RETAIL REVIEW - Archive
A look at some of the products
we have reviewed in the past
PRODUCTS IN THE ARCHIVE
Myler Combination Bit
Equissage Massage System
Relaxer Dropped Noseband (Hilary Vernon)
Barnsby Gummi Reins
Fly-Pel from Science with Nature
Itch Magic from Equifeast
Barnsby Grip Pad
Bossy's Bibs
Groomer's Stone
Companion Mirrors
MYLER COMBINATION BIT
For quite a while now we have been using Myler Combination bits with great success.
These bits combine the action of a bit, noseband and headpiece into one, very well designed piece of equipment.
The combined action is quite unique as pressure is dispersed around four different areas - the mouth, nose, chinand poll - rather than being concentrated in just one area which usually results in a resistance if the horse is not happy.
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The action of the "Combi" is much more subtle than with conventional, individual pieces of equipment and we have found that even with horses that have been difficult to bit (as the consequence of lack of basic training, inappropriate use of an unnecessarily harsh bit, extreme sensitivity, rough riding, lack of physical development, etc) this bit has been the answer. Whilst there is the school of thought that would say "resort to a hackamore", well yes, that is fine but not everyone has good enough hands to ride successfully in one, particularly a horse that pulls (or bolts!) and of course a hackamore is not allowed in dressage. At present there are restrictions on what mouthpieces are allowed in dressage competitions, but the "Comfort" mouthpiece is one that is. So if a "Combi" it used that has a comfort snaffle mouthpiece then at least the horse will be familiar with its action and feel when used on its own. |
We have used the "Combi" (wide barrel comfort snaffle and low port comfort snaffle mouthpieces) on a wide range of horses at different stages of their training and on those with particular training difficulties (bolting, rushing fences, high head carriage, sensitive mouth, etc.) all with great success whether. It is wonderful for long-reining work as a young horse can be quietly introduced to the action of a bit, hard pulling horses find they have nothing to pull against and the poll pressure created is excellent for horses that need corrective training to lower their head carriage. So pleased are we with the performance of these bits that we now have several in the tack room.
An excellent plus factor is that the bit is available with different mouthpieces to ensure that a horsereally can be bitted as comfortably as possible allowing for his mouth design, tongue size and so on whilst maintaining the control and achieving theaim of a supple, polite horse.
There is just to much to say about the Myler Combination bit here, suffice to say they are the answer to many a horse's prayer!
EQUISSAGE PAD
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The pad gives a deep cycloidal massage to the whole of the horse which improves circulation, tones and relaxes muscles, promotes effective lymphatic and venous drainage and increases joint mobility,as well astreating back problems and respiratory conditions. |
We purchased the complete package which obviously we would not have done ifwe had not been firmly convinced of the tremendous value this equipment would have - and we have not been disappointed.
We use the pad on a regular basis, either before or after exercise, on all of the horses in the yard and the results are apparent - no stiff muscles and no swellings, all of which are common occurrences in horses being broken as their bodies adjust to being introduced to work and weight.All of the recipients of the treatment evidently enjoy it and are so relaxed. Strictly, the hand held unit should be used in conjunction with the pad for localised treatments but we use it on its own for very nervous horses as a therapeutic massage to relax them, and as a prelim to clipping for the first time as the unit acclimatises young horsestovibration and movement without the involvement ofelectricty! We have found many other benefits for older horses especially those that come to us withinjuries, haematomas, muscle tnesion, etc.-the list is endless.
Thank you EQUISSAGE for providing us with a 24/7-365 physio.
If you would like further information about the EQUISSAGE system, please do not hesistate to contact us.
RELAXER DROPPED NOSEBAND from HILARY VERNON
Designed by the well-known and respected bitting clinician Hilary Vernon, the Relaxer Dropped Noseband could well be the anwer to many owners paryers, but more importantly, their horses. Invariably when riders and trainers have a bitting problem, after trying 2 or 3 differnt bits without improvement, they resort to closing the mouth by way of a flash, grakle aor dropped noseband. This revolutionary noseband allows the horse the degree of mouth movement its needs not only to be comfortable but flex properly at the poll, but should it then open its mouth in resistance the noseband tightens to signal that this is not acceptable. Clever design and placement of elastic inserts create a pressure and release system which rewards to horse when it does right. |
Our expereince has been that horses either love it or hate it. For the horse that just doesn't like to have his mouth closed up or feel anything that far down on his nose,, then they were too busy objecting to that to be able to run a fair trial. However for horses that didn't mind the strap around their mouths, then this noseband worked really well both by keeping the bit in place and preventing excessive mouth movement but allowing sufficient which a horse needs in order to function properly. We are not fans of dropped nosebands generally but if you have the requirement to use one, then this is the one to use.
Pllease read the full press release from Hilary Vernon HERE.
BARNSBY GUMMI REINS
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Barnsby say: We say: |
We have tried these reins out for dressage, jumping and general schooling with horses that are good with the contact, those which are heavy in the hand/lean or pull. Once you have decided just where you want your hands to be on the reins, unless you physically move them, then they stay firmly in place. They are especially good when riding those horses which gradually eke the rein out of your hand despite your best efforts not to let it happen!
