What's New?

The 2005 Melbourne Equitana Asia Pacific was a great success, being30% larger than previous Equitanas,
and many businesses made the most of this opportunity to present their new products to the equestrian public. Over 250 exhibitors provided a diverse range of information and products, whilst the many presenters conducted seemingly endless demonstrations that covered every aspect of horse care to riding skills. Many Hoofbeat's readers have commented that, even with the four days provided, they did not have enough time to visit all of the exhibitor's stalls and felt they may have missed some of the many new, innovative and interesting products on offer.
So, we emailed exhibitors, and from their responses and brochures have compiled a selection of unusual or newly released products that were presented at Equitana 2005. This is for those readers who were not fortunate enough to have attended in person, or for those who did attend but didn’t manage to see 'everything'.

Some stalls were very professionally set up with easy to see products on display. However, there was the occasional ‘conservative’ stall where some very interesting products were lying in wait, where only the very meticulous Equitana visitor, insistent of covering every square inch of the exhibition floor, found these treasure troves. Some of these ‘treasures’ are identified for readers.

Products for Health

Heart Rate
For the horse health enthusiast, a newly developed and very easy to use heart monitor was available in the form of the Polar Healthcheck. This device consisted of a Polar Equine transmitter and receiver. By simply placing the transmitter against the horse's coat near the girth area, the horse's heart rate is displayed on the receiver within seconds. The base model was to be used when the horse is standing still, however an advanced model was available for motion and this offered a variety of additional features. The base model was available at the RRP of $176.00. (www.pursuit-performance.com.au/equine or (08) 8100 8600)

Fly Repellant Collar
With temperatures rising throughout Australia and fly populations proportionally on the rise also, a fly repellant collar was one of the newer products available. The 'Defy the Fly' horse collar was an all natural patented fly collar that does not contain any harmful chemicals and has a life of up to two months. The collar provides relief from flies, mosquitoes and midges that would normally swarm around the horse's head and is available from Saddlery Trading and most leading saddleries for the RRP of $39.95.

Cold Therapy Bandage
The Zilco stall focused purely on their exciting new concept in cold compression treatment for injuries in horses. The Equi-N-Ice cold therapy bandage has all the benefits of ice without the need for refrigeration. Cold therapy is very effective for inflammatory swelling and the bruising of muscles, tendons and ligaments. When an injured area is bandaged, the area will cool (10-15 degrees) during the first 15 minutes and stay cold for up to two hours. This rapidly reduces pain and discomfort and speeds up the healing process naturally. The Equi-N-Ice system consists of a bandage and separate bottle of coolant solution to re-activate the bandage after multiple uses. The packaging is resealable to maintain the effectiveness of the bandage in between uses. When the bandage starts to lose its cooling qualities, more coolant is poured over the bandage inside the bag then sealed until needed. Available at all leading saddleries, the RRP for the bandage is $19.95, 500 ml bottle of coolant $49.95, 1 litre coolant $84.95. (Zilco, www.zilco.com.au )

Windsucking Deterrent
Owners of horses that windsuck will know the frustration that this behaviour can cause and would have been pleased to view the new Barclays Anti-Cribbing Collar, a behaviour modification device for horses that windsuck, offering a cure without the need for continual human intervention. The collar contains a switch that is activated when the horse tenses its neck muscles before windsucking, delivering a mild static electric charge, comparable to what we sometimes experience when getting out of a car. Fitted correctly, the collar does not interfere with breathing, eating or drinking, yet delivers a gentle but effective reminder each time the horse attempts to windsuck. The collar will do no harm to the horse and will deter it from repeating this potentially harmful practice. RRP $154.50 (Equine Performance Products ph 0412 818 229, www.epproducts.com.au)

Approved By the Laminitis Trust
A new feed to Australia that was of interest to many, especially those looking for a suitable feed for horses and ponies prone to Laminitis, was Speedi-Beet. With a unique combination of high digestible fibre, low starch and sugars, these quick soaking sugar beets are ready quickly and convenient to feed and 95% sugar free. Approved by the Laminitis Trust, Speedi-Beet is available from March at selected stockists across the country. RRP $27 ex Adelaide - freight varies for other states. (Tallahesse ph 02 9699 2503, www.tallahesse.com)

Products for the Hoof
To the delight of many visitors to Equitana with a 'foot fetish', a large corner of the floor space was dedicated to farrier demonstrations showing the latest developments in hoof care.

