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£14.50
Unit price perDesigned to fit a field safe head collars, such as the Stellar Headcollar this horse UV and sun nose protector fits over the muzzle to help protect against sunburn.
• Helps to protect from sunburn by blocking over 70% of sun rays
• Easy to fit to any field-safe headcollar e.g the Stellar Head Collar
• Soft padding at noseband to prevent rubbing
For full face and muzzle fly and sun protection, see the Field Relief Max Fly Mask.
£39.99
Unit price perHigh performance charger designed so you can use it more and charge less!
- 2-year guarantee.
- Use it in your Equilibrium Massage Pad Heatsense.
The design of the Equilibrium Heatsense Battery & Charger.
The charger has 4 plug faces, which can be used for your appropriate country or if you travel to a different country.
CH0251-0843000F: International Heatsense Battery Charger (Input 100-240V ̴ 50-60Hz 0.8A Max, Output DC 8.4V/3.0A) Lithium-Ion Battery Charger with EU/UK/US/AUS plugs.
EPLBATTHS should only be charged with CH0251-0843000F.
PLEASE NOTE:
The Equilibrium Heatsense Battery is designed to be used together with International Heatsense Charger.
The gun metal Heatsense Battery should not be used with any other charger.
The Heatsense International Multi-Plug Charger should not be used to charge any other battery.
Caring for the Equilibrium Battery and Charger:
Keep the battery and charger out of reach of children.
Do not use the battery or charger with other items other than those specifically mentioned in the instructions.
Only use the charger with the cable fully uncoiled.
Make sure the cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise subjected to damage or stress.
The charger cable cannot be replaced.
If the cable is damaged or if any part of the charger is damaged/exposed, the charger must be disposed of safely and a new one purchased.
Use of a damaged charger may result in risk of fire or injury to persons.
Disconnect the battery from the equipment or charger when not in use to avoid potentially draining the battery.
Do not use in a wet environment.
Do not dismantle, shed or open the battery pack.
Do not expose the battery pack to heat or fire.
Store away from direct sunlight. Store in a cool, dry environment.
Do not short circuit the battery. Do not store the battery haphazardly in a box or drawer where other metal items may short circuit the battery.
Do not subject the battery to mechanical shock.
In the event of the battery leaking, do not allow the liquid to come into contact with skin or eyes. If contact is made, wash the affected areas with water and seek medical advice.
Dispose of the battery and charger safely in accordance with your country’s regulatory requirements.
£89.99
Unit price perEquilibrium Hind and Hock Chaps
The Equilibrium Hind & Hock Magnetic Chaps has magnets where you want them in these magnetic hock boots designed to support mobility, aid joint function, and maintain healthy tendons. Ideal for horses prone to fluid filled legs in the stable, those with chronic tendon problems or suffer from hock arthritis, splints, bone chips, and general knocks and bumps.
• Includes four movable magnets to place where your horse needs them, including the hock joint.
• Use overnight as part of your horses’ daily routine for maintaining leg health.
• Recommended for ridden horses, veterans, on box rest/standing in for long periods of time.
• Use as an alternative to stable bandages to keep the legs warm and maintain circulation.
• 1-year guarantee.
• Supplied in pairs.
Do not apply magnets on open wounds, bruises, areas of inflammation or for the first 5 days following steroid injections.
What is the material used within the Magnetic Hock Boots for horses?
Equilibrium Magnetic Boots are made of a nylon inner and outer, with polyester fill. The fill provides enough warmth and padding but is not too thick, so the boot remains flexible and comfortable, while providing some warmth but not overheating the legs.
The inner layer is completely Velcro receptive too, so that our magnets can be placed anywhere throughout the boots – including over the hock joint.
Four magnets are supplied with each pair of boots. They are reasonably thin and flat, yet extremely flexible. This allows them to mould to the horses’ legs, should they need to be placed over a joint. Supplied in a small pouch, they can be placed anywhere within the magnetic boot lining with the simple hook and loop attachment. This allows you to target the magnets exactly where your horse needs them.
Which magnets are used and how do they work?
