep it cool.
• The 4-way stretch allows your horse freedom of movement.
• The soft material is ideal for horses with sensitive skin or lumps and bumps.

What inspired the Stretch & Flex support boots for horses?

A horse called Timmy was the inspiration behind these innovative support wraps. Timmy had extremely sensitive skin, which were rubbed by other boots. He needed something soft and comfortable, but also something suitable to keep his legs protected, cool and allow him to move freely when dressage training. As a result, the Stretch & Flex Training Wraps were born!

What is the material used within the Stretch & Flex Wraps?

These popular wraps are made from a unique material called Stomatex, which was originally developed for human athletes.

The material is perfect to provide support, comfort and breathability due to its technical properties:

• 4-way stretch to allow free movement without restriction
• Actively breathable keeping legs cooler
• Soft lining to ensure comfort against the horses’ leg.

4-Way Stretch:

Being able to stretch the material in multiple directions makes it ideal to wrap around mobile joints. It means the joint can the move, and while the material will supply gentle compression, it won’t restrict the movement.

In the human world, Stomatex is commonly used in heat acclimatisation suits, padding for wheelchairs, special wetsuits and sports injury support bandages.

Actively Breathable:

Stomatex features dome shaped chambers which contain a tiny pore in the centre. As the horse moves this dome flexes, which ‘pumps’ air away from the leg allowing it to stay cool.

Comfort:

The soft material is comfortable against the horses’ skin, but it also provides padding along the tendons, around the fetlock and on the inside of the leg to aid protection against knocks. The stretch also allows the wraps to sit over lumps and bumps and move around them, rather than agitate them.

Who are these horse support boots for?

Not only ideal for dressage and schooling, the Stretch & Flex Training Wraps can also be used for hacking, lunging, showing, endurance, carriage driving, as well as low level jumping.

The are great for horses:

• With big movement
• Doing lateral work
• Who could benefit from additional support
• With knocks, bumps and scars
• With sensitive skin

How do I care for the Stretch & Flex Training Wraps?

Our Stretch & Flex range are easy to care for. Machine washable at 30 degrees, we recommend you close the straps to ensure the hook and loop does not get caught.

A Hook Cleaner Brush can be used to keep the hook in good working order so it attaches to the loop effectively.

Other products in the range.

Stretch & Flex Flatwork Wraps – ideal for more established horses who need a comfortable, breathable and flexible schooling wrap that doesn’t extend below the fetlock. Provides some protection from brushing.

The Stellar Style Safety Headcollar combines scientifically tested safety with superior comfort and durability, giving you peace of mind every day.

The Equilibrium Tri-Zone Tendon Boots are the only ones you will ever need, they are so easy to keep clean, you can wear them everyday and for competitions. Plus they don’t include the hard restrictive outer casings that many on the market have.

• Safety tested in an independent laboratory (read more here)
• Breathable to reduce heat
• Doesn’t restrict movement, flexible and moulds to horses leg
• Lightweight
• Doesn’t hold water
• Five-layer protection system
• Matches perfectly with the Tri-Zone Fetlock Boots
• Sold in pairs

What is the inspiration behind the Open Fronted Tendon Boots?

There are so many things to consider when purchasing horse boots, that we wanted to offer a boot where you didn't have to compromise at all. Generally if you go for a hard shell/very protective boot, it can be heavy, inflexible and unbreathable. Likewise, a lightweight boot might be more breathable and flexible, but won't offer the protection that is needed. The Tri-Zone Open Fronted Boots offers protection that is tested, yet still retains all the other desired features to keep your horse comfortable and their legs in good shape!

Protection provided by the Tri-Zone Open Fronted Tendon Boots

The boot design uses a five-layer system, each chosen for their unique properties

The first layer is provides a inner lining that sits against the horses' leg. Made from perforated EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate), the liner sits comfortably against the leg. The perforations allow heat to escape and aids breathability, while the flexibility of the material allows it to mould to the horses' leg.

Layer two is a strong nylon mesh. This adds another layer of protection to the boots, but also stops any debris making its way into the boot towards your horses' leg.

Layer three is the internal guard made from vinyl - a string, durable and moisture resistant material. This layer is placed over the vulnerable tendon area and is made with strips of material to allow it to mould around the horses leg. This allows the horse to move freely without the feeling of a ‘splint’.

The fourth layer is a EVA waffle. Commonly used in the soles of human shoes and as padding on sports equipment, this material is durable, breathable, and protective! We’ve made sure it's easy to clean and maintain too!

