Description
Equilibrium Products Equine Massage Pad
Developed through clinical trials at Myerscough College, UK, the Equilibrium Therapy Massage Pad‘s innovative design provides effective, affordable equine massage therapy and is proven to improve back flexibility and promote relaxation in horses. The Equilibrium Therapy Massage Pad was created in 2007 to help treat a successful ex-racehorse suffering from chronic back pain and sensitivity. Following combined treatment with the Equilibrium Therapy Magnetic Back Pad, the horse made a full recovery and went on to pursue a new career, in Endurance!
How does the Massage Pad work?
The Equilibrium Therapy Massage Pad has three different settings – high, medium and low – which can be selected easily from the attached controller. This enables you to select the intensity of the program to suit your horse. Each program has three different types of massage – pulsing, vibration and stroking –to ensure all muscles are worked in different ways.
The Equilibrium Therapy Massage Pad can be easily incorporated into your warming up and cooling down routine. The medium setting is ideal to warm up muscles before exercise, the low setting can be used to cool down after work and the high setting helps alleviate back problems when your horse requires a more intense massage. Each session will last for 30 minutes however, this can be manually stopped at any time.
The Massage Pad fits an array of horses and ponies so can be easily transferred from horse to horse or pony. It comes in a handy carry bag which makes it ideal for use at home, away. It is easy to store in the tack room and is wipe clean. The bag also has useful storage spots for the battery and charger.
The Equilibrium Therapy Massage Pad is now the choice of many Olympians, world champions and top producers.
It can be used on its own or in conjunction with the hand held Massage Mitt for an all over massage.
When to use Massage Therapy
The Equilibrium Therapy Massage Pad can be used for:
- Horses on box rest to promote blood flow
- After exercise to help with toxin removal
- Before exercise as part of warm up
- At a show to help recover from travelling
- On your horses day off as part of a maintenance programme
- To help alleviate back problems
- Anytime as a rewarding treatment
Benefits of Massage
Massage therapy has shown to help reduce back stiffness caused by injury and long term chronic conditions such as arthritis. It does this by increasing the blood supply to the affected muscles and removing the build-up of toxins.
Tension is often one of the most common reasons for poor performance and by increasing relaxation and improving back flexibility; the negative effects of tension can be reduced. Relaxed muscles will assist with flexibility and movement in particular for competition horses performing dressage movements and jumping technical fences.
Clinical Trials
As part of our commitment to research and product development, the Equilibrium Therapy Massage Pad was tested by Myerscough College in Lancashire, UK.
The results, following six weeks of testing showed that the massage pad offers significant benefits to working horses, improving back flexibility and promoting relaxation and can show an increase in stride length.
Test Methods
The trial itself consisted of high performance horses where the effects of massage were investigated. Firstly 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. Secondly, the horses were assessed in terms of flexibility and suppleness. There were two groups of horses – a treated group and a control group.
Back flexibility was assessed using the ‘Arch Dip Test’. The test 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 horses that had used the pad showed a significant improvement in back flexibility of approx 46%.
The horses also had their heart rates monitored. It was shown that the horses wearing the massage pad had their heart rates reduced and maintained a state of relaxation during treatment.
Tip: Combined use of the Equilibrium Therapy Magnetic Back Pad overnight and the Massage Pad once a day can help to maintain a healthy back. Find out what’s best for your horse – Massage, Magnetic or Both?
Safety Advice & FAQ
Will the new Equilibrium Therapy Silver Battery work with my black or navy Equilibrium Therapy Massage Pad?
The new Equilibrium Therapy Silver Battery will work with the older style Equilibrium Therapy Massage Pad (black or navy in colour), however it can only be charged using the NEW Equilibrium Therapy International Charger.
These are available to purchase:
Equilibrium Therapy Silver Battery – £34.95
Equilibrium Therapy International Charger – £24.95
Where can I buy replacement chargers and batteries for the Equilibrium Therapy Massage Pad and Massage Mitt?
Replacement batteries and chargers for the Equilibrium Therapy Massage Pad and Massage Mitt can be ordered & purchased from your local stockist or direct from Equilibrium Products from our online shop. Alternatively, several of our mail order retailers also carry stock of batteries and chargers, see ‘Where to Buy’ section on our home page.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EQUILIBRIUM THERAPY BATTERY &
INTERNATIONAL CHARGER
1. This appliance can be used by children aged from 8 years and above and persons with reduced
physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been given
supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards
involved. Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made
by children without supervision.
2. Only use the Equilibrium Therapy International Charger with the Equilibrium Therapy silver battery.
Do not use any charger other than that specifically provided for use with the equipment.