The body’s cells have electromagnetic properties which means they can be affected by a magnetic field. The magnets used in these Magnetic Hind and Hock Boots for horses and present two alternating poles to the body, negative and positive, making them different to standard neodymium magnets, which present only one pole. These strong, linear, and permanent magnetic fields of alternating pole sequences penetrate the body tissue.
When should these Magnetic Hock Boots for horses be used?
• Every day as part of your horses’ daily routine for maintaining leg health. Usually overnight or in the day when stood in.
• For horses in work from hacking to competition. This includes horses returning to work or retraining.
• For older horses or those who are slow to warm up.
• Horses on box rest, standing in for long periods of time or on limited turnout.
• General knocks and bumps.
How do I care for the Magnetic Hock boots?
Machine washable at 30 degrees, so you can quickly and easily clean your boots.
£4.50
Unit price perHook Cleaner Brush
Prolongs the life of your horse equipment.
Hook and loop straps are designed to stick together. This does sometimes mean unwanted debris gets stuck to the adhesive straps too. The Hook Cleaner Brush removes dirt, debris, arena surface and hair from a range of equestrian items, such as horse boots, fly masks, rugs, and saddlecloths.
• Easily removes dirt, debris, arena surface and hair from the adhesive straps.
• Prolongs the life of your horse boots, fly masks, rugs and saddlecloths.
• 1 year guarantee.
Colours: Red, Blue.
£19.99
Unit price perEquilibrium Hot & Cold Packs
Targeted Hot and Cold where your horse needs it.
Attach anywhere in the lining of the Equilibrium® Magnetic Chaps, Hind & Hock Magnetic Chaps or Magnetic Rug allowing you to target exactly where your horse needs it.
With so many uses, these Hot and Cold packs are great to:
• Use Cold Therapy for strains, sprains, bumps, bruises, and post exercise.
• Use Hot Therapy for relaxation, muscle spasm, joint stiffness and to warm up prior to exercise.
• Use Combined Therapy for muscle tension or discomfort.
Contains 2 x Hot/Cold Packs and Pouches.
How to Use:
Place the gel pack into the provided pouch and keep it in the pouch when in use – only remove it when the pouch needs cleaning. Never place the gel pack directly onto the horse.
Cold
Freeze the gel pack in its pouch for a minimum of 60 minutes. The pack can be stored in the freezer until it is needed. The pack will quickly become flexible after being taken out of the freezer. Apply where required for a minimum of 10 minutes. DO NOT use cold prior to exercise.
Hot
Place the gel pack inside the pouch provided and lay flat in the microwave on a high setting for 15-20 seconds only. If the desired temperature is not met, increase the time by 5 second increments. Make sure the pouch is never over heated. If the gel pack is frozen, the heating time may need to be increased. Leave to stand for a minute and ensure the temperature is comfortable before use. Apply for 20 minutes.
Combined
Alternate between cold and hot packs for 10 minutes each for 3 cycles.
Safety Information:
• Do not use on open wounds/broken skin.
• Do not use if infection could be present.
• Do not use heat on a new injury (the first 48 hours).
• Do not use cold prior to exercise.
• Do not overheat the gel pack as this might cause it to burst.
• Never place the gel pack directly onto the skin without the protective pouch.
• For external use only.
• If gel fluid comes in contact with the skin or eyes, flush with water.
• Do not use if pack is punctured or torn.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not ingest gel fluid.
£79.99
Unit price perEquilibrium Magnetic Chaps
Magnets where YOU want to support mobility, aid joint function, and maintain healthy tendons.
Ideal for horses prone to fluid filled legs in the stable, those with chronic tendon problems, splints, bone chips, and general knocks and bumps.
• Includes four movable magnets to place where your horse needs them.
• Use overnight as part of your horses’ daily routine for maintaining leg health.
• Recommended for ridden horses, veterans, on box rest/standing in for long periods of time.
• Use as an alternative to stable bandages to keep the legs warm and maintain circulation.
• 1-year guarantee.
• Supplied in pairs.
