Research

 
Science Drives Our Products

Professional’s Choice does not just make unproven claims regarding our products. Instead, we take a scientific approach to our designs and the engineering of our materials, we examine the facts, and then listen to the consumers who are our ultimate judges. We are proud to have been the first equine company to have our equipment tested by the engineering departments of leading universities and we continue to uphold that tradition. In this section you will be able to view some of the science behind our products.

SMx Air Ride Pad Other Saddle Pads

:: Pads

The SMx Air Ride pad was tested with a computerized sensor pad equipped with 225 pressure sensors that mapped both static (still) and dynamic (moving) pressure distributions. After placement on the back of the horse underneath the SMx Air Ride pad, tests showed the SMx Air Ride pad to be incredibly shock absorbent, as it evenly distributed weight from saddle and rider throughout the core. These pads were also field tested underneath the packs of mule trains in Hawaii to monitor shock absorption under heavy use.

Article: The Equine AirRide™ Saddle Pad

 

VenTECH Elites SMB23SMBII

Article: Protecting Your Horse’s Most Important Assets

:: Boots

Research was conducted on our Sports Medicine Boots at Oklahoma State University under the direction of Dr. Michael Collier and Dr. Olin Balch of the Equine Sports Medicine Laboratory. The results from their tests confirmed the ability of our Sports Medicine Boots to absorb an average of 26% of energy, and up to as much as 45% of energy from hoof impact, while also preventing hyperextension of the fetlock. Standard polo wraps and adhesive bandages that were also tested under similar conditions registered at only 6-10% average energy absorption. Our boots were then examined to see if they restricted the movement of the horse’s ankle. Not only was it found that movements was not inhibited, but that horses actually shifted their weight to the feet that were wearing the boots. During a workout as horses get tired, they naturally shift their weight to different feet, but in this study they immediately shifted their weight to those legs wearing the boots, enforcing the belief that horses should wear supportive boots on all four legs to maintain normal weight distribution.

During a workout as horses get tired, they naturally shift their weight to different feet, but in this study they immediately shifted their weight to those legs wearing the boots. Professional’s Choice is the only company to have rigorously tested protective equine boots with certified veterinarians in a laboratory setting.

PDF Energy Absorption Capacity of Commercial Equine Support Boots

:: Back Supports

Since 1982 Professional’s Choice has served the medical, health and safety fields by providing therapeutic products for humans. We will continue to service corporations across North America and around the world. Our mission is to be a long-term business partner. Enhance your safety program with top quality supports that are proven to alleviate back pain. Our back supports are fully adjustable and come with a 30-day money back guarantee.

A UCLA Study proves back supports reduce injury up to 33%: UCLA researchers looked at 36,000 workers from a national homes supply store chain and found that once back supports were made mandatory injuries fell by one third.

Man on a horse wearing a neoprene back support.

PDF Low back supports