Finally, layer five includes strategically placed vinyl strike guards. These are placed down the vulnerable tendon area for maximum protection.

How do I care for the Tri-Zone Open Fronted Boot?

Machine washable at 30 degrees, so you can quickly and easily clean your boots. Our Hook Cleaner Brush can also help keep your straps debris free and prolong their life.

Or for quick day to day care, you can give them a short rinse on the yard and leave them to dry ready for the next day.

Tri-Zone Over Reach Boots
Tested, hard-wearing over reach boots for horses, specifically designed for jumping and galloping.
Have a horse that’s prone to over reaching on the cross country course, or loves to remove shoes in the field? The Tri-Zone Over Reach Boots are a popular tack room staple for many riders to help prevent strike injuries caused by over reaching.
• Carefully designed with an anti-spin heel button.
• Great protection for high impact sports or during turnout.
• Tough PU Kevlar type strike guard heel strike pad.
• Hardwearing, waterproof and rot-proof.
When it comes to our rider wear and equipment, testing is inevitable. So why do we compromise on our horses’ equipment? This is why our Tri-Zone Over Reach Boots are put through a unique 3-phase testing process, giving you the confidence you need when choosing the right protection for your horse.
What are Tri-Zone Over Reach Boots made of?
With the Equilibrium Tri-Zone Over Reach Boots, protection is where it’s most needed. Made from a PU Kevlar type strike guard at the heel allows for concentrated protection, without being too bulky or heavy for your horse.
Featuring an EVA foam inner layer, this shock absorbing layer aids in preventing further injury if your horse was to knock himself, due to its tough and flexible properties.
The outer layer is made from a ballistic PU Nylon, which is both hard-wearing, waterproof, and even rot-proof, providing not only a long-lasting boot, but long-lasting protection for your horse!

Field Relief Max Fly Mask
Combining the best protection against summer irritants with exceptional comfort for your horse, there’s a reason this fly mask was Horse & Rider’s Best in Test on more than one occasion.

The difference is in the detail with this full-face UV fly mask! Equilibrium looked at every detail when it came to creating this popular fly mask, to ensure it is not only effective against flies, but also comfortable for your horse to wear all day. Plus, it covers your horses entire face from ears to nose!
Features include:
• Protection from harmful UV rays with over 70% protection.
• Padded nose and brow for comfort.
• Close fitting to keep flies out.
• Eye darts to allow ample clearance of eyes and eyelashes.
• Horse shaped ears.
• Detachable nose piece.
The mask is constructed from tough UV protective mesh, blocking out over 70% of harmful UV rays, whilst the rigidness of the mesh over the face allows it to sit away from the face and keep it structured.
Comfort is key for when a horse is wearing a product for longer periods of time, so having adjustable fastenings and elasticated bindings allow for the mask to fit securely and not move and irritate your horse; as well as featuring a soft padding at the nose and brow.
Equilibrium also investigated the little details to ensure maximum comfort, providing full protection from ears to nose. Therefore our ‘horse-shaped’ ears are generous for those who need a little more room; similarly, if your horse is sensitive around his nose, the detachable nose piece allows for extra protection for those who are pinked skinned or more at risk to sun burn!
What inspired the Equilibrium Max Full Face Fly Mask for horses?
Timmy, who if you haven’t heard of him before, is the reason behind Equilibrium Products. He was a very sensitive soul who started head shaking as a youngster. This led to the development of a fly mask that would fully cover his face and the Field Relief Max was developed.
Equilibrium fly masks all carry a one-year guarantee but most last for several seasons. Long lasting and easy to wash, the Field Relief Max Fly Mask comes in a variety of sizes from ponies to large horses. The Field Relief Max Fly Mask also provides excellent visibility so is ideal for veterans, visually impaired and spooky horses!

