Everyone knows that the best indicator of a healthy horse on the inside is a glowing, sleek coat on the outside. Nowhere is this more important than in the competition arena, which is why many elite riders are turning to blue light technology.

For horses in the wild, the return to a healthy, sleek coat appears during the lengthening days of spring. These environmental changes signal the switching on of a suite of internal hormones in horses that prepares them for warmer temperatures and longer days. Under the influence of these hormones, heavy winter coats shed out, appetites improve and muscle tone develops. These are all equally important traits for our competition horses.

The quality and duration of light exposure is known to be one of the most important factors in a horse’s environment that influences health and well-being. Correct lighting strengthens a horse’s internal body rhythms and ensures it gets maximum value from its nutrition, training and management. With this in mind, the team at Equilume developed the Cashel Light Mask, a product that uses blue light technology to mimic a long summer’s day and stimulate seasonal hormones, including prolactin — which allows horses to produce a shiny summer coat and perform with “summer vigour”.

For elite-level competitors, the ability to have their horses in optimum condition all year round is a game-changer. “We have had superb results for the last few years with Equilume Light Masks,” says Australian dressage rider Rochelle King-Andrews. “The mask works in many ways to produce super coats with a lot less rugging and stall cleaning. They also stimulate muscle performance, all while helping to keep the horses relaxed. This simple-to-use hood makes all the difference to producing horses at a top level.”

In six to eight weeks, the Equilume Cashel Mask can transform your horse from its furry teddy bear winter state into a sleek and shiny show-ready athlete. Used indoors, outdoors or while travelling to shows, it’s a must for every horse owner wanting that show-coat shine.

New Zealand-based show rider Mary Copeman, who has been using the masks for several seasons, agrees. “I use it on VP J’Adore at the start of the season to shed his coat from 1 July and then use it leading up to HOY; his coat is like silk and full of dapples,” says Mary. “The mask has been easy to use and he is very happy wearing it. We love using the Equilume masks.”

Australian show jumping stars Chris and Gabi Chugg have found that the light masks do more than produce a glowing coat, also helping to maintain the condition of their performance horses: “Even with an extended break from competition over the winter, the blue light helped maintain their muscle tone and they came back in to work looking a million dollars,” according to Chris and Gabi.

The benefits of the light masks have also been recognised in the northern hemisphere, with Irish eventer Sam Watson believing they help to provide a performance edge: “The science behind Equilume makes so much sense and really helps my horses look and feel great,” he says. “We want the best for our horses.”

HOW DOES THE EQUILUME CASHEL LIGHT MASK WORK?

The Equilume Cashel Light Mask consists of a rechargeable blue light source that provides 15 hours of light daily with 7 active days between charges. The timed blue light helps to strengthen the horse’s circadian rhythms and ensures that every cell in the body functions optimally, and is ideal for maintaining sleek coats — particularly in the case of limited turnout and/or poorly lit stables.

Horses that experience a period of short winter days and grow a heavier coat are more responsive to artificial light treatment. After 6-8 weeks of blue light application the coat will shed early to a short and sleek summer coat. Temperature is a key factor in accelerating and maximising results, therefore correct blanketing for turnout or colder nights is advised.

By supporting the horse’s body clock, the light mask helps to maintain muscle tone, strengthen immunity, encourage appetite and positively influence mood and behaviour. For less than $2 a day, there is no better value for optimising your horse’s health from the inside out. EQ

Find out more www.equilume.com

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‘The Power of Light’ – Equilume (Equestrian Life, January 2021)