Fit for purpose
Back pain in horses can be a serious problem, causing poor and reduced performance, grumpiness and bad behaviour, not to mention unnecessary discomfort for the horse. It is no secret that one of the most common causes of back pain is an ill-fitting saddle and whilst regular visits from the saddler should alleviate most major issues, horses in work are constantly changing shape, so maintaining a “perfect fit” in between visits can be tricky.
In reality, getting a saddle checked every few weeks is not an option, and particularly with ever-changing young horses, and those who are gaining or losing muscular tone as a result of lifestyle and workload, their body shapes are continuously altering. This is why we have introduced EquiFit’s extensive range of Therapeutic Saddle Pads to our growing portfolio.
The flagship product within the range is the EquiFit Double Thick Non-Slip Contour Pad which has been designed to ease saddle fitting difficulties and help minimise the chance of performance-zapping back pain in horses and, because it has been created using innovative T-Foam, the Pad conforms to the exact contours of both your horse’s back and your saddle shape each time it is used, and returns to shape after.
T-Foam is used in the EquiFit Double Thick Non-Slip Contour Pad because of its superb shock absorption properties and because of its unique construction, which reduces the chance of uncomfortable pressure points. By minimising vibrations from the horse up to the rider, and from the rider down to the horse, a more harmonious feel is achieved leading to greater comfort for both horse and rider. The double thickened material also provides a soft, yet bulk-free layer to support and protect the back and with an open cell structure, it can disperse heat quickly and efficiently to prevent overheating issues caused by many other pads on the market.
The EquiFit Double Thick Non-Slip Contour Pad also helps ensure that no pain or discomfort is caused by the slipping or movement of the saddle with a non slip outer material providing unrivalled saddle stability without the use of untidy straps and fastenings.
The EquiFit Double Thick Non-Slip Contour Pad does not alter the shape of a well-fitting saddle and can be used simply as an extra layer of protection against concussion on the vulnerable back area, or to help bridge the gap between saddle fitting visits. Prevention is better than cure when it comes to maintaining fitness, muscle tone and performance levels, and by purchasing an EquiFit Double Thick Non-Slip Saddle Pad you can help reduce the risk of unplanned interruptions in your competition campaign.
Available in one size only, in black, the EquiFit Double Thick Non-Slip Contour Pad is part of the comprehensive collection of Therapeutic Saddle Pads from EquiFit and costs £170 and is available exclusively in the UK from Performance Rider. View and buy online at www.performancerider.co.uk or tel: 01483 346011 for more information.
Performance Rider makes their Mark!
Finding the perfect partner to represent a brand can be tough but having travelled the country with our ‘pop-up-shop’, we discovered one rider in particular who showed dedication to the sport, an approachable attitude and a genuine passion for our innovative collection of products!
“We are very proud to announce our support of international show jumper, Mark Bunting,” says Charlotte Emery. “Mark is well respected, clearly has exceptional talent and represents all of the values we have at Performance Rider. He uses our products because he genuinely feels they are the best, and he is fully prepared to communicate that. As a growing company, it is vital that we work with someone who understands the importance of getting our messages across, and we feel Mark is in the perfect position to do this. He has already confirmed our belief in him having won the hotly contested Blue Chip Grand Prix at the Winter Show Jumping Championships while representing Performance Rider, and we are looking forward to helping continue his success.”
Warwickshire based Mark began his career at the age of 8 years old and over the years he has established a firm foothold on the show jumping circuit. With many successes at junior, young rider and senior level, Mark has competed at international shows across the globe and has a string of talented horses, which he has high hopes for.
Mark understands that to perform at the top level, all aspects of his horses’ management need to be considered, which is why he has 100% commitment to Performance Rider and our ethos. “Having used EquiFit boots for several months now I can honestly say they have made a difference,” he says. “When jumping at top level horses need to be fully supported, using EquiFit boots gives me peace of mind and I believe the horses actually jump better when wearing them.”
“As a competitive rider I want to use products that genuinely work and this is why I believe Performance Rider stands out,” Mark goes on to say. “All of the products have been carefully chosen because they do an excellent job. I am very pleased to have the company’s backing, it means I can focus on riding, knowing that the equipment I use is genuinely working for me and my horses.”
Many competitors are now turning to Performance Rider as their first port of call for equestrian essentials, including exclusive EquiFit horse boots and AGSilver horse care, GPA and Manfredi clothing, Cavalor and Horse First supplements and other must-haves such as the revolutionary ThinLine Reins and Heritage Gloves.
Keep up to date with Mark’s progress by ‘liking’ our page on Facebook, www.facebook.com/PerformanceRider
Put a plug in it!
