Young, imbalanced horses
Training new movements
Big moving horses
Hacking sharp or spooky horses
Riding over uneven ground or Fast Work

Colours: Black, White
Sizes: 1 Small, 2N* Medium Narrow, 2 Med, 3 Large, 4 Extra Large

TESTER:

Kate Rowland
Yard Manager: Bury Farm Equestrian Centre

Im currently based at Bury Farm EC in Buckinghamshire; in addition to my teaching I also run the competition & livery yard. I have competed up to National level at dressage and specialise in producing young horses & working with owners & riders to rectify problem horses. Having previously come from a professional Show Jumping background, I have the ability & knowledge to see both sides of the spectrum.

MY VERDICT:

What smart boots these are! I found them very light and breathable for the horse and easy to put on and off. I like the fact you can get different lengths. The first time I used them Rusty had just been clipped so they did move down his legs a bit, but now he has grown some hair they definitely stay up even when we had a bronk about in the wind! His legs we're nice and cool after exercise which is really important to me. They also washed very well and came out very white. Overall, a super boot which is well designed.

This soft, pliable massage pad covers the horse’s back from withers to quarters. The adjustable straps fit a wide range of horses. It is easy to clean, and readily portable, being lightweight and packed in a small nylon carry bag.

TESTER:

Dianne Barrett
Group 3 Rider & Freelance Dressage Trainer / Instructor Regd

I'm a highly experienced rider trainer, having ridden and trained horses up to PSG level. Based in Bedfordshire, I currently teach in the Herts, Beds, Bucks & Cambs area. Mac and I are trained by Inger Bryant and are currently competing at Advanced, moving to PSG in the New Year.

MY VERDICT:

I was very pleased to be offered the new Equilibrium Massage pad to try. We had got on so well with the first one I could not really see how it could be much better.

When I got it out of the wrapper I compared it to the other one. The main difference was the weight. I found that this was due to the pad being weighted on one side. The first one would slip slightly if the horse moved a lot so this would solve that problem. It seems to be a little thicker but I only noticed that when it was on Mac.

All the belly straps are generous and hardwearing with good quality clips as you would expect. If Mac keeps on chunking up as he is we may need a little more room in the chest strap though.

The controller has a Perspex cover which will help to keep the dust from the buttons. I am sure that will prolong the life of the pad. The battery lasts for ages with several uses before needing charging.

I think that this pad is quieter than the other. Mac loves the strongest setting and will stand quite happily till it has finished. Some times he hangs his head really low and seems to push up against the pad, this can only be a sign of enjoyment. I notice the difference when I don't use it, warm up time is definitely longer. Mac is an older horse and is quite high maintenance to keep him supple, fit and willing. I feel that my massage pad is an integral part to my routine to keep him that way.

The Equilibrium Massage pad is one of life's essential pieces of equipment. Not only for competition horses but for horses recovering from injury . . . or on box rest. We all know that no matter what the reason there is nothing like a nice massage. . . .Why should our horses not feel the same?

Colours: Navy
Sizes: Extra Small, Small, Medium, W Med (Wide), Large, Extra Large

TESTER:

Hayley Sharman, BD Dressage Rider

Equine Affairs Marketing Director and tester for Equi-Chaps® Close Contact Chaps was Hayley Sharman & Harry. Harry is a 5 year old DWB gelding who was imported from Holland as a 3 year old. Brought on slowly and carefully he has been competing for just 8 months achieving consistent scores at British Dressage events, Young Horse classes and has recently been long listed for BD Regional Teams.

MY VERDICT:

I haven't used boots in the past when turning horses out, however, having used the Equi-Chaps Close Contact Chaps this winter I can thoroughly recommend them!

As with all Equilibrium products there is real attention to detail in the design – the boots are soft, supple and fit very well – I no longer have a horse with muddy legs in the winter! The boots come right down over the top of the hoof so no mud creeps up the boots and his legs are always nice and dry underneath – however wet the ground or weather - particularly wonderful with a horse with four white socks! Washing has been greatly reduced!

There have also been a few occasions when Harry has been in his stable for a few days due to the snow so the first day's turnout can be a little squeaky! These boots always stay in place and offer great protection from potential scrapes!

This winter as been a particularly tough test for the chaps with such wet ground conditions – however, they still look brand new and wash up in the machine really well. I pop mine straight into the machine each afternoon and dry overnight ready for the following day.

I can't imagine a winter without these now – a really innovative and functional product for all horses – thank you!

TESTER:

Zoe Turner & Zippy

Zippy is approximately 15.3HH, A Holstein X Irish Sports Horse, 8 years old.

MY VERDICT:

I found the Field Relief® Midi fly mask to be strong, robust and well manufactured. The raised nose and brow band kept the mask away from his eyes. The Velcro was strong and stayed together with an extra Velcro straps across the poll.

The gap for his forelock has been made with extra adjustment, helping the comfort of horses with extra thick forelocks. This was ideal for Zippy.

The seam of the mask is elastic and was a good fit all round his face. This meant there was no problem with him losing in the fields which is always a bonus!

For Zippy the ear pieces were a good size, but I’m not so sure this would suit horses with extra large ears. This mask gives plenty of protection as Zippy is quite sensitive as he suffers from a runny eye making a good mask essential to have. The only nice thing to see on this mask for extra sensitive horses, like Zippy, would be the provision of nose protection from the flies.

Overall I am impressed with this fly mask, the design, manufacture and ease of application.

NOTE: Equilibrium Products recommend the Field Relief@ Max mask (RRP: £34.50) *with detachable nose piece *donkey size for horses with long ears

• Fits under any type of indoor rug
• Flat, slim and flexible to avoid pressure sores
• Magnetics stick easily to any part of the inner lining

Therapy Quarters Pad:

Designed to be used with award winning Equilibrium therapy magnetic back pad.
Incorpates 1 powerful VITAflex magnet.
Flexible and comfortable.
Can be positioned where healing is needed over the hind quarters, down to the stifle or base of the spine.

Colours: Black, White, Brown
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large