Superb quality leather reins which are are super-flexible and super-grippy, they have standard hook and billet fastening and area vailabel in black and brown.
SCIENCE WITH NATURE FLY-PEL
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Looking for a fly repellant that really works - and complies with the new HSE regulations? |
Fly-pel is an already a proven product but we confess to not ever having come across it before. How remiss we have been!! Finding a good fly repellant has always been tricky but following the introduction of yet more EU legislation, it looked as if the equestrian world would be beseiged by flies and midges.
Whilst researching for another product we found Fly-pel and we haven't looked back since. Made entirely of nature products (no chemicals) that are safe - and legal. It is a well-known fact that certain plant extracts have fly-repelling properties. Exactly what to use and in what blend combination is the secret of success but Science With Nature certainly seem to have found just what it takes. Fly-pel also contains ingredients that soothes the skin.
We have found Fly-pel to be the most effective repellant we have ever used both in and out of the stable. Hacking out is just fantastic, no flies on the horses and no flies on us (yes, it works on humans too). No more head-tossing whilst schooling either. It is not sticky or oily nor does it dull the coat. It can also be safely sprayed on to rugs without leaving a residue or affecting the colour.
One absolutely brilliant fact about Fly-pel is its smell; it smells delightful. There is an extremely pleasant aroma wafting around the yard. And, Fly-pel also comes in a handy pack of wipes in a resealable pouch which are very handy for sensitive places around eyes, ears and noses.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information or of course contact Science with Nature directly on: 01377 259234 (www.swnh.co.uk) - they are a very friendly team who are only pleased to help.
ITCH MAGIC
We have been fortunate in that we have really ever had a problem with horses itching. Ok, in the heat of the summer, most horses will have a bit of a rub - and it is usually the top of the tail that suffers!
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However a little mare came to us and she effectively had no tail! |
We addressed dietary factors but these proved to be to no avail; and an consultation with an alternative therapy practitioner did not reveal any signifcant contributory factors as to why the mare tail rubbed. However something had to be done as no tail detracted from her appearance.
Early in February we were introduced to "Itch Magic" a product manufactured by Equifeast which claims to sooth irritation and has anti-microbial properties which help to reduce the risk of complicating infections. We haven't looked back.
The mare stopped rubbing her tail immediately even though we did not actually follow the applications instructions to the letter in that we only applied the Itch Magic once instead of twice a day. Within 7 days of no rubbing the mare's tail was clearly improving. We did not apply any Itch Magic for 5 days which is when the mare began to rub again, so there is clearly an ingredient that takes away the irritation as well as something that "feeds" to promote hari growth. A further 7-day daily application course followed and then we once again stopped using the product until the mare began to rub again - absolute proof that Itch Magic stops a horse from rubbing.
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Following a further 7-day course of daily application, we now apply Itch Magic every 3 days - and it is still working - no rubbing and plenty of new, healthy hair growth. We and the mare's owners are delighted. This photo was taken on 26th February after a period of 5 days without using Equifeast - she has started rubbing again. However there is already significant hair regrowth since use of the product began on 8th February. |
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This photo was taken on 7th March. |
So if you have an itchy horse then we suggest that you give Itch Magic a try. At just £10.95 a bottle you have absolutely nothing to lose but everything to gain. Itch Magic is easy to apply - just pour on a cloth and wipe on to the affected area. It is a colourless, water like liquid that doesn't stain nor does it have an unpleasant odour so often associated with similar products.
For more information on Itch Magic then please to not hesitate to contact us or contact Equifeast directly - www.equifeast.co.uk
BARNSBY GRIP PAD
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Apparently the pad is supposed to be absolutely non-slip in any circumstances, on any horse during any activity, the secret of the non-slip quality being the lining. which gently but firmly grips the horse's coat and the upper neoprene section which grips to the saddle (this picture illustates). Hmm, well we were about to find out! |
However quietly a saddle is introduced, when a young, unbroken horse feels a girth for the first time some dodecide to perform an act suitable for the rodeo which means that it is imperative that the saddle does not slip forwards, backwards or sideways.
Slipping backwards and sideways can of course be eliminated by use of a breastplate, but forward? Then of course, saddles are prone to slip on cob x type breeds as they often "lack a wither" as they are on the streamlined arab types despite the best efforts of saddle-fitters and all manner of rubber/gel pads, overgirths,etc.
Absolutely incredible! We can honestly say that we have not yet come across a "numnah" that really does stay put 110% under any circumstances - and we mean any circumstances!
We always have several horses in for ground training and backing. Often young horses are wary of the saddle and its movement on their backs; of course when a rider is introduced it is very important that the saddle is secure. Whilst a girth should not be over-tightened especially on young, sensitive horses, the saddle needs to remain still. Cue the Grip-Pad: We have used the grip pad with great success even though some of our "inmates" perform pretty impressiverodeo auditions, the saddle does not budge!
