Massage Pad Testing The Equilibrium Massage Pad was independently tested by Myerscough College and the findings showed: Increased Flexibility Results showed an overall improvement in back flexibility of approximately 46%. Stride Length The stride length of the treated horses increased over the period of the test by 12cms, whereas the control group showed little improvement. Promoting Relaxation Using a heart rate monitor, horses wearing the Equilibrium Massage Pad showed a decrease in heart rate when compared to the horses in the control group. Heat is a non-invasive, gentle, and generally a well-accepted form of therapy with many associated benefits. However, it is important that heat is delivered at the correct temperature, and for an appropriate amount of time to achieve the desired effects. If temperatures are not high enough, there is unlikely to be any significant effect to the tissue. If temperatures are too high, or are left in position too long, then tissue damage may occur. Heat Sensor Technology Our Heatsense Pad has therefore been thoroughly tested to ensure the heat is delivered in accordance with supporting research. A range of sources determined the following necessities for the Massage Pad Heatsense. - Heat is delivered between 40-45 degrees Celsius. - The target temperature is maintained for 15 minutes. - The heat should never exceed 45 degrees Celsius for an extended period of time. Due to the risks associated with heat, and the narrow target window for therapeutic heat, we developed an intelligent monitoring system that is constantly checking the temperature being delivered to the horse. This adjusts accordingly to ensure a repeatable session is experienced each time the pad is used. This is especially important in a product that is strapped to the horse, that they cannot easily move away from. As the temperature reaches the target of 42 degrees Celsius power to the heat pads will cut out. As the temperature drops again, power to the heat pads will resume. This process continues to ensure the horse receives 15 minutes at the target temperature. This monitoring system will also help prevent the pad heating tissue that is already hot, whether that is due to ambient temperatures, or if the horse has just been exercised. The left and right side of the pad also work independently of each other, meaning one side could be receiving heat, even if the other is too warm.

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

Smarter fibre feeding to support a healthy horse, the PortionPacer Haynet allows you to take control of your horse’s diet with tested feed rates and known fill sizes. With 3-year guarantee.

• 2 x hole sizes (3cm and 6cm).
• 5 x haynet sizes from 2kg – 12kg**.
• 3cm hole size can extend eating times by up to 30% on average*.
•  6cm hole size has a similar feed rate to ad lib, floor fed hay on average.*
•  Ideal for weight and dietary management of all horses.
•  Helps reduce wastage compared to floor fed hay.
•  Improves wellbeing by reducing the amount of time your horse is without food.
•  Made from long lasting, strong Polypropylene woven into a knotless design.
• Fully recyclable at home at the end of its long life.

*A field based observational study looking at 10 horses and 10 ponies fed forage from the floor, a 6cm holed net, and a 3cm holed net.

**Based on average haynet fill using dry meadow hay.

Crafted with a smart, weather-proof material and backed by scientific testing, the Stellar All-Weather Safety Headcollar is ideal for daily use, competitions, and as a field-safe option.

Key Features of the Stellar Headcollar:

• Reusable and replaceable safety release system tailored to your horses’ size and weight.
• Scientifically tested for reliability.
• User tested for fit and ease of use.
• Constructed from PVC with high-grade metal fittings for durability and weather resistance.
• Enhanced comfort with soft leather look padding on the headpiece and nosepiece.
• Complete the set with the matching Stellar Lead rope.

Inspiration Behind the Design of Stellar:

Driven by a commitment to equine welfare and safety, Equilibrium embarked on a journey to investigate headcollar standards, a piece of equipment used daily by most horse owners. The survey findings were startling, showcasing alarming injury rates. This ignited the start of a commitment to delve deeper into headcollar testing and safety.

At Equilibrium we are dedicated to continuously evaluating and developing our products. After conducting a thorough examination of headcollar safety and incorporating valuable feedback from our dedicated customer-base, an opportunity was highlighted to further elevate the Stellar All-Weather Headcollar design to offer a tailored release system, which is appropriate for the individual horse’s size and weight. The Safety Release System is now located on the right side of the headcollar allowing for easy replacement no longer needing to replace the whole headpiece, but also allowing for easy adjustability.

Headcollar Safety Survey Results:

Equilibrium commissioned Dr David Marlin to conduct a survey. Answered by 5615 horse owners*, the survey aimed to find out their experience with using headcollars. This included how often they used them, what types were used, how they were used and the problems associated with them.
The results were surprising.
• Almost 1 out of 3 people experienced a horse being injured as a result of a headcollar.
• More than 1 in 7 people have been injured in a headcollar related incident.
• There were 167 horse fatalities as a result of a headcollar.

Unsurprisingly the majority of incidents happened tied outside, closely followed by in the field.
These results demonstrated that perhaps, headcollars should be investigated in more depth…
Find the published results here: https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/eve.13480

Scientific Testing of Headcollars:

To explore headcollar safety further, Equilibrium commissioned Dr. David Marlin to test the release points of different types of headcollars and tying up devices, including baling twine. The results showed a great variation, from some tie up aids releasing as low as 9kg, to some headcollars releasing as high as over 600kg - more than the average horses’ weight.

Find the full research paper here: https://doi.org/10.1177/17543371211039610

Equilibrium conducted more testing to develop this concept further using a tensile machine. Different lengths of straps were tested to measure their maximum load before releasing. This allowed the appropriate strap and release weight to be matched with the ideal horse size, with the average release rates being based on 10-15% of the horse’s or pony’s weight. Therefore, the different headcollar sizes are set to release at an average of:

Small/Pony Headcollar = 45kg.

Medium/Cob Headcollar = 58kg.

Large/Horse Headcollar = 68kg.

Extra Large Headcollar = 83kg.

The release system is tested to release consistently, up to 10 times. Equilibrium recommends that the safety strap is replaced after 10 pulls (or if the Velcro is not adhering well) to ensure efficiency of the strap.