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.