The Evolution of Equine Safety: 2,000 Prototypes and Countless Year’s of Innovation

At Equimade, we’ve dedicated many years of research to revolutionizing equine safety through relentless innovation.

Our journey has led us to develop over 2,000 prototypes, each pushing the boundaries of horse-friendly equipment design. 

Do the best with what you know.

When you gain new knowledge, 

let that guide you to do even better.

This blog post highlights our evolution in creating safety-first gear that prioritizes equine wellbeing and performance.

We’ll explore the key milestones, innovative features, and sustainable practices that have shaped our mission to transform the world of equestrian equipment.

How Equimade Revolutionized Horse Safety

A Vision for Equine Wellbeing

Equimade’s journey began in 2008 with a clear vision: to revolutionize horse safety and wellbeing. Over the past years, we transformed from a concept into an innovation leader in the equestrian world. Our relentless pursuit of excellence led to the development of over 2,000 prototypes since 2008, each one pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in equine equipment design.

Groundbreaking Research and Development

Our research and development process stands unparalleled in the industry. Since our founding, we invested countless hours into creating and testing new designs. This commitment to innovation resulted in products that not only meet but exceed the expectations of horse owners and riders worldwide.

 

For instance, our Hocket line of rugs and blankets represents a significant leap forward in horse comfort and protection. These products (the result of years of testing and refinement) incorporate advanced materials and design principles to ensure optimal fit and functionality.

Sustainability Meets Performance

At Equimade, we believe that innovation and sustainability work hand in hand. We made it a priority to use environmentally friendly materials in all our products. We moved away from traditional materials like cotton, which have significant environmental drawbacks, in favor of more sustainable alternatives.

Our use of bluesign® and OEKO-TEX® certified textiles demonstrates this commitment. These certifications ensure that our products meet the highest standards of environmental and human safety, without compromising on performance.

European Craftsmanship for Global Excellence

We design, develop, and manufacture all our products in Europe. This approach allows us to maintain strict quality control while supporting local expertise and reducing our carbon footprint. Our headquarters in Sweden serve as the hub for our operations across several European countries, ensuring that every Equimade product meets our exacting standards.

Our production close to home enables us to respond quickly to new developments in equine science and incorporate the latest technologies into our products. This agility proved key to our success in staying at the forefront of equine safety innovation.

Challenging Traditions, Embracing Innovation

Our commitment to horse wellbeing and performance remains unwavering. We continue to challenge norms and traditions in the equestrian world, always with the goal of providing the best possible experience for both horse and rider. With Equimade, you don’t just buy a product – you invest in a safer, more sustainable future for your equine partner.

As we look to the future, we recognize that the evolution of equine safety doesn’t stop here. The next chapter will explore how our revolutionary product design combines anatomy, function, and safety to create truly innovative equine equipment.

How Equimade Designs for Horse Anatomy and Safety

Anatomically Correct Design

Equimade revolutionizes equine equipment design by focusing on horse anatomy, optimal functionality, and uncompromising safety. We believe heavy ill-fitted items are not a sign of love, they are abuse. The design process starts with a deep understanding of equine anatomy. Extensive studies on horse movement, sensitive areas, and equipment interaction inform the creation of products that work with a horse’s natural motion.

For instance, the Hocket Front is a cutting-edge component of the comprehensive Hocket System, designed to provide superior protection and comfort for your horse’s chest and shoulder area. This innovative design accounts for the horse’s anatomy, allowing for unrestricted movement.

Functionality Meets Innovation

Equine equipment should perform exceptionally well under various conditions. The A StepAhead Hocket line exemplifies this philosophy. These rugs and blankets provide nice thermoregulation, in a simular way that the Hocket does. 

For many years we compared solutions. To find the optimal combination of softness to absorb the pressure from the horse’s natural “head-down” position. As well as ligntness in movement, and durability during harsh conditions.

An example of how we think about ease-of-handling is how our products are designed so you should be able to handle it from one side and with only one hand. Like opening of the front and belly girths – it is easy with just one hand on the Hocket.

The Hocket’s innovative design includes strategically placed padding, and most of all, it is cut in so many different pieces and the patern is so advanced, so it fits snuggly around the horses belly, hindlegs etc, ensuring that horses stay comfortable whether they’re in the stable or out in the field. This attention to functionality extends to all products, from the Freeflow SaddlePad to the EasyConnect Tie-Up systems.