When things are getting ‘too much’ many humans turn to ‘blocking it all out’ with the help of earplugs and now, thanks to EquiFit and Performance Rider, you can help your horse in the very same way.
Is your horse nervous when hacking? Does he go to pieces in prize givings? Can loud noises such as clipping or fireworks send him into orbit? There are many stressful situations that can be eased with the help of earplugs, however for years the equine variations of these handy products have been a far cry from their human equivalents, with ‘make-shift’ concepts often lending to uncomfortable, bulky, untidy and unhygienic solutions.
A simple revolution from EquiFit could be the solution. Produced using the same technologies as human ear plugs, the brand new EquiFit T-Foam EarPlugs have been manufactured from heat reactive T-Foam, which softens with body temperature and allows the EarPlug to conform to the horse’s ear canal. The result is an EarPlug that creates a strong seal and eliminates virtually all noise, replicating the same benefits that their human counterparts would offer. The unique T-Foam retains shape use after use, ensuring EquiFit EarPlugs provide a custom fit every time.
EquiFit T-Foam Equine EarPlugs are a tack-room-essential and can be used for a multitude of occasions when a soothing influence is needed. Whether riding in the ring when regulations allow it, or during the line-up of a prize giving, EarPlugs can help dull background noise and lead to a calmer, less anxious horse.
Other uses include clipping, bathing, during fireworks or shooting season and even to help horses that suffer from nerves during travelling. In addition some highly-strung horses on busy yards can benefit from a more peaceful environment, particularly if they are already uptight due to box rest. EarPlugs can also be used when hacking to help build confidence in horses that have had a fright from loud traffic, or simply in day to day riding during spooky conditions, such as high winds.
Not just a show ring accessory, the EquiFit T-Foam Equine EarPlugs can be trimmed to fit the ear canal if necessary and provide a soft, subtle and unobtrusive solution to anxiety caused by noises. The EquiFit T-Foam Equine EarPlugs are simple and easy to use; the unique foam gently expands within the ear canal to provide an ergonomic fit, without the risk of pressure points or discomfort.
Earplugs are permitted during British Show Jumping competitions, in the jumping and cross country phases of British Eventing horse trials and during prize givings at British Dressage shows, however Performance Rider recommends that competitors always check that Earplugs are permitted in their chosen discipline.
Priced at just £7 per pair, EquiFit T-Foam Equine EarPlugs are available in black or brown, exclusively in the UK from Performance Rider. View and buy online at www.performancerider.co.uk or tel: 01483 346011 for more information.
Something for the boys!
At Performance Rider we have found that equestrian fashion caters widely for female riders, however for the men that are passionate about equine sport, competition wear is often overlooked and it can be a challenge to find stylish and comfortable performance apparel.
Having been approached by many male riders, disappointed with the lack of competition wear available to them, we have now made it one of their focuses to offer a comprehensive collection for the guys!
Continuing the emphasis on technical fabrics and innovative designs, we have selected items that are proven to cater for the discerning male rider.
As self confessed technology addicts – most male riders are familiar with the evolution of smart-fabrics in the sporting industry, however it has only been in recent years that these technical materials have become available to the equine market. Design and innovation have since paved the way for specialized garments to become available, and in addition to improving performance, they can also look great too! Now, with our help, male riders have access to a collection of competition jackets, show shirts, breeches, casual wear and accessories, all chosen to help give a stylish edge.
Within the collection, brands such as GPA and Manfredi answer the demands of male competitors, focusing on classic tailoring, a smart appearance and performance to the highest standards.
The brand new Manfredi collection, which provides clothing made specifically for men with input from leading male riders, uses evolutionary fabrics to bring practicality and innovation to competition wear and succeeds in achieving an elegant, but masculine look.
The result is a selection of products, including the striking Sacramento Competition Jacket and Grand Prix Breeches, which have both been designed to offer fit and comfort, along with a superior appearance, to help achieve unbeatable performance in the saddle.
Gone are the days when male riders had to choose between style and quality! With the launch of our collection of men’s attire, every guy can now achieve beautiful tailoring, technical innovation and most importantly superlative quality that really lasts.
To see the range visit www.performancerider.co.uk or tel: 01483 346 011. Don’t forget to ‘like’ us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PerformanceRider
Enhance your horse’s performance with EquiFit
EquiFit provide the latest in equine boot innovation by combining their revolutionary technology with in depth competitive expertise. Every boot brought to you by EquiFit aims to maximise comfort, improve performance and increase success, and the new RSL boot reinforces these ambitions.
Developed in conjunction with leading professionals, the EquiFit RSL Hind Boots have been designed to help create a superior jump, a more animated canter and a careful hind limb. The overall effect is to help control the horse’s jump stride kinematics (JSK).