What really "sold" the pad to us is just how stable the saddle has been on a little arab mare we have had here. She came to usthoroughly traumatised by a previous training experience when a saddle slipped up her neck, trapping her head against her chest. It hasbeen a long job to restore the mare's confidence and get back on her;the saddle has never really seemed secure, the feeling always being that if the mare moved suddenly, so would the saddle. However, since using the grip-pad the saddle remained so secure;the mare re-gained great confidence by this too as her progress increased rapidly.
Put through the rigours of jumping cross country drop fences, banks, etc. the pad did not falter. We have experimented with different saddles and in all instances the results have been the same.
What is also very important to usis the fact that the pad is completely breathable so sweating under the saddle is reduced. When a horse has become sweaty, the cooling off time has been significantly reduced. We also like the slimness of the pad.
The pad isshaped at the wither so that once the saddle is in place, it remains up under the pommel and the non-slip qualities ensure that during exercise the pad does not gradually move and pull tight across the wither as is the case with so many conventional numnahs however well they are pulled up at the commencement of exercise.
As the pad is just so secure, this means thatcomfort of the horse is ensured at all times and of course there is no risk of chafes and rubs which no only causes discomfort at the time but can also lead to behavioural problems if prevalent over a prolonged period of time.
We strongly recommend that every rider has one of these pads in their tackroomwhatever their chosen discipline is but especially if their saddle is prone to moving.
The pads are available in four different sizes - GP, Dressage, Close Contact (Jumping) and Numah (Saddle shape). Colours vary and depend on availability at time of order, although the Dressage Pads are of course available in white.
Some retailers do now stock Grip Pads, but in the event of difficulty please contact Barnsby or of course, give us a call - we usually have a few extras.
BOSSY'S BIBS
We use Bossy's Bibs on our own horses - and those that come to us, but here is something you probably didn't know.
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There is a version made that has a zip front so that the Bib can be fitted to horses that are seriously head-shy.The styling is exactly the same as the normal Bib except it has a zip and 2 loops instead of one! Having suggested a slight design modifiication, the amendedversion of the zip Bib has arrived with us and it is now 100%. With awider velco fastening across the top and the addition of a further velcro fastening at the bottom of the zip there is now no danger of the zip being "pulled" apart/undone |
GROOMER'S STONE
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We have been testing a wonderful new grooming product from America called "Groomer's Stone". |
The manufacturer's claims are absolutely correct. It works wonderfully well removing dirt and grease from the coat and even large doses of mud!! It has a very gentle action and we doubted whether indeed it could be effective in removing anything form the coat that was ground in, but we've cleaned up quite a few prolific mud rollers in the last few days with amazng results. As the "Stone" has such a gentle action horses with extremely sensitive skin that cannot cope with anything harsher than a body brush on them (making mud cleaning a bathing job!) happily stand still; it can even be usedaround the eyes. The "Stone" appears to have a massaging and stimulative effect on the skin as, after its use,thecoat is very soft and sleek, the oils having come up.
There is a similar product on the market but it is not made of quite the same material and is not sohard-wearing; also being smaller with squared edges it is not so easy to hold and so user-friendly.
Groomer's Stone is certainly a product that we can 100% recommend.
Please either contact IV Horse or ourselves for further information
COMPANION MIRRORS
In the past we have never had the need to even contemplate resorting to the use of stable mirrors. Our yard is extremely quiet and relaxed; even the most stressful and uptight of horses chill out immediately and any horses with a tendency to weave or crib soon leave this tendency behind.
However a couple of weeks ago all this was to change. A little horse arrived which we had been warned, weaved quite badly.
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For 2 days he was fine but then the weaving kicked in - and how the little chap weaved! Not just a bit of a sway but a violent rock which saw him go into a trance-like state fromwhich it was virtually impossible to draw him out of - even with the temptation of a feed, carrots or company - until he wanted to. An anti-weave bar didn't help as he just ducked behind it and rocked even more. This had to be stopped not only from a welfare point of view but this would soon play havoc with his joints if left unchecked. We were just debating what to do when we were approached by "Companion Mirrors" to try their product. Within 48 hours a mirror was up and well, what can we say.... |
The change in the horse has been absolutely phenomenal. There has been a tremendous improvement in the amount of weaving from thelittle horse in that he only seems to do it at feed time. And when he does weave it is so much gentler; his face is relaxed and his ears forward (instead of the incredibly stressed and wild look he had) and he can be readily stopped. He is just generally much more chilled in the stable - and this was a horse that has lived out literally from dawn to dusk because of his atrocious weaving once stabled. So this is a success story because of the dramatic improvement.
The Technical Bit
The mirrors of made of stainless steel and so are virtually unbreakable, and of course are shatterproof, but at the same time provide a super, clear image that is comparable to a traditional mirror. Many mirrors are acrylic but these are not as strong and the image clarity can vary; also they can crack or even shatter leaving dangerous shards. The stainless steel is very easy to clean - warm, soapy water and dry off. All mirrors arrive with pre-drilled fixing holes + screws and rawl plugs. Mirrors are also available for use in horseboxes and trailers.
For more information please contact www.companionmirrors.co.uk