Equi-Chaps Hardy Turnout Chaps
Tough turnout protection for field hooligans for the entire lower leg, all the way to the coronet band.
The Hardy Chaps:
• Are ideal for boisterous, playful, or accident-prone horses in the field.
• Offer maximum coverage, extending from below the knee/hock down to the coronet band.
• Save precious time in the winter months with less cleaning.
• Maintain healthy skin, providing a barrier from the winter elements.
• Easy to wash and quick to dry.
What inspired the Hardy Turnout Boots?
These tough turnout chaps were made as a result from a request from a popular dressage yard. As some competition yards do, the horses had limited turnout. So, when the horses did go out, you can image they threw some shapes! Hardy Chaps were designed to help them enjoy their field time, safely.
What material is used in the Hardy Chaps Turnout Boots?
The 7mm neoprene, lined on the outside with a textured fabric and with polyester on the inside, is tough on the outside and comfortable on the inside protecting your horse from potential injury. The material is fast drying, so they are easy to wash mud off and dry for the following day.
Why do the Hardy Chaps fit so far down the leg.
For maximum coverage and protection, the Hardy Chaps extend from below the knee/hock all the way down to the coronet band. This means the correct size is essential to ensure the entire lower leg is protected.
Who are the Hardy Turnout Boots for?
These turnout boots are perfect for horse owners who would like to:
• Keep legs clean in the field.
• Protect their horses’ legs against mud and wet in the field.
• Help protect against leg injuries in the field.
• Save time in their winter routine.
• Keep their older horses’ legs and joints warmer in the winter months.
These boots are not suitable for horses with a neoprene allergy. You should limit the time worn in warmer weather due to their thick material.
Caring for the Hardy Chaps:
Machine washable at 30 degrees, and quick to dry means they are easy to care for. However, for day to day, giving them a quick wash off once your horse has come in is best practice if they are particularly muddy. While they do dry quickly, having a second set on standby can help if the weather is particularly bad, cold, and wet!

This fetlock boot has it all, protective but not stiff like others in the market, the perfect combination for show jumping!

• Matches perfectly with the Tri-Zone Open Fronted Tendon Boot.
• Extremely lightweight for freedom of movement.
• Breathable.
• Three protective layers, offering good protection from both concussion and penetration injuries.
• Easy to wash and keep clean.
• One year product guarantee.

Protection provided by the Tri-Zone Fetlock Boots for horses.

The fetlock boots are comprised of 3 protective layers, which aim to protect from concussion and penetration.

The first layer against the horses skin is smooth and soft EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate). This allows it to sit comfortably against the horses' leg and also complies with class rules.

The second layer is a tough and breathable, yet flexible EVA waffle. This allows it to be durable and protective, but also enables the horse to move without restriction.

Finally, the third layer provides strategic protection to the inside of the fetlock joint. Made from vinyl which is a strong, durable and moisture resistant material.

How do I care for the Tri-Zone Fetlock Boot?

Machine washable at 30 degrees, so you can quickly and easily clean your boots. Our Hook Cleaner Brush can also help keep your straps debris free and prolong their life.

Or for quick day to day care, you can give them a short rinse on the yard and leave them to dry ready for the next day.

A fly mask with ears your horse will love too. Every detail was thought of in the design of the Field Relief Midi with ears:
• Screens out over 70% of harmful UV rays.
• Provides excellent clearance for eyes and eyelashes.
• Soft padding at the brow and noseband prevents rubbing.
• Adjustable fastenings under the cheeks and behind the ears ensure the perfect fit.
• Soft stretch binding to prevent flies and insects getting in underneath the mask
• Click here for the same mask without ears

The inspiration behind the Midi fly mask with ears.

Sunglasses. These simple products that shield our own eyes are the design inspiration behind our Midi fly masks. They don’t cover too much of the face, they provide protection from the sun (and flies too in our horse’s case!), and they need to be comfortable otherwise you might get a headache!

The design of this horse fly mask with ears.

Designed to fit a wide range of horses and ponies, the Midi Fly Mask was made with comfort in mind. After all, horses wear their fly masks for hours at a time!
The fly mask is designed with 2 different types of mesh. There is one which acts as the visor over the eyes and face. This mesh is thicker than the other to give it rigidity and structure to stay away from the sensitive structures on your horses’ face. This mesh also offers over 70% UV protection against the sun’s rays.
The second mesh is a softer, elasticated one which sits around the jaw and over the ears and poll. We wanted something comfortable for the horse, but also something close fitting so that the pesky flies couldn’t get underneath the mask.

Other comfort features include:

Adjustable fastenings under the cheeks and behind the ears of the fly mask. This ensures the perfect fit and stops any nasty insects getting inside.
Soft sponge padding located on the nose and brow areas. This means that these areas, which sit close to the horse’s skin, are kept rub free.
‘Horse-shaped' ears provide ample space for your horse whether they have small or large ears.
Lastly, the Midi Horse Fly Mask with ears features strategically placed darts. These darts are positioned on the front of the mask and keep it clear of the eyes and eyelashes.

