1. EQUICHEK
What is it: A rapid, animal side diagnostic test that can detect or confirm inflammation and infection in horses.
Benefits: Traditional blood tests take time and have to be carried out in a lab. As Kieran Walshe, founder and CEO of Accuplex Diagnostics, puts it: “We are chasing a fast moving problem with a slow-moving solution.”
In just three simple steps, EquiChek can tell you if the horse has an active inflammatory condition. It can be used anytime, anywhere and gives instant results.
Web: accuplexdiagnostics.com
2. EQUILUX STABLE
ENVIRONMENT SYSTEMS
What’s new: Sam Murphy, founder of Equilux Lighting, is developing two new systems – a stable ventilation system and a misting system.
The ventilation system, which will be launched shortly, will extract stale air from the stable and will circulate in fresh air, eight times per day.
The misting system, fitted to the roof of the stable, consists of 10 spray nozzles connected to a pump that contains a low-dilution, anti-fungal disinfectant treatment which is to be used daily after mucking out the horse’s stable. By the press of a button, the system will deliver 15 seconds of misting.
Benefits: Stale stable air may consist of ammonia from the horse’s urine, dust from bedding and forage, plus bacterial and fungal spores, which can all be harmful to the horse’s respiratory health. We all know the benefits of having fresh air circulating through our stables and barns, but during winter we may avoid leaving stable windows and doors open for fear of our horse’s getting a chill. The fans remove the issue of creating a draft whilst ensuring that your horse is getting fresh air.
The misting system will also help to reduce the levels of dust, bacterial and fungal spores in the air by becoming part of your regular disinfectant regime. The misting system is to be used in between regular thorough disinfecting of stables to help maintain an optimal stable environment. This system is currently in the development stage.
Web: equilux.ie
3. EQUINE SALT THERAPY
What is it: This is a unique technology which uses the Ultisalt (TM) formula to achieve rapid hydration with essential mineral salts (akin to having an intravenous saline treatment in humans) in a non-invasive, dry salt environment. The fine mist of treatment salt that is distributed through the room via a halo-generator creates a microclimate that is similar to a surf beach or waterfall.
The treatment takes 15 minutes and it is recommended to be performed over three consecutive days.
Benefits: This technology aims to improve and maintain performance, recovery and well-being of equine athletes. The treatment offers benefits for skin and respiratory conditions.
Fine salt particles are ingested deep into the horse’s lower airway and successfully target lower airway disease. In salt rooms a micro-climate environment is created and when the salt settles on the coat it is drawn into the skin. The salt then has an antibacterial affect which successfully treats skin conditions.
Web: equinesalttherapy.com
4. HEIGHT LIGHT
What is it: This is a simple, hand-held device that accurately provides a height measurement.
Benefits: Height Light can be placed on top of any object in a way that allows a laser beam to project directly to the ground. Then, using smart hardware and innovative software, it can calculate the object’s height with total precision. With horses, the most common method of measuring is by a measuring stick. Many horses become startled or distressed by this process, and often the reading can be inaccurate due to the ground surface or due to the stick getting damaged. The Height Light is a small, inconspicuous hand-held device that only has to be placed on top of the horses whithers.
5. KURTSYSTEMS
What is it: Kurtsystems is a pre-training system that prepares young horses for training and strengthens their musculoskeletal system.
Benefits: The Kurtsystem rail technology allows up to 10 horses to be exercised simultaneously, allowing customised electronic fitness monitoring equipment to measure and record the physiology of each horse during exercise.
The Kurtsystems pre-training system ensures that bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments reach the strength required for training and ensures the young horses are equipped to tackle a challenging and competitive future.