Preparing the pad
- The battery contains some charge when received. It is recommended to fully charge it before first use: a full charge can take up to 12 hours (see Battery and charger).
- When you are ready, connect the battery to the Heatsense using the cable located in the pocket on the right side of the pad.
Introducing the pad to your horse
During the first introduction, it is best for someone to hold and reassure your horse.
- Fold the straps over the pad so they do not get in the way.
- Gently slide the pad onto the horse and position it so that it follows the contours of its back.
- Adjust the length of the straps, but do not fasten them yet.
- Turn on the heat and/or massage by pressing the corresponding button on the control panel. To turn it off, press and hold the same button again.
Fastening the straps
- Once you are sure your horse has accepted the pad, fasten the breast strap, then the belly straps.
- The belly straps cross over like those on a rug, and the central strap connects directly to the opposite central strap.
- Start with the straps tightened so that they lie flat against the horse’s sides and the pad is stable on its back.
- As the horse relaxes during the massage, it may breathe more deeply: readjust the straps to allow its rib cage to expand.
The massage session
Each session lasts 30 minutes, after which the pad switches off automatically. If you do not have 30 minutes, switch it off manually by pressing and holding the button for the selected massage intensity until the Heatsense stops: a shorter session is still beneficial for the horse.
The heat option
Ideal for sensitive horses, horses returning to work, or to help warm up the muscles before exercise.
The Heatsense is designed to reach and maintain a therapeutic temperature of 42 °C for 15 minutes. For safety, and to prevent the muscles from overheating, sensors independently adjust the heating power on the left and right sides of the pad according to the horse’s temperature. Once the desired temperature has been reached, the Heatsense therefore switches off the heat until the horse’s temperature needs to be raised again.
When to use massage and heat
- For horses resting in their boxes, to maintain good blood circulation.
- After exercise, to aid recovery.
- Before exercise, as part of the warm-up.
- At competitions, to relax after travelling.
- On the horse’s rest days, as part of a maintenance programme.
- At any time, as a reward.
Care and storage
- When you are not using it, always disconnect the battery from the Heatsense to preserve its charge.
- The fabric is not washable, but it can be wiped to remove grease or marks: use a soft cloth dampened with lukewarm water. Do not use detergent.
- Store the Heatsense in a dry, temperate place. Make sure it is dry before storing it between uses.
- In cold weather, the battery may discharge faster when you use the heat function: plan for more frequent recharging during the winter months.
Battery and charger
| Item | Reference | Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Equilibrium® Heatsense lithium-ion battery | EPLBATTHS | 7.2 V – 10000 mAh – 72.0 Wh. For use only with the Equilibrium® Heatsense massage mat. |
| Heatsense international charger | CH0251-0843000F | Input 100-240 V ~ 50-60 Hz, 0.8 A max.; output 8.4 V DC / 3.0 A. Lithium-ion battery charger supplied with EU, UK, US and AUS plugs. |
The battery and charger are sold separately. The EPLBATTHS battery must be charged only with the CH0251-0843000F charger.
Changing the mains plug
The charger is supplied with 4 interchangeable plug adapters, which are fitted by turning them until they click into place. A release button on the side makes it easy to change the adapter according to the country.
- Attach the adapter suitable for your country: it must lie flat against the charger, and you should hear a “click”.
- Only then connect the charger to the mains.
Charging the battery
- A full charge can take up to 12 hours.
- The charger light is red while charging and turns green when the battery is fully charged.
- Lithium-ion batteries last longer when charged regularly: avoid completely draining the battery.
Runtime
| Conditions | Minimum runtime of a fully charged battery |
|---|---|
| Normal temperature | 10 30-minute sessions, high massage + heat |
| Cold weather | 8 30-minute sessions, high massage + heat |
Heat consumes more energy than massage. When the battery no longer has enough power to heat, you can generally still use the massage function for a while. The battery must then be recharged before you can use the heat function again.
Battery and charger safety instructions
- Keep the product's original documentation for future reference.
- Keep the battery and charger out of reach of children.
- Before use, check that the charger and its cable show no signs of damage or discolouration.
- Use the charger only with the cable fully unwound.
- Position the cord so that it cannot be stepped on, tripped over, damaged or subjected to strain.
- The charger's cable cannot be replaced. If the cable is damaged, or if any part of the charger is damaged or exposed, the charger must be safely disposed of and replaced with a new one.
- Using a damaged charger may result in a risk of fire or injury.
- Do not use any charger other than the one specifically intended for this equipment.
- Do not use the battery or charger with any items other than those expressly mentioned in these instructions.
- When the charger is not in use, disconnect it from the battery and the mains.
- Disconnect the battery from the equipment or charger when not in use to prevent it from discharging.
- Indoor use only.
- Do not use in a wet or damp environment. Keep away from rain, other precipitation and any source of moisture.
- Do not disassemble, crush or open the battery.
- Do not use the battery if its casing is cracked.
- Do not expose the battery to heat or fire.
- Store away from direct sunlight, in a cool, dry place.
- Do not short-circuit the battery. Do not store it loose in a box or drawer where other metal objects could short-circuit it.
- Do not subject the battery to mechanical shocks.
- If the battery leaks, avoid any contact between the liquid and your skin or eyes. In the event of contact, rinse the affected areas with water and seek medical advice.
- Dispose of the battery and charger safely, in accordance with the regulations in your country.
Manufacturer: Equilibrium Products (United Kingdom). French translation of the instructions and safety guidelines published by the manufacturer.