3. The International Charger includes 4 plug faces which slide on and off the charger for use in the
appropriate country.
4. Only use the charger with the cable fully uncoiled. If the charger is not plugged into the mains, but is
connected to the battery, the green light will show on the charger – this will drain the battery.
5. 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. Do not leave on charge once the
battery is fully charged.
6. The external flexible cable of the charger cannot be replaced. If the cable is damaged/the
connections to the plugs at either end are damaged, the charger must be disposed of safely and a new
one purchased.
7. Do not use any battery other than that specifically provided for use with the equipment. Only use the
battery in the application for which it was intended and retain the original product literature for future
reference.
8. Disconnect the battery from equipment when not in use to avoid potentially draining the battery. Do
not dismantle, shred or open the battery pack.
9. Do not expose the battery pack to heat or fire. Avoid storage in direct sunlight. Do not subject the
battery to mechanical shock.
10. 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.
11. In the event of the battery leaking, do not allow the liquid to come into contact with the skin or eyes.
If contact has been made, wash the affected areas with water and seek medical advice.
12. Dispose of the battery and charger safely in accordance with your country’s regulatory
requirements.
Equilibrium Therapy Battery (7.4V 2200mAh). For use with Equilibrium Therapy Battery Charger
(Worldwide : Input 100-240V 50-60Hz 0.2A, Output DC 8.4V/400mA )
Delivery Options
Free Shipping for orders over £75 (Excluding Highlands, N. Ireland & Islands) = Free
Economy 2-6 day UK delivery (Excluding Highlands, N. Ireland & Islands) = £2.95
Next working day UK delivery (order before 2pm – excluding Highlands, N. Ireland & Islands) Note: does not include Saturday delivery = £5.95
Over £75 discounted Highlands & Islands delivery (2-3 working days) = £7.95
Over £75 discounted Republic of Ireland (2-3 working days) = £7.95
Highlands & Islands delivery (2-3 working days) = £9.95
Northern Ireland (2-3 working days) = £9.95
Republic of Ireland (2-3 working days) = £9.95
From the Horse Forums
One of the most positively talked about products on horse owner forums:
“Really pleased with mine. Both my horses love it and my physio/chiro rates it. I bought it for my young horse who was tense and tight in his back – he loved it and would nod off whilst wearing it. My older horse enjoys it also, and it really helps loosen him up before I work him, or just part of an everyday massage.”
“I like the fact that it massages the area of the saddle and behind the saddle where we get the most tension. It’s brilliant value.”
“I have had mine for a couple of months now and think that it is brilliant. I tend to use mine on the low setting as a cool down after work as I usually ride in the evening so once I have ridden he is stood still in the stable overnight before being turned out in the morning. I also use it on the high setting on his day off for a deeper massage. Since using the pad he is definitely softer through the back and sitting trot is far easier for him and me!!”
“Massive improvement today on the lunge, taking longer strides on both reins, after one a week of his massage pad.”
“I have one of these for my boy and it’s worked wonders on him, I put it on and he goes to sleep. He had a back injury 5 years ago and has had to have regular ¾ weekly physio treatments ever since but this pad has finally meant that we can go longer between treatments.”
“I have one and its fab! I would recommend it highly”
“they are brilliant – been using mine for just over a week now and even after that short time I can tell the difference – my mare is getting less tense over the back and feeling looser”
“he loves it, I can feel a difference and it has cut down on our warm up time by half. Well worth the money”
“I have the equilibrium massage pad and it has been really good for my horse who is slightly hollow backed. I bought it to massage his back following loose jumping sessions, pessoa and long and low work as I aim to get him really using his back by the exercises we do. However I have actually found it is more beneficial to use it before riding/working as he is more relaxed and supple and it is particularly effective on our canter work. We are straight into a great relaxed and supple canter rather than working into it during the schooling session. Used regularly his jumping technique also benefits from it.”
“He really seems to enjoy it and it does generally relax him too and he is a bit of an uptight character so it is an additional benefit. If he sees me with a saddle he’ll stand at the back of the stable if he sees me with the pad he’ll move to the front which I think gives an idea of his review. I now split the session so that he has it for warm-up on setting 2 and then warm down after exercising on setting 1.”
“My boy loves it. He’s getting on a bit and I find it helps him no end. I use it every time i ride him. He is a little nervous so took a while to get used to it as it does make a slight noise but now I can put it on the highest setting and he’s fine”
“I also put it on my then 2 year old just for a bit of experience like (something on his back that moved of its own accord) and he was fine too.”
“Yes, best thing I ever bought :)”
“Can’t recommend them highly enough!”
“I’ve had mine for years and used it on loads of different horses (from 4yr olds to 30yr olds) all of whom love it!”