Customising your horse’s Midi fly mask

We've introduced additions to the Field Relief range to allow you to customise the fly mask to yours and your horse’s needs. If you'd like to add a nosepiece to this fly mask, take a look at our Detachable Nosepiece. If your horse is bothered by the flies but doesn't need UV protection, you might want to consider the Muzzle Fringe instead.

Our fly masks all carry a one-year guarantee but most last for several seasons. Long lasting and easy to wash, the Field Relief Midi Fly Mask comes in a variety of sizes from ponies to large horses. The Midi Fly Mask also provides excellent visibility so is ideal for veterans, visually impaired and spooky horses! Also available, Field Relief Midi without ears.

• Based on the Massage Pad technology, which is proven to increase relaxation and flexibility.
• Battery operated, so you can take it wherever you go!
• 3 intensity settings which you can tailor to your horse’s needs.
• 2-year guarantee.
What inspired the horse Massage Mitt?
As an extension of the Equilibrium Massage range, the Mitt was brought in to extend the positive effect the Massage Pad was having on horses across the world. While the Massage Pad effectively targets the back, the Massage Mitt can target any muscle you want to!
Using the equine Massage Mitt:
The Massage Mitt has three different settings, which can be selected easily from the mitt control panel. You can select the intensity of the program to suit your horses’ needs. Each program has three different types of massage: pulsing, vibration, and stroking. This ensures the muscles are worked in different ways. Each session lasts 10 minutes which allows enough time for full coverage over the horses’ muscle groups.
The Massage Mitt can be easily incorporated into your warming up and cooling down routine.
• The low setting can then be used as part of a gentle cool down.
• The medium setting can be used to help warm muscles up prior to exercise or on a day off.
• The high setting can be used for those horses that prefer a more intense massage.
It comes in a handy carry bag which makes it ideal for use at home, away or in the lorry. It is wipe clean, making it easy to care for. The bag also has useful storage spots for the battery and charger.
How can Massage benefit horses?
As found with the Equilibrium Massage Pad, there are several benefits of massage.
Massage is well known for its ‘feel good’ factor and the Massage Mitt has been shown to aid relaxation and assist with the maintenance of healthy muscle and muscle function. Tension is often one of the most common reasons for poor performance. By increasing relaxation and improving back flexibility, the negative effects of tension can be reduced. A relaxed horse, with relaxed muscles, will move with fluidity and suppleness which is particularly important for competition horses performing dressage movements, and those jumping technical fences.
Who is the Massage Mitt for?
All horses and ponies could certainly benefit from the Massage Mitt, including those:
• At rest/retirement
• In work from hacking to competition. This includes horses returning to work or retraining.
• For older horses
• Horses on box rest, standing in for long periods of time or on limited turnout.
How do I care for the Massage Mitt?
The Massage Mitt just needs a gentle wipe down with a damp, clean cloth if the material gets scurfy. For Battery and Charger care, please see their safety instructions included in the packaging.

Field Relief Fly Rug

Made with your horse’s comfort in mind, the Field Relief Fly Rug will keep your horse protected from the flies while remaining cool and able to move freely in the field. With a unique hexagonal pattern tested to reduce fly landings by 51% on average when compared to other fly rugs*.

Featuring:

●        Anti-rub lining.

●        Wither pressure relief panel.

●        Shoulder relief shaping

●        90% UVB protection.

●        Elasticated surcingles with belly flap.

●        Extra-large tail flap.

●        Contoured back shaping.

The inspiration behind the Field Relief Horse Fly Rug

We had a few requirements we wanted to address with the Field Relief Fly Rug. First and foremost was comfort. As a rug your horse wears for long periods of time and moves around in all day (and potentially all night), we wanted a rug that would fit from ears to tail for full protection, allow your horse to move and keep them cool. Features like our unique shoulder shaping, as well as our wither relief panel and anti-rub lining, offers space and allows your horse to move with ease.

Secondly, we tested several colours and patterns to see which one flies liked landing on the least! The monochrome hexagonal print had less than half the amount of fly landings when compared to other plain and coloured rugs*, and therefore influenced our design.

What is it made of?

The rug is made up of different panels to allow relief and ease of movement through the high movement areas, as well as those at risk of rubbing.

A quick dry, silky panel lines the top of the neck allows a snug fit for protection against flies while preventing against rubbing. The use of a separate Lycra panel also eliminates the need for a silky satin lining inside the fly rug mesh, offering a more breathable option with less material.