As the ‘Official Performance Horse Boot and Leg Protection of the United States Equestrian Federation’ EquiFit RSL Hind Boots have a wealth of science and technology behind them. With many riders thankfully turning their backs on historical, but less ethical schooling strategies, EquiFit RSL Hind Boots provide an innovation in performance enhancement.
The unique EquiFit RSL Hind Boots work through a two-pronged approach. Gentle pressure points, which are adjustable, can encourage the horse to jump a fence more carefully and cleanly. Studies carried out in recent years suggested that performance enhancing boots could result in horses increasing their clearance of fences by up to 30cm over and above those horses wearing regular boots.
Unlike other pressure boots on the market, the design of EquiFit’s RSL Hind Boot offers a unique ‘cupping’ shape underneath the fetlock. This means when a horse lands after an obstacle – particularly for horses jumping larger fences, or those with a tendency to over-jump – it reduces the chance of hyperextension and therefore encourages a cleaner, more controlled landing after the fence, putting less strain on the fetlock and surrounding area and enabling the ride-away to be more regulated.
EquiFit RSL Hind Boots are made from high quality, durable leather to offer outstanding protection from knocks and scrapes, without the interference of heavy, bulky boots. The tidy, unobtrusive boot creates a streamlined look, coordinating perfectly with the rest of the EquiFit T-Boot collection.
The EquiFit RSL Hind Boot is the only boot on the market to offering removable “Pressure Points” so that you can adjust the boot and tailor it to each horse’s individual needs. As with the whole EquiFit T-Boot collection the RSL Hind Boots utilise innovative T-Foam, which absorbs 97% of shock and vibration from impact whilst still allowing air to circulate, keeping the legs cool and dry. With the help of T-Foam™ the EquiFit RSL boots conform to the horse’s legs for a custom fit, every time.
With many of the top riders in the world choosing EquiFit, including Laura Renwick, Guy Williams, Mclain Ward, Peter Charles and Michael Whitaker, it is clear that a better fit can provide a better finish.
Priced at £165 per pair, EquiFit RSL Hind Boots are available exclusively in the UK from Performance Rider. View and buy online at www.performancerider.co.uk or tel: 01483 346011 for more information. You can also ‘like’ us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PerformanceRider
Made to ride, for him and her!
Performance Rider have brought pioneering equestrian products from the international market into the UK, and the latest clothing brand to hit their virtual shelves is sure to create a stir on the competition circuit…
Manfredi has been ‘made to ride’ in Spain, utilising innovative fabric technologies teamed with beautiful, flattering and exceptional designs. With a strong belief that both men and women deserve to ride proudly in clothing that performs, the Manfredi collection is simple, yet stylish, and won’t compromise on comfort or flexibility in the saddle, making it a popular choice for competitors of all levels, from aspirational amateurs to international professionals.
The flagship products in the Manfredi collection, the Sacramento Men’s Jacket and the Fontana Ladies Jacket, have both been created from breathable, washable and water repellent, four-way stretch, Nanostretch 360 fabric, which offers a comfortable, tailored fit that allows total freedom of movement, yet retains a traditional and elegant look. Every garment in the Manfredi range has been carefully considered from the elegant buttons and immaculate stitching, to the exceptional tailoring.
The smart-material will not crease or wrinkle, maintaining a tidy and edgy appearance regardless of what your equine throws, or slobbers, at you. With the ‘made to ride’ ethos being applied to every item of apparel in the whole Manfredi collection, customers can be sure that each and every item has been designed by riders, especially for riders.
Both the Men’s Sacramento Jacket and Ladies Fontana Jacket have been cut to flatter the figure and each features a classic double vented back, subtle contrasting collar and a unique stripe detail at the sides to accentuate the shape. Available in several colour combinations in ladies sizes 36 – 46, and men’s 38 – 42, both Jackets are priced at £330.
The Manfredi collection is available through Performance Rider in the UK. Browse the virtual shelves at www.performancerider.co.uk or tel: 01483 346011 for more information. Alternatively check out the Performance Rider diary dates online and try the Manfredi range for yourself in the exclusive ‘pop up shop’ at a show near you. Don’t forget to ‘like’ Performance Rider on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PerformanceRider
EquiFit expands their sponsorship to reach British turf
EquiFit, inc. maker of distinctive high performance equine products, distributed exclusively in the UK by Performance Rider, is excited to partner with British Show Jumpers Guy Williams and Laura Renwick. Both riders have represented their home country in international competition and have won numerous championships around the globe.