Do not apply magnets on open wounds, bruises, areas of inflammation or for the first 5 days following steroid injections.
What is the material used within the Magnetic Boots for horses?
Equilibrium Magnetic Boots are made of a nylon inner and outer, with polyester fill. The fill provides enough warmth and padding but is not too thick, so the boot remains flexible and comfortable, while providing some warmth but not overheating the legs.
The inner layer is completely Velcro receptive too, so that the magnets can be placed anywhere throughout the boots.
Four magnets are supplied with each pair of boots. They are reasonably thin and flat, yet extremely flexible. This allows them to mould to the horses’ legs, should they need to be placed over a joint. Supplied in a small pouch, they can be placed anywhere within the magnetic boot lining with the simple hook and loop attachment. This allows you to target the magnets exactly where your horse needs them.
Which magnets are used and how do they work?
The body’s cells have electromagnetic properties which means they can be affected by a magnetic field. The magnets used in our Magnetic Chaps for horses and present two alternating poles to the body, negative and positive, making them different to standard Neodymium magnets, which present only one pole. These strong, linear, and permanent magnetic fields of alternating pole sequences penetrate into the body tissue.
When should these Magnetic Boots for horses be used?
• Every day as part of your horses’ daily routine for maintaining leg health. Usually overnight or in the day when stood in.
• For horses in work from hacking to competition. This includes horses returning to work or retraining.
• For older horses or those who are slow to warm up.
• Ideal for horses who suffer from arthritis.
• Horses on box rest, standing in for long periods of time or on limited turnout.
• General knocks and bumps.
How do I care for the Magnetic boots?
Machine washable at 30 degrees, so you can quickly and easily clean your boots. The Equilibrium Hook Cleaner Brush can also help keep your straps debris free and prolong their life.
£39.99
Unit price perEquilibrium Battery
Power up with the Equilibrium Battery, suitable for powering the Equilibrium Massage Pad*, Massage Mitt and Massage Mitt Hotspot.
High performance battery designed so you can use it more and charge less! For use with Equilibrium Massage Products alongside the Equilibrium International Charger.
• 2-year guarantee.
• Use it in your Massage Pad*, Massage Mitt** or Massage Mitt Hotspot.
What inspired the Equilibrium Battery?
An upgrade from our previous model which only powered the Massage Pad, the Battery now powers all Equilibrium Massage products** to make it interchangeable.
** This battery does not power the Navy/Red Massage Mitts or the Heatsense.
The design of the Equilibrium Battery.
Designed to sit in the pocket of Equilibrium Massage products without taking up too much space, yet having power so you can use it more and charge less!
Equilibrium Battery (7.4V 2200mAh).
For use with the Equilibrium International Charger (Worldwide : Input 100-240V 50-60Hz 0.2A, Output DC 8.4V/400mA ).
The new silver battery should only be charged with the international multi-plug charger. Full charge of the battery can take up to 12 hours. The charger indicator light will be red when the battery is charging and green when the battery is fully charged.
Who is the Equilibrium Battery for?
Designed to be used with Equilibrium Massage products, the Equilibrium Battery powers the:
• Massage Pad (Grey, Navy, and Black versions).
• Massage Mitt.
• Massage Mitt Hotspot.
PLEASE NOTE:
The Equilibrium Battery is designed to be used together with international charger.
The silver battery should not be used with the old-style charger.
The international multi-plug charger should not be used to charge an old-style black battery.
The Silver Battery will work with all styles and colours of Equilibrium Massage Pad; however it can only be charged using the Equilibrium International Charger.
Caring for the Equilibrium Battery:
Keep the Battery out of reach of children.
Do not use the battery with other items other than those specifically mentioned in the instructions.
Disconnect the battery from the equipment or charger when not in use to avoid potentially draining the battery.
Do not use in a wet environment.
Do not dismantle, shed, or open the battery pack.
Do not expose the battery pack to heat or fire.
Store away from direct sunlight. Store in a cool, dry environment.
Do not short circuit the battery. Do not store the battery haphazardly in a box or drawer where other metal items may short circuit the battery.