This neck panel then feeds down to the wither relief panel which is designed so there are no seems on the sensitive and prominent wither area.

Going down from this is our unique shoulder relief shaping, made with extra material to allow your horses shoulder to move without restriction.

The mesh of the rug is designed to be closed enough to restrict biting insects, but open enough to keep the horse cool when the temperatures are warmer. Finally, the material protects against the sun’s harmful rays, offering 77% UVA and 90% UVB protection.

Who is this UV protective fly rug for?

●        Horses with a UV sensitivity.

●        Horses sensitive to fly irritation​.

●        Horses who bleach in the sun.

●        Horses prone to sweet itch​.

●        Horses who get warm easily.

●        Sensitive horses prone to rubbing.

*Field Relief Fly Rug Testing Results

Our aim was to determine which fabric print or colour choice had the least amount of fly landings. While this testing was conducted by ourselves in the development stage of the fly rug product, our test method was based on a combination of the methods used by the professors from the University of Bristol and other previous studies that investigated fly landings on cattle.

We tested a total of 6 different fabrics of identical size and created baited ‘landing zones’ for flies. We recorded these zones for a total of 6 hours, before repeating this on 3 separate occasions and an average was taken from this. 

 The results showed that our monochrome hexagonal design had significantly fewer landings than most other compared prints and colours.

The Equilibrium Symmetry Straps are a special training aid which works by fixing your stirrups to the girth but in a safe and subtle way using hook and loop (sometimes referred to as Velcro). This allows you to develop feel and security of the lower leg – the foundation for skilful riding.

Increases your body awareness.

• You become immediately aware of when your lower leg moves or is out of position.
• Promotes muscle memory and strength.
• By training the body to adopt a quieter position, you build the muscular strength to hold the correct position.
• Features in-built safety release system making them ideal for use in all equestrian disciplines from flatwork schooling to show jumping, so you can ride confidently with a secure leg and seat.

The Net Relief Muzzle Net is one of the most effective products on the market to help alleviate the symptoms of headshaking. The Net Relief Muzzle Net for anatomical bridles such as Micklem® Bridles has been developed as part of the Net Relief Muzzle net family, which was first introduced in 2001, in line with the advancements of different bridles and nosebands being used by riders.

About the Net Relief Muzzle Net for anatomical Bridles:

• Improved the symptoms of 79% of headshaking horses in clinical trials at De Montfort University
• Contoured mesh for a comfortable fit
• Shaped specially to fit the cross over part of an anatomical Micklem® noseband
• Easily attached via hook and loop fastenings
• Unobstructive and permitted by British Eventing and British Dressage**

Unlike conventional nose nets that cover the whole muzzle, the Net Relief Muzzle Net for anatomical bridles features a shaped design that covers only the top half of the horse’s muzzle. This allows the product to be unobstructive, has no interference with the horses breathing and can easily remain on your horses’ bridle, so there’s no need to remove every time you ride!

We ensure that every product we produce helps to create a difference to horses’ lives, so with this in mind the Net Relief Muzzle Net underwent clinical trials at De Montfort University in the UK. The results of ‘Net Relief’ were outstanding:
• 79% of the animals experienced an improvement in symptoms.
• 84% of respondents said Net Relief was easy to use.
• 88% of respondents said Net Relief had an attractive appearance on the horse.

With the Net Relief Muzzle Net being permitted by both British Eventing and British Dressage, help your horse perform to his full potential, without the irritation and distraction from headshaking.
Each standard pack includes 1x Micklem® shaped Noseband (medium/large) and 3x Nose Nets (in black).

*Micklem® is a registered trademark of Horseware Products Ltd
**Always check the relevant rule book for the most recent guidelines.

Equilibrium Massage Pad Heatsense
Achieve ultimate relaxation with comforting heat and massage.

Combining reliable, tested, and intelligent heat with proven massage*, the NEW Heatsense is a great addition to your horses’ daily routine to maintain good back health.

• The choice is yours – pick from heat and three intensities of massage.
• Reliable, tested therapeutic heat output with sensors to turn heat off/on depending on your horse’s temperature.
• Heat targeted to the most common areas of weakness.
• Six Massage motors evenly distributed across the pad.
• Fits into your daily routine with a 30-minute programme.
• Shaped to follow the contours of the horses back with 90cm coverage from withers to quarters.
• Battery operated to take it with you wherever you go.
• Covered by a 2-year guarantee.
• Contains 1 x Massage Pad Heatsense, 1 x Storage Bag, 1 x Equilibrium Heatsense Battery, 1 x Equilibrium Heatsense Charger.