Based out of Maldon, Essex, Laura Renwick has been a successful showjumper since childhood. In 2010 she took the title of Leading Showjumper of the Year at the Horse of the Year show in Britain. Renwick finished the 2010 season in 2nd place in the British Rider Rankings, and achieved the Leading Lady Rider award for the second year in a row.
Her 2011 saw numerous top three finishes and the Leading Rider award at Lisbon, Lons le Saunier and Bourg on Bresse. Renwick currently sits 54th in the Rolex World Rankings. “I am so happy to be associated with EquiFit and their incredible line of products,” reports Renwick. “My horses are really benefitting by using such advanced and high-quality materials.”
Winner of the 2010 Hickstead Derby, Guy Williams is a fixture on the European Show Jumping scene. Last January he was a member of Great Britain’s winning Nation’s Cup Team in Abu Dhabi. Williams was a winner of the prestigious 5* Grand Prix in Mechelen in 2008. He is currently ranked 47th in the Rolex World Rankings.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Guy and Laura to the EquiFit Team, and to expand our network of riders in the UK,” said EquiFit, inc. Founder and President Alexandra Cherubini. “Both are dynamic forces in the world of show jumping, and we look forward to working with them and their teams.”
EquiFit is one of the primary collections of technologically advanced equestrian items sold and distributed by Performance Rider. EquiFit’s T-Boot Series are the ‘Official Performance Horse Boot and Leg Wear” of the United States Equestrian Federation and EquiFit is now fast becoming the brand of choice for amateur and professional competition riders in the UK.
Performance Rider is dedicated to meeting the requirements of riders across the disciplines offering a range of innovative items from manufacturers who only provide the best, including GPA, KEP Italia, ThinLine Reins, Heritage Gloves and Nathalie Breeches.
To find out more about the collections on offer, view and buy online at www.performancerider.co.uk. Keep up to date with EquiFit sponsored riders, Guy Williams and Laura Renwick by ‘liking’ Performance Rider on Facebook, www.facebook.com/PerformanceRider
EquiFit available exclusively in the UK from Performance Rider
The lower limb is one of the most vulnerable areas on a horse with injuries often occurring, whether small external knocks and grazes or more serious internal tweaks to tendons and ligaments, these ailments can reduce comfort and affect performance levels. By offering extensive protection riders can make a conscious step towards optimum leg care and with this in mind Performance Rider are proud to bring EquiFit to the UK Market.
As the ‘Official Performance Horse Boot and Leg Protection of the United States Equestrian Federation’, EquiFit Boots have a wealth of science and technology behind them. Over the years the use of boots to protect horses’ limbs has become more and more prevalent and the ranges on offer have grown extensively. There is however, some fundamental issues with the fit and support that many of these boots offer and it is no longer responsible to simply choose a cheap product which may or may not provide adequate support and protection.
EquiFit have combined revolutionary technology together with years of competitive horse expertise to create an evolution in horse boots. Now chosen by some of the world’s top riders, EquiFit is committed to all horses and riders and actively seeks new and innovative ways of helping improve performance, recovery, comfort and overall, encourage success at all levels, in all disciplines.
What makes EquiFit stand out is the use of advanced technological material, T-Foam. Originally developed for astronaut seating to help reduce pressure points, T-Foam is a shock absorbing material that conforms to each horse’s body for a custom fit, every time and with 100% recovery for the next use.
You have to see and feel T-Foam to really believe it! The neoprene-free material absorbs 97% of shock and vibration under impact helping to disperse any knocks or bangs to the leg and prevent injury occurring. In addition it allows air to circulate which prevents the build up of heat and sweat – helping to keep tendons cool and legs dry.
The removable T-Foam lining is fully washable which extends the lifespan of the boots and can be replaced when necessary without having to purchase new outers. In addition, for riders with more than one horse, linings can be interchanged to help prevent cross contamination. For training purposes, weighted liners are also available to help condition the horse.
EquiFit boots are hand moulded at a purpose built factory in the USA using a unique process and it is the inner T-Foam lining which creates the fit rather than the outer shape, unlike many stiff, injection moulded boots which can be restrictive and cause discomfort. EquiFit Boots are designed to be worn snugly and the T-Foam reacts to body heat and pressure which ensures they follow the contour of each individual horse’s anatomy. This ergonomic fit also means there is minimal risk of dirt and debris building up underneath the boot, which in turn reduces the chance of rubs, chafing and abrasions.
EquiFit Boots offer products to suit every equestrian, from the All-Purpose T-Boots, ideal for everyday riding, to the top of the range T-Boot Luxe jumping boots. Prices start at £47.99.
EquiFit Boots are available exclusively in the UK from Performance Rider. View and buy online at www.performancerider.co.uk
Performance Rider 