Everything you need to keep your show jumper protected, comfortable and happy in their work.
From therapy products to boots for ridden work at home or competition.
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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.
Equilibrium 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.
Equilibrium 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.
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.
Equilibrium 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.
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!
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.
• 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.
Equilibrium 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.
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.
Equilibrium 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.