Do not subject the battery to mechanical shock.
In the event of the battery leaking, do not allow the liquid to come into contact with skin or eyes. If contact is made, wash the affected areas with water and seek medical advice.
Dispose of the battery safely in accordance with your country’s regulatory requirements.
£69.98
Unit price perEquilibrium Massage Battery & Charger Set
Power up with the Equilibrium Battery & International Charger Set, suitable for powering the Equilibrium Massage Pad*, Massage Mitt and Massage Mitt Hotspot.
High performance battery and charger set designed so you can use it more and charge less! For use with Equilibrium Massage Products.
• 2-year guarantee.
• Use it in your Massage Pad*, Massage Mitt** or Massage Mitt Hotspot.
What inspired the Equilibrium Battery & Charger?
An upgrade from our previous model which only powered the Massage Pad, the Battery now powers all Equilibrium Massage products**. The international charger can now easily be used across the world too with interchangeable side on ‘faces’.
** This battery and charger doesn’t power the Navy/Red Massage Mitts or Heatsense.
The design of the Equilibrium Battery & Charger.
The battery is designed to sit in the pocket of Equilibrium Massage products without taking up too much space, yet having power so you can use it more and charge less!
The charger has four plug faces, which can be used for your appropriate country or if you travel to a different country.
The battery should only be charged with the international multi-plug charger. Full charge of the battery can take up to 12 hours. The charger indicator light will be red when the battery is charging and green when the battery is fully charged.
Equilibrium Battery (7.4V 2200mAh).
Equilibrium International Charger (Worldwide : Input 100-240V 50-60Hz 0.2A, Output DC 8.4V/400mA ).
Who is the Equilibrium Battery and Charger Set for?
Designed to be used with Equilibrium Massage products, the Equilibrium Battery and Charger powers the:
• Massage Pad (Grey, Navy, and Black versions).
• Massage Mitt.
• Massage Mitt Hotspot.
PLEASE NOTE:
The Equilibrium Battery is designed to be used together with international charger.
The silver battery should not be used with the old-style charger.
The international multi-plug charger should not be used to charge an old-style black battery.
The Silver Battery will work with all styles and colours of Equilibrium Massage Pad; however it can only be charged using the Equilibrium International Charger.
Caring for the Equilibrium Battery and Charger:
Keep the battery and charger out of reach of children.
Do not use the battery or charger with other items other than those specifically mentioned in the instructions.
Only use the charger with the cable fully uncoiled.
Make sure the cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise subjected to damage or stress.
The charger cable cannot be replaced. If the cable is damaged or if any part of the charger is damaged/exposed, the charger must be disposed of safely and a new one purchased.
Use of a damaged charger may result in risk of fire or injury to persons.
Disconnect the battery from the equipment or charger when not in use to avoid potentially draining the battery.
Do not use in a wet environment.
Do not dismantle, shed, or open the battery pack.
Do not expose the battery pack to heat or fire.
Store away from direct sunlight. Store in a cool, dry environment.
Do not short circuit the battery. Do not store the battery haphazardly in a box or drawer where other metal items may short circuit the battery.
Do not subject the battery to mechanical shock.
In the event of the battery leaking, do not allow the liquid to come into contact with skin or eyes. If contact is made, wash the affected areas with water and seek medical advice.
Dispose of the battery and charger safely in accordance with your country’s regulatory requirements.
£29.99
Unit price perEquilibrium Charger
Power up with the Equilibrium International Charger, suitable for powering the battery for the Equilibrium Massage Pad*, Massage Mitt and Massage Mitt Hotspot.
High performance charger designed so you can use your battery more and charge less! For use with Equilibrium Massage Products.
• 2-year guarantee.
• Use it in your Massage Pad*, Massage Mitt** or Massage Mitt Hotspot.
** This charger doesn’t power the Navy/Red Massage Mitts.
What inspired the Equilibrium Charger?
An upgrade from our previous model, the international charger can now easily be used across the world with interchangeable slide on ‘faces’.
The design of the Equilibrium Battery & Charger.