DVD for Hoof Care
Available from Naked Horse and released by Will Miller, was a DVD showing the complete guide to Basic Hoof Care and Trimming. This DVD takes the viewer slowly and carefully through the complete trim, safety when holding the hooves, rasping techniques and knife work. A detailed discussion of the hoof mechanism including the anatomy and physiology made this DVD a must have for anyone wanting to trim their horse's feet. (ph 0431 590 816; www.nakedhorse.co.nz)

Hoof Care Kit
Another new hoof related product was the Decron Hoof Care Kit, which has been created by veterinarians and farriers to allow the horse-owner convenient packaged hoof care in a box. The box contains gloves, hoof brush, hoof wipe, hoof gel, cushion pad, Decron boot and cohesive bandage. This kit will treat common hoof injuries such as abscesses, sole bruises, corns, thrush, nail bind - most minor hoof problems. It’s available in five different sizes to provide a comfortable fit for individual horses. The kit is available from Horseland and other leading saddleries. (www.decrongroup.com; sales@decrongroup.com )

Products to Improve Safety

Safestyle Stirrup
An innovative riding product of particular interest for riders serious about safety, whether riding over jumps or on the flat, was the 'Safestyle' stirrup presented by Prime Val Australasia. A unique open design, it is perfectly balanced, made of stainless steel and will eliminate the risk of the foot being trapped in the stirrup in the event of a fall. Relatively new to Australia and proving to be very popular, the price of safety is $210 inc. postage anywhere in Australia.(ph 1800 285 011 )

Protection from the Sun
Another product that caught the eye of not only riders looking for added protection, but also employers of riders, was the Aussie Rider Jackaroo Overhat. This gives the rider Certified 50+ UV Protection against the harsh Australian sun and is designed to custom fit over Aussie Rider, New Derby and GG Rider AS/NZS 3838 Certified helmets. The unique patented design of the Aussie Rider Jackaroo hides the helmet underneath. Available in black or fawn, it features effective flow-through ventilation with the helmet. As well as providing the everyday rider with UV protection, the Aussie Rider Jackaroo Overhat goes a long way to addressing major rural and farm Occupational Health and Safety issues, providing riders and workers with head and UV protection. Australian Made, the Jackaroo Overhat retails for under $100. Available from Equine Sciences (ph 03 9330 3448 or visit www.aussierider.biz)

Improved Visibility
For the rider who is often riding on or near roads, requiring improved visibility to other road users, V-Bandz offered the answers. Many riders ride at dusk or late afternoons when the diminishing daylight can make them vulnerable to cars. V-Bandz offered high visibility items using bright fluorescent colours and reflectors on quality products, mixed with a touch of fashion, enabling them appeal to most people. Reflectors can be fastened to browbands, nosebands, breast plates and martingales with the use of velcro for easy attachment on English or western tack. Fully reflective neck bands, tail guards, leg bands, mesh quarter sheets and even waterproof, breathable sheets are all designed to be used on the horse when being ridden and can be either pink and purple or red, orange and yellow. Riders are also catered for with hatbands and waistcoats in mesh, a unisex design or quilted ladies style. ( www.v-bandz.com, email info.au@v-bandz.com)