“Absolutely brilliant, he’s quite sensitive but didn’t have any problems at all, he has a little snooze while he has it on and it make so much difference in the way he goes, really pleased with it, well worth it :-)”
“best thing ever bought….. got ours second hand”.
“bought one recently and my horses both love it, they snooze with it on and are softer over the back straight away when ridden. My friend who often rides one of my horses came to the stables today just after they had both had their massage and she commented how chilled and relaxed they both were and wondered why. She was surprised when I told her they had just both had their massages”.
“Great for relaxing horse and warming up muscles, always take it competing with us, works a treat, also fab between massage visits, wouldn’t be without it!”
“Great for in the lorry before a comp. Then if the warm up is really busy you can get going – good news for a young horse”
“ ….love mine & I also use it in the lorry before a comp!”
“Great bit of kit, good value for money. I have had mine at least 3 years and use it about 5 times a week. The first thing i do when i arrived for a lesson/comp is to put it on and let her have a chill for 15/30mins. My horse has never batted an eye lid about wearing it, but so much so that she has rolled in it 3 times!!! Buts its still going strong!
“Absolutely brilliant piece of kit, my boy always seems to enjoy his and it can cut up to 10/15 mins off my warm up time as he comes out so much softer and supple”
“Absolutely love mine!! Best money I’ve spent in ages. I use it before I ride and really helps my boy”.
Judy Harvey –
“I couldn’t be without my Equilibrium Therapy Massage Pad. It eases any stiffness in the horses’ back so when I get on them they are much looser and less tense.”
Rosie Grove –
“My mare loves her Equilibrium Massage Pad. It is helping her achieve a new level of relaxation in performance.”
Jo Sanderson –
“It has proved invaluable for Elith for the 128 pony. We use it before he is worked to relax him . Previously we would struggle to settle him in a bustling practice area and felt unprepared going in the ring – but he now just gets on with his job .
Annabell has started jumping her Hickstead qualifiers which is why we couldn’t be without it!”
Victoria Elizabeth –
“I have just received a massage pad. I am over the moon with it, I have 4 ponies that compete at County level showing & they have all had a session with the pad. The result was 4 very relaxed ponies!”
Mari Akhurst –
“Sky has his equilibrium massage pad on every day leading up to competition and just before his test, it makes a massive difference and he loves it!”
Kimberley Heginbotham –
“In January 2016 I began training at Judy Harvey’s Dressage yard with my 2 Welsh Section D ponies, Machno Bond and Siglan Geronimo. To help them relax into their new surroundings and to improve their general fitness and well being I was lucky enough to be able to use the Equilibrium Massage pad and magnetic rug on both ponies. I have continued to regularly use both products during my time at Judy’s and feel the massage pad used in conjunction with the magnetic rug has really helped to keep them relaxed and happy, the massage pad especially, used before and after exercise, is a great way to warm up and cool down their muscles.
Thank you Equilibrium for recently sending me my very own Massage Pad so I can continue to use this on both ponies when I return home to North Wales.
Emma McDonald –
So I recently invested in the Massage Pad, I compete in all disciplines but affiliate with BD, since using the pad there has been such a difference in my mare’s way of going, in our last BD we won by over 20 marks! Thank you so much for making me be able to get the most out of my wonderful horse! I use the massage pad on my Connemara pony too! Who Is very cheeky and hates being clipped! (Would rather be au natural!) I put your product on and he lets me trim him up with little clippers! I can’t recommend highly enough!
Jamie-Lee Ball –
I would just like to say a massive thank you for our Equilibrium Massage Pads. I help run an affiliated riding club in Cornwall ” Cornwall Trec Group”. We purchased 10 massage pads of you at the beginning of the week and I received them Thursday so big thanks for the super speedy delivery. It was very well packaged too.
I used the pad for the first time today and was mega pleased with it. Easy to set up, easy to do and easy to clean. Brilliant start to using the pad. I had never really researched the pad until Friday so was very pleased with the positive feedback I found.
I will be using the pad on a number of horses within our yard.
Mainly on my golden oldie who participates in all riding club activities through to quailfers to national champions all round the county. It will also be put to the test on our 5 year old who is ready to hit the show ring this year, mainly focusing on workers. I hope to compete him at all county shows so if this amazing gadget can help us with our flat work and move us up the line ill be delighted.
Matt Peters –
Excellent product
Alice Goring –
I use my massage pad on all of my horses from my miniature Shetland to my eventers! I can definitely feel the difference when I use it before a big competition; it really helps the horses to relax so that I can get the best out of them.
Helen Kennedy –
We love this, we travel to competitions with it on and use several times a week also, the horses love as does our physio.