Equimade has tackled the often-overlooked area of safe tie-ups. The EasyConnect system provides a secure way to tie horses while allowing for emergency release if needed. This innovative approach has significantly reduced the risk of injury during routine handling and transportation.

Safety as a Priority

Safety remains paramount in everything Equimade creates. The Hocket and EasyConnect Series, where safety and ease of use are crucial. It must be easy on the horse’s neck, easy to use, easy to lift, easy to work with, and have a low weight. The EasyConnect safety tab, or the EasyGrabber on the TieFlex, are prime examples of reimagined basic equipment that enhance horse and handler safety. These products feature quick-release mechanisms that can prevent accidents in emergency situations.

Sustainable Materials and Production

Equimade’s commitment to innovation extends to its use of sustainable materials and production methods. The company uses textiles certified by bluesign® and OEKO-TEX®, ensuring that products meet the highest standards of environmental and human safety without compromising on performance.

By manufacturing all products in Europe, Equimade maintains strict quality control while supporting local expertise and reducing its carbon footprint. This approach allows for quick responses to new developments in equine science and the incorporation of the latest technologies into products.

The Future of Equine Equipment

As Equimade continues to innovate, the possibilities for further enhancing horse wellbeing and performance seem endless. The company’s dedication to challenging norms and traditions in the equestrian world drives the creation of safer, more sustainable solutions for equine partners. The guiding principles of our product development are anatomical and functional considerations, ensuring that each product contributes to the overall wellbeing of horses. The next chapter will explore how Equimade’s commitment to sustainability shapes its product development and manufacturing processes.

How Equimade Prioritizes Sustainability

Certified Eco-Friendly Textiles

Equimade exclusively uses textiles certified by bluesign® and OEKO-TEX®. These certifications ensure products meet the highest standards of environmental and human safety. The OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification protects people from harmful substances in textiles, accessories & finished goods. The A StepAhead Hocket line (a prime example of this commitment) uses certified materials, providing horse owners with assurance that they choose products that are both effective and environmentally responsible.

European Manufacturing

The decision to manufacture all products in Europe isn’t just about knowing the factories personally and making sure it is made to high European standards. It is also, so that we can make sure that we work with ethical and worker friendly suppliers that have suitable regulations and working environments for their staff. We made a deliberate choice to minimize our carbon footprint. This local approach significantly reduces transportation emissions associated with global supply chains. It also allows for quick responses to new developments in equine science and incorporation of the latest technologies into products without to much delay.

Innovative Alternatives to Traditional Materials

Equimade has moved away from traditional materials like cotton, which have significant environmental drawbacks. Instead, the company has developed innovative alternatives that offer superior performance and sustainability. The moisture-wicking fabrics used in the Freeflow Saddlepad line provide excellent sweat management while being more environmentally friendly than cotton. With innovations in smart fabrics, safety enhancements, and sustainable designs, the equestrian world is becoming more sophisticated.

Sustainable Design Philosophy

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Equimade’s product development and manufacturing processes. This commitment to eco-friendly practices is deeply ingrained in every aspect of operations. The company strives to use as environmentally friendly and sustainable materials and methods as possible, promoting local expertise and reducing climate impact.

Promoting Less Disposable Consumption

Equimade works to ensure that its sustainable products contribute to less disposable consumption and have a low impact on nature. This philosophy extends beyond just the materials used; it encompasses the entire lifecycle of the product. The company aims to create durable, long-lasting equine equipment that minimises discomfort and injuries for horses and handlers, that reduces the need for veterinary and hospital visits, further minimizing environmental impact and costs.

Final Thoughts

The evolution of equine safety has transformed over the past years, with Equimade leading this revolution. Our journey in developing safety-first, horse-friendly equipment has produced over 2,000 prototypes and numerous innovations that reshaped the equestrian world. We combined advanced engineering with a deep understanding of horse anatomy to create products that enhance safety and optimize athletic performance.

Our commitment to sustainability shaped the future of equine equipment. We use eco-friendly materials (certified by bluesign® and/or OEKO-TEX®) and manufacture entirely in Europe, demonstrating that innovation and environmental responsibility can coexist. This approach allowed us to create effective products with minimal impact on our horses and our planet.

Equimade remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in equine safety and performance. We will continue to develop new prototypes and refine existing designs, excited about the possibilities ahead. Our journey over the past years has been remarkable, but we believe the best is yet to come. The day that no horse suffers from poorly-fitted equipment, or horses are not connected to heavy materials as tie-ups – is the day that we have fullfiled some of our dreams.