Portable Crush
Visiting equine veterinarians as well as property owners could feast their eyes on an ingenious invention that is very relevant for vets working away from their clinics in a mobile capacity or for those without a crush. The Porta Safe Stock is a mobile crush attached to a heavy duty single axle trailer, which also contains an 80 litre water tank with three work benches and a large lock up storage compartment. Once parked, the crush can be fully set up in less than three minutes - ready for action. With quick release latches on three sides to ensure a horse can be released if required, procedures can be performed in the field without the risky business of wrestling with animals. The complete trailer and crush is $6,600 inclusive of GST. (Equine Veterinary Dental Services ph 0428 515 650, email: oliver@portasafestocks.com )

For the Rider

Rein Tension
For riders and riding instructors looking for new coaching tools was the very interesting ‘TeleRein’ rein aid. This newly developed product wasn’t at an exhibitor stand, however information leaflets were distributed over the counter from certain exhibitors. The 'TeleRein' consists of a very light overbridle, which positions a small transmitter on the poll, with sensors attaching between the reins and the bit. The instructor holds a hand held receiver that shows the degree of tension on each rein. The instructor can tell immediately whether a rider or horse is leaning on one or both reins, thereby speed up their assessment of the rider's feel and sensitivity on the reins. The transmitter is accurate up to 40 metres from the receiver and is safe to use on the flat or over jumps. Developed by Kingfishers International in NZ, it retails at NZ$880 (before GST). (email: kingfishers@xtra.co.nz)

Traditional English Hunt Style
For the discerning saddlehorse buyer, for the first time in Australia traditional English riding coats and jackets were available from James Alexander and Showjackets Australia. These jackets are currently used by top riders and eventers in the UK and USA. A gentleman’s traditional hunt coat manufactured by Alexander James of Pendlebury, England, was offered in 100% wool fabric with either three or four button fastening, centre vent with back panel detail. Available in black or red from £230 plus postage and packing. A lady’s hunt coat in 32oz heavy cavalry twill with a choice of centre or side vents was available in black or navy from £220. Showjackets Australia are stockists of the Alexander James range. ( ph 02 9679 1710, showjackets@bigpond.com )

Rider Fly Protection
One of the worst things about an Australian summer is the appearance of the legendry Australian Fly, so it was little wonder that the Flite Flyvale caught the attention of many as it is for the rider, not their horse. It appears similar to a horse flyveil but it is easy to fit, sitting on the outside of a helmet where the visor keeps the veil off the face. The velcro tabs secure it to the helmet if it has a tendency to move. With a draw string at the bottom and simple thumb lock it will not interfere with a rider’s view of the world in normal circumstances, and can be used in low light. This product is fairly new to Australia, cheap at just RRP $14.95 and distributed through Canta (Horse Wear International) and Flite to the retail trade. (ph 03 9308 9259) Gear For the Horse

Automatic Temperature Adjustment
Some very innovative horse wear came from Bruce Equestrian Suppliers. A world first - a saddlecoth made from 100% alpaca fleece, which wicks sweat away from the horse, was naturally coloured so it can't fade, double sided for extra value and fully machine washable. Show, travel rugs and exercise sheets were made from Sportwool TM, a super lightweight fabric providing 50+ UV protection that automatically adjusts to temperature changes, thus eliminating the too hot/too cold problem for most horse owners. These rugs and saddleblankets are very hard wearing and machine washable, making them very horse and people friendly! The saddlecloths range from $150-$260 and the rugs and exercise sheets range from $135 - $230 depending on the design. (www.brucehorse.com.au )

Grainge Saddles
Saddle hunters were treated to a wide range of saddles for any type of riding style. Grainge Saddles offered English type saddles with new dressage, jumping and all purpose models on display. The dressage saddle features large panels and a wide channel to reduce pressure on the horse's back and the soft nappa leather, which is also used on the jumping model to give the rider great comfort and grip. The dressage saddle had a choice of a medium or wide gullet for $1,895. The jumping saddle has adjustable pencil knee blocks and triangular rear block to adapt perfectly to the rider. It has a shallow seat with square cantle and short points and cost $1,695. The all purpose saddle features a semi-deep seat, pencil knee blocks and short points for $1,495. (Saddleworld is the agent for Grainge saddles ph 03 5448 4901 )