The charger has four plug faces, which can be used for your appropriate country or if you travel to a different country.
Designed to be used with the Equilibrium Battery, which should only be charged with this charger. Full charge of the battery can take up to 12 hours. The charger indicator light will be red when the battery is charging and green when the battery is fully charged.
Equilibrium Battery (7.4V 2200mAh).
Equilibrium International Charger (Worldwide : Input 100-240V 50-60Hz 0.2A, Output DC 8.4V/400mA ).
Who is the Equilibrium Charger for?
Designed to be used with the Equilibrium Battery in Equilibrium Massage products, the Equilibrium Charger powers the:
• Massage Pad (Grey, Navy, and Black versions)
• Massage Mitt
• Massage Mitt Hotspot
PLEASE NOTE:
The Equilibrium Battery is designed to be used together with international charger.
The silver battery should not be used with the old-style charger.
The international multi-plug charger should not be used to charge an old-style black battery.
The Silver Battery will work with all styles and colours of Equilibrium Massage Pad, however it can only be charged using the Equilibrium International Charger.
Caring for the Equilibrium Charger:
Keep the charger out of reach of children.
Do not use the charger with other items other than those specifically mentioned in the instructions.
Only use the charger with the cable fully uncoiled.
Make sure the cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise subjected to damage or stress.
The charger cable cannot be replaced. If the cable is damaged or if any part of the charger is damaged/exposed, the charger must be disposed of safely and a new one purchased.
Use of a damaged charger may result in risk of fire or injury to persons.
Disconnect the battery from the equipment or charger when not in use to avoid potentially draining the battery.
Do not use in a wet environment.
Store away from direct sunlight. Store in a cool, dry environment.
Dispose of the charger safely in accordance with your country’s regulatory requirements.
£99.00
Unit price per
• 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.
£140.00
Unit price perEquilibrium Massage Mitt Hotspot
• The choice is yours – pick from heat and two different types of massage.
• Tailor the massage with three different strengths.
• Fits into your daily routine with a 10-minute programme.
• There’s no muscle you can’t reach.
• Battery operated to take it with you wherever you go.
Contains 1 x Mitt Hotspot, 1 x Storage Bag, 1 x Equilibrium Battery, 1 x Equilibrium Charger.
Plus – the Hotspot heat pad is not just for horses. You can use it on yourself too!
What inspired the horse Massage Mitt Hotspot Heat Pad for horses?
With the Equilibrium Massage range already helping horses worldwide, it seemed only natural to add the next best thing – heat! Not just a heat pad, Equilibrium have added different types of massage so you can really tailor the session to your horses needs and preferences.
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).
These factors also contribute towards keeping your horse comfortable and happy in general too!
Benefits of Massage include:
• Helps maintain healthy blood and lymph circulation.
• Soothes tired muscles.
• Supports recovery after exercise.
• Promotes relaxation.
Heat
Using heat is a great way to help sensitive horses who may find massage too much. Heat is non-invasive, gentle, and well accepted with many associated benefits.
Research suggests that tissue temperature needs to increase by at least 3 to 5°C from the resting temperature (Bockstahler et al, 2004). However, using something that is too hot could cause discomfort and even damage to the tissue.
Did you know?
The Massage Mitt Hotspot has been tested to increase skin temperature by 8.7°C on average?
Benefits of Heat include:
• Helps maintain good oxygen supply to muscles.
• Encourages muscle relaxation.
• Increases flexibility.
Using the equine Massage Mitt Hotspot Heat Pad:
LOW – this is best suited for a relaxing massage:
• After exercise.
• On a day of rest.
• For a sensitive horse.
• When introducing the Hotspot for the first time.
MEDIUM – this is best suited for general maintenance and everyday use:
• For a pre-exercise warm up.
• General maintenance massage.
HIGH – this is best suited:
• For horses who prefer a more intense massage.
• Those with thicker coats.
• Horses who are a bit overweight.
Use cyclical massage for your horse if you are holding the Hotspot heat pad still. This is useful when targeting a specific area.
