High tech wonders
REMOTE-CONTROL RUGGING
TECH doesn’t yet stretch to changing rugs for you, but if you want to fine-tune your rugging by knowing exactly how toasty your horse is, well — there’s an app for that.
Horseware’s Horsepal app and sensor “aim to eliminate the guesswork from rugging”, says Niamh Walsh.
“With the increasing changes in seasonal weather, our BETA awardwinning Horsepal app and sensor can be used to track and record your horse’s temperature and humidity throughout the day, or solely as an app that will advise you on the best rug for your horse based on their condition, breed, location and weather.”
METAL FOR THE MUSCLES
RIPSTOP fabric, technical waterproofing and the like are familiar, but what about metal or bio-ceramic powder?
Bucas’ Claire Nulty says: “The functionality of fabric has improved enormously and we now use material that can help regulate body temperature, aid fit and flexibility, and help in muscle warm-up.
“The Recuptex therapy rug features material made from an extremely fine stainless steel mesh, which reflects the magnetic fields created inside the body, working naturally and non-invasively.
This stimulates blood circulation and oxygen flow, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.”
Masta’s Protechmasta therapy rugs use technology from the sports industry, combining breathable air mesh and special ceramic fabric, and can boost the horse’s circulation without the need for battery packs or a power source.
Another to use space-age tech is Equithème’s fabric containing bio-ceramic powder that “emits far infrared rays deep into the horse’s tissues and cells”, aiding blood circulation and promoting cell rejuvenation.