Equilibrium Therapy® Massage Pad

Equilibrium®

The Equilibrium Therapy® Massage Pad is a top-selling therapeutic and relaxing device which covers your horse's back from withers to quarters and delivers a comforting and effective 30-minute massage.

All horses, from working and sports animals through to hacking cobs, can benefit from massage to increase relaxation levels and promote greater mobility and flexibility.

Equestrian massage is also a recognised and important treatment for sore muscles and problem areas of pain and stiffness. Natural and drug-free, massage with the Equilibrium Massage Pad is an enjoyable treat for your horse which helps both his physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Adjustable straps mean the Equilibrium Massage Pad can fit horses of all shapes and sizes. It has three setting levels of different intensity - low, medium and high - to enable you to deliver a massage of the correct strength for different circumstances. See more details in our further reading section.

The Equilibrium Therapy® Massage Pad is easy to clean, comfortable and lightweight and can be packed away into its polyurethene carry bag for safe storage.



Benefits of massage for horses and ponies:

• Relieves stiffness
• Promotes relaxation
• Improves flexibility
• Improves and increases stride length
• Strengthens the bond between horse and rider
• Helps with the treatment of back injuries and muscle strains

Advantages of the Equilibrium Massage Pad are:

• Lightweight and hardwearing
• Affordable
• Easy to use
• Easy to clean - made from wipe-clean polyurethane
• Comfortable for your horse to wear - shaped to fit his back
• Clinically tested

The Equilibrium Therapy® Massage Pad comes with a sturdy polyurethene bag in which you can store the massage pad, battery and charger and it is all packed in an easy to store box.

It can used on its own, or in conjunction with the handheld Equilibrium Massage Mitt which can sit on the owner’s hand and deliver the same beneficial effects to muscle groups in areas like the neck, hamstrings and poll where the pad alone does not reach.

All horses, of all ages, and from all disciplines, can benefit from massage with the Equilibrium Massage Pad.

Members of British Dressage internet forums have been full of praise for the positive impact that massage sessions with the Equilibrium Massage Pad have on their horses. They say the horse feels looser and more supple after massage sessions.

Non-sporting horses, young and old, kept as companion animals and perhaps only ridden at weekends can also benefit. When bad weather means you can’t exercise your horse regularly, massage sessions help them stay mobile, flexible and comfortable.

The Equilibrium Massage Pad was tested by the equine studies department at Myerscough College in Lancashire. They found that use of the massage pad increased stride length and delivered benefits in flexibility and mobility.

Three settings are available on the massage pad: low - designed for cooling down after exercise; medium - designed to warm muscles up before exercise and high - designed to work on back problems.

The outer fabric of the Equilibrium Massage Pad is made from wipe-clean polyurethane. The straps, which fasten the pad securely and comfortably to your horse’s back, are made from 50mm webbing with adjustable gliders and plastic clip buckles. The easy to use controller also has a protective, waterproof silicone cover.

Before putting the Equilibrium Massage Pad on your horse you should place all the straps up and over the top of the pad, safely out of the way, and then connect the battery pack.

Next, make sure your horse is securely tied in his stable, or being held by someone.

Approach the horse quietly and gently and place the pad on the horse’s back. If he is nervous or unsure, spend time reassuring him and allowing him to get used to the feeling of the pad on his back before going further.

The top of the pad should be fitted just behind the shoulders.

Before lowering the straps down and fastening them, turn the pad on. It will automatically start on the lowest setting. Make sure the horse is happy with this and relaxed before starting to fasten the straps. Spend time reassuring him if he needs more to gain more confidence.
   
When you are ready to start fastening the straps, start with the chest strap first. A glider allows you to make this strap shorter or longer so that it is a good, comfortable fit.

When you - and your horse - are ready for you to move on to the three belly straps lower the first strap down making sure not to let it knock against your horse’s legs which might upset him. The first and third straps fasten diagonally, like crossed surcingles on horse rugs, while the middle strap fastens between them. All three straps can be adjusted to fit using the gliders.

A massage cycles lasts 30 minutes, and it is recommended to keep the massage pad on the lowest setting for the first few times you use it. The high setting is useful if you are not exercising your horse and he has a specific back problem.

If you are not able to let your horse have the full 30-minute massage session you can switch the pad off at any point using the on/off button.

To remove the pad, unfasten the straps - again making sure they don’t hit the horse’s legs - and fold them gently over the pad while it is still on your horse’s back before removing the pad.

On a cold day it is fine to put a blanket over the top of the massage pad while it is working.

If you are using the massage pad after you have ridden your horse and he is wearing a lightweight cooler, it is also safe and suitable to put the massage pad on top of the cooler.

The massage pad can be used every day if you so wish. A fully-charged battery should last for about six, 30-minute massage sessions. If you do not intend to use your massage pad for a while, it is recommended that you disconnect the battery to preserve its life!