Horse Walkers
The racehorse trainer and breeder was not overlooked with Irongate Australia, who specialise in equine auto training in the form of horse walkers and waders, designing a new horse exerciser for the smaller trainer or breeder. This compact horse walker, the 'Evolution 11' is available in 6 or 8 horse capacity and made with hot dip galavanised construction with rubber lining. Designed to be low maintenance, the walker features variable speed, forward and reverse gearing and numerous safety features. Priced at $19,500 plus GST for the six horse walker. (Irongate Australia ph 1300 783 444, www.irongateaustralia.com.au )

Products To Save You Money

D-I-Y Rug Repair
For the 'do-it-yourself' horse owners, a new rug repair system was launched. The Ripsnorta Horse Rug Repair kit contains a repair compound that is non toxic, waterproof, seamless, UV resistant and only requires some repair fabric, repair compound and a brush. Very simple to use, simply cut a piece of repair fabric to size, apply the compound to the damaged area, position the fabric over the compound and brush more compound over the fabric until fully covered. Suitable for winter or summer, natural or synthetic rugs, the system will repair most rug materials. Packaged in a resealable plastic 250gm unit, including one metre of repair fabric for $50. (www.ripsnorta.com.au )

Turn Hay Into Chaff
The Compact chaff cutters from Jas Smith Machinery and Engineering are designed especially for the equine enthusiast or livestock owner and suits users of small and large quantities of chaff. Their ease of operation makes them favourable for use in studs, agistment properties, feed lots, and even one-person horse owners. Reducing wastage from baled hay, three different sized all steel chaff cutters are available with prices starting from $4,380 + GST. Do the sums and compare the price of a bale and bag of chaff and consider how much you could save and how quickly the chaff cutter will pay for itself. ( Jas Smith Machinery and Engineering Ph 03 53 321 796, www.jassmith.com.au )

For The Property

Fencing For Horses
Many different types of fencing was presented for the property owner including Equi Mesh fencing, specifically designed for horses and other hoofed animals. Originating from Kentucky USA, it eliminates the injuries commonly seen with conventional wire fencing. Constructed with horizontal and vertical 12.5 gauge galvanised wires, whilst the top and bottom vertical wires are extra heavy duty 10 gauge, no additional wires are required and it will not roll up at the bottom or sag at the top. The heavy galvanized finish ensures a long life with virtually no maintenance whilst the superior strength of the narrow mesh pattern can withstand vigorous equine antics. Rolls are 122cm x 60.96m. $467.50 inc GST ex Melbourne.(Ph 1300 308 186), www.diamondmesh.com.au

Polyester Floats
While there were a number of floats at Equitana on display, one in particular caught the eye as its totally different design and ‘plastic’ body stood out from the crowd. Manufactured by Boeckmann, one of the largest float manufacturers in the world, these innovative polyester floats, are known for their extreme safety, durability and the polyester body that has no rattles, no rust, no re-painting required. Extra strong, they boast a host of horse friendly and safety features, safety coupling which can be locked to prevent theft, and a 4 -wheel breakaway braking system. For ease of use they have a long, flat loading ramp covered with patented rubber with side cleats, lifting rams on the loading ramp, plus a safety chest bar system that can be released from outside the float. There are also a 5-way tinted ventilation window and to accommodate large horses, it has extra internal height of 2.3m. The Top Master costs $24,500 (Ph: (03) 5448 8817 or (WA) 0417 900 023)

Equitana was a wonderful place to showcase products, now we want to ensure those who may have just looked but departed without information, those who didn't see 'everything', those who may have lost the details collected at the event, and those who did not attend are now able to read about the exciting range of products, new technology and 'must have' items that relate to their work, hobby or passion ...... the horse.