Heatsense is available in one size designed to fit horses 14.1hh and upwards.

*Based on the popular Equilibrium Massage Pad clinically proven to improve back flexibility and promote relaxation tested at Myerscough College, 2007.

Additional Information

What inspired the Massage Pad Heatsense for horses?
With the Massage range already helping horses worldwide, it seemed only natural to add the next best thing – heat! Heat that is reliable, tested and targeted to reach safe recommended therapeutic temperatures (42 degrees Celsius).
How can Massage and Heat benefit horses?
Our horses work hard for us with a lot of pressure being put onto their muscles through exercise. Massage and heat are two simple ways in which we can help support healthy muscle function in our horse.

Massage

Performance depends on freedom of movement, full flexibility, and an absence of musculoskeletal pain, all of which can be improved using massage (Gellman, 1998).

Benefits of Massage include:

• Helps maintain healthy blood and lymph circulation.
• Preparing muscles for work/exercise?
• Soothes tired muscles.
• Supports recovery after exercise.
• Promotes relaxation.

Heat

. Heat is non-invasive, gentle, and well accepted with many associated benefits, including:
• Maintaining good oxygen supply to muscles.
• Encouraging muscle relaxation.
• Increasing flexibility and elasticity of tissue.

Using heat is a great way to help sensitive horses who may find massage too much. Research suggests that tissue temperature needs to increase by at least 3 to 5°C from the resting temperature (Bockstahler et al, 2004). Amongst many other sources, AAEVT’s Equine Manual for Veterinary Technicians by Martha Mallicote from University of Florida, et al states: ‘Applying heat at temperatures of 40-45°C for 15-30 minutes results in vasodilation, increasing blood flow.’

Who is the Massage Pad Heatsense for?

All horses and ponies could benefit from the Massage Pad Heatsense, including:
• Horses on box rest to maintain good blood flow.
• After exercise to help support recovery.
• Before exercise as part of warm up.
• At a show to relax after travelling.
• On your horse’s day off as part of a maintenance programme.
• Anytime as a reward.

Heatsense is available in one size designed to fit horses 14.1hh and upwards.

What is it made of?

The Massage Pad Heatsense is made up of polyurethane, or PU, with foam padding. The PU outer makes the product extremely hardwearing, but also hygienic – which is ideal if it is shared between many horses and ponies. It is resistant to water and grease, but also to fungus. This material paired with the padding also makes it comfortable for the horse.

Six massage motors are positioned in the target areas for horses and ponies. There are two either side of the wither, two mid-ways down the pad and another two behind the saddle area. The careful design of the massage pad then facilitates the spread of the massage along the back muscles.

The heating element is housed within the back third of the Massage Pad and heats a gel pad, which in turn will heat the horse. This ensures that the heat is evenly dispersed and consistent. It also acts as a safety barrier. This part of the Massage Pad also has a sensor to ensure the horse doesn’t overheat, for example when using the pad in warmer weather or after exercise when the horse is naturally warm.

How do I care for the Massage Pad Heatsense?
The Massage Pad Heatsense just needs a gentle wipe down with a damp, clean cloth if the material gets scurfy. For Battery and Charger care, please see their safety instructions included in the packaging.

Caution! Do not use on the following:

• Open wounds, new injuries, or new swelling (for the first 48 hours).
• Where there is suspected infection or malignant tumours.
• Burn injuries or deep vein thrombosis.
• Over the abdomen if pregnant, or at all during the first trimester
• Circulatory problems, causing hypo or hypersensitivity to heat.
• Active bleeding, bruising or haematoma.
• Bony areas such as the wither, point of shoulder or hip.
• Do not apply more than 1 heat session at a time on the same horse.

Battery Life:

The high performance Heatsense Battery can deliver up to ten sessions of effective Heat & Massage therapy. This is equivalent to five hours of use. In extreme cold conditions this may reduce to eight sessions.

To preserve the life of the battery we strongly recommend unplugging the battery from the cable after every use.

After ten heat and massage sessions we recommend charging the battery, this ensures that the Heatsense can deliver the heat therapy at the required temperatures. After ten uses the heat may still be delivered but it is unlikely to be at the optimum temperature.