the big test
tried ‘n’ tested
Have you ever stopped and thought about all those bits and pieces of necessities you need to take with you when you go to an event? Apart from all the competition paraphernalia for you and your horse, there’s equipment such as bedding, feed, headcollars, travel boots and rugs and so much more. In this issue our stalwart troop of testers have been trying some of the usual suspects and some new, innovative ones...
Travelling - Not So Light!! Masta – Coolmasta Rug
The company says: An iconic rug is made from a specially woven teased polyester with high wicking properties and is fully washable. This special fabric creates amazing wicking properties and therefor is a very versatile rug. Suitable for use not only as a cooler but also as a travel and show rug. Navy Blue or Red. Sizes 4’6 - 7’3. RRP: £55.00
www.masta.co.uk
Our tester, John Collier, says: Buy!! This is the latest development of a long term favourite rug. It’s easy to use and does a range of jobs. We use them as travel rugs; the horses find them well fitting and comfortable and they wick sweat away. It’s also enough of a rug for horses to travel in. It looks very smart as a show rug at events too. Over the past years we have found these rugs to hardwearing and easily washed while inside a pillow case.
The straps and fittings are robust as well. Therefore, you can buy this rug and have complete peace of mind that it will be used year in year out.
Moorland Rider – V-Tie
The company says:
This reusable tie is suitable for the yard, stable or horsebox and should be attached to a solid object, such as a tie ring, using the hook and loop fastening. If the horse pulls back sharply, the V-Tie will pull apart and, if the horse’s owner wants to release the horse, they just need to pull on the red tab and the hook and loop fastening will release. RRP: £9.95
www.moorlandrider.co.uk
Our tester, Sue Chappelhow says: What a superb idea! It’s easy and quick to attach to any tie up area i.e. in stable or trailer etc. It was tested on a horse that does have the tendency to pull back when tied up, and I was pleased, and amazed that it had enough pressure to encourage the horse to stop. Also, I would have been able to release it quickly before the horse could injure itself. It’s a little item that should be in everyone’s kit bag as, as well as keeping your horse or pony safe, could save you a small fortune in head collars and lead ropes!
Horslyx – Mini’s
The company says: A three day supply of all the nutritional benefits, including the high specification vitamin, mineral and trace element package that helps keep horses and ponies in all round, top condition. As a simple hand held reward, a distraction during stressful times such as clipping or farrier visits, to take out of the packaging and place in a bucket or manger, to with you to shows, using to help catch a difficult pony or a helping hand when persuading a tricky loader. Available in 650g hand held packages, or as a gift box, and in Original, Respiratory, Garlic and the exclusive Mint formula, which contains pure peppermint oil, to offer an even more tasty reward for your equines. RRP: Individual £3.65 or Mixed Mini (4 box) £14.60
www.horslyx.com
Our tester, Sally Burns, says: I really liked these as they came in four flavours to suit all palates. I was unsure whether they’d be a bit messy but they were not. You could hold them in your hand while rewarding the horse as the tubs are sturdy or drop them out into a bucket. The smells were really nice too, especially the mint and garlic one. I used them after riding as I don’t like to give sweets to the horses, but this was a great way to reward them without encouraging any bad habits. I also used them to encourage some of the yearlings onto the lorry for practicing loading. All the horses we tried them on loved them
FlyAway – Seal to Heal
The company says: This transparent and flexible wound dressing blocks the bacteria found in mud while protecting against dirt, flies and other insects. Ideal for the summer months to reduce the risk of infection to any cuts and abrasions. Seals the epidermis to maintain the levels of moisture. Easy to use in an emergency and ideal for areas where more conventional dressings are difficult to apply. Forms a protective layer in 60 seconds. If the horse is kept in dry conditions, a marked improvement should be visible within 3 to 5 days. RRP: £9.99
www.flyaway.ltd.uk
Our tester, Peter Bulman, says: Tested on one of two horses with the dreaded ‘mud fever,’ a germicidal gel being used on the other. After a thorough germicidal wash - no scabs remaining, legs were rinsed and left to dry. Spraying on Heal to Seal was quick and easy; it was applied twice, ie once each day and then left for seven days. Gel was applied on all seven days as it wore off each day. The result was only a little bit of scab seen on the Heal to Seal and more on the Germicidal Gel leg. The remaining infection was exterminated much quicker with Seal to Heal than Gel. The Seal and Heal method was much more efficient, much less time consuming and very much easier.
Equine Page 36
www.theequinesite.co.uk
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