Use continuous massage for your horse if you are moving the Hotspot heat pad over larger areas. This allows each sweep to deliver the same massage.
Use the heat for your horse on its own for a gentle session to aid healthy circulation. This is ideal for sensitive horses or those returning to work. Heat is also perfect to help warm up muscles prior to stretching your horse.
For the ultimate session, use heat and massage together! This is best suited when holding the Hotspot heat pad in one area or sweeping it over a smaller area.
Who is the Massage Mitt Hotspot for?
All horses and ponies could certainly benefit from the Massage Mitt Hotspot, 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 Hotspot?
The Massage Mitt Hotspot 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, or here.
Caution! Do not use on the following (for humans and horses):
• 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.
• Circulatory problems, causing hypo or hyper sensitivity to heat.
• Active bleeding, bruising or haematoma.
• Bony areas such as the wither, point of shoulder or hip.
• Do not apply more than 2 consecutive cycles of heat in one spot.
From £329.00
Unit price per
The Standard Massage Pad allows an effective massage session for your horse.
• Battery operated 30-minute sessions – give your horse a massage while you complete other yard tasks.
• Four massage motors.
• Elasticated belly straps for a comfortable snug fit.
• Choose the intensity of the massage from three different programs.
• Lightweight and portable – take it with you wherever you go.
• Massage more and charge less with the high-performance battery & universal charger.
• 2-year guarantee.
Includes 1 x Equilibrium Standard Massage Pad, 1 x Equilibrium Bag, 1 x Equilibrium Battery and 1 x International Charger.
The innovative design provides effective, affordable equine massage for horses and ponies sized 14.1hh – 16.1hh or in 5ft9 – 6ft3 sized rugs. If you have a pony or large horse, you may want to look at the Pony Massage Pad or XL Massage Pad. The Pony Pad is designed for ponies in rug sizes 5ft6” and under or 14.0h, alternatively, if you have a horse in 6ft6”+ rug sizes, you may want to look at the XL Massage Pad.
Massage Pad Testing:
Equilibrium take pride in researching and testing their products. The Equilibrium Massage Pad was independently tested by Myerscough College in Lancashire, UK.
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.
The results, following six weeks of testing, showed that the massage pad offers significant benefits to horses. A significant increase in back flexibility and relaxation was noted, but it also showed an increase in stride length.
Increased Flexibility
Massage helps to promote flexibility in healthy muscle tissue, fascia, and other soft tissue fibres. The effects of massage on flexibility can be measured using the 'Arch Dip' test to determine the amount of upwards or downwards bend of the horses' back. Test results from the trials demonstrated an overall improvement in back flexibility of approximately 46%.
Stride Length
The trial showed that the stride length of the treated horses increased over the period of the test 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 a horse!
Promoting Relaxation
Using a heart rate monitor, horses wearing the Equilibrium Massage Pad showed an increase in relaxation compared to the horses in the control group.
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.
How does the Standard Massage Pad work?
The control panel allows you to select low, medium, or high settings and as a result, you can choose the intensity of the program to suit your pony. Each program runs through a cycle of three different types of massage – pulsing, vibration, and stroking –to ensure all muscles are worked in different ways.
Choosing your setting:
• LOW for cool down after exercise, for a sensitive horse or to introduce the pad to your pony for the first time.
• MEDIUM to warm up the muscles prior to exercise or for general maintenance.
• HIGH if your pony prefers a more intense massage.
The massage pad will run for 30 minutes before turning itself off automatically however, you can manually turn it off sooner if needed.
It can be used on its own or in conjunction with the hand-held Massage Mitt for an all over massage, or the Massage Mitt Hotspot to combine heat and massage.
When to use the Standard Massage Pad?
In short, you can use the Standard Massage Pad before riding, after riding or on a day off! Here’s a few scenarios:
• Horses on box rest to maintain good circulation.
• After exercise to help support recovery.
• Before exercise as part of warm up.
• At a show after travelling to relax.
• On your horses day off as general maintenance.
• Anytime as a reward.
From £499.00
Unit price per