Equilibrium Massage Pad (Extra Large)

Equilibrium take pride in researching and testing their products. The Equilibrium Massage Pad was independently tested by Myerscough College in Lancashire, UK.

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.

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.

In short, you can use the XL 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

In Store (Try On)

Not all items are currently stocked in our Taunton Store. Please call or email us before your visit, so we can request the items from our warehouse, if in stock.

In Store Collection

Local to us? You can also arrange to collect your items. Once you've placed your order, you will be emailed when we have the item(s) ready for collection.
Delivery Services are selected at the Checkout.

Standard Delivery via Parcelforce

Please allow approximately 2-3 working days for dispatch and 2 working days for delivery (total 5 working days). For full details please visit our delivery information page.

In Store Collection

Local to us? You can also arrange to collect your items. Once you've placed your order, you will be emailed when we have the item(s) ready for collection. Delivery Services are selected at the Checkout.

2016-08-17