"I have been excited since being introduced to this concept and have successfully used the Equilume™ Light Masks for the last two breeding seasons, I am confident that they will be a world wide success for breeders. In the difficult breeding year of 2013, Equilume™ was a ‘shining light’ in tightening our average gestation lengths."
Dermot Cantillon, Tinnakill House Stud, Ireland
"Debbie and I used Equilume Light Masks on four barren mares and one maiden mare last season at Jackson Purchase Farm. I was a little reluctant to part with proven ways, but I am happy to say that the masks worked great. All of the mares had breedable follicles and had gone through transition by the February 14th. Four of the mares conceived on the first cover while one was more challenging. In the winter of 2014 we had zero issues with the mares being outside 24/7, often in sub-zero temperatures. Besides the fact that the mares all cycled as I hoped, I am still married, spent less on van and vet charges and had healthier mares. Like extended turnout for any class of horse, daily observation, occasional adjusting of masks and adjustment of feed and hay is necessary. For me the economics were good and the mares simply did better outside. I am a believer!"
Dr. Steve Jackson, Bluegrass Equine Nutrition, Lexington, KY.
"The 20 masks you put on our mares in early December are working beautifully. Our mares are foaling closer to their due dates than is usual during the winter months and they are just as effective in getting mares to come into oestrus as lighted stalls, if not more so. They represent a large saving of both money and labor as compared to bringing mares in and out of barns with lighted stalls, cleaning and rebedding stalls etc."
Alan J. Leavitt, Walnut Hall Ltd. Kentucky, USA.
"I initially used the Equilume Light Mask on "The Job is Right" during the darkest days of winter as I felt the horse just wasn't thriving. A month later he started to look and feel a lot better in himself and was enjoying his work more. I also used a mask on a barren mare who shortly afterwards started cycling and went in foal on her first cover."
Micheal Hourigan, Racehorse Trainer
Last season, I really put the Equilume Light Mask to the test. I used it on mares that for years would’nt cycle until April or May. With the EquilumeTM Light Mask the mares were cycling by the end of January. Staying outside with the mask is positive for the horse, for their life, for mares cycling, for their hair coat. I look forward to using the mask again this season. I am sold!
Chris Benedict, Judge AQHA, NRCHA, NCHA, DLR Ranch, Weatherford, TX, USA
The very best device I have seen in 25years of reproductive practice, second only to the introduction of the ultrasound. It will get them bred early.
William T. Gray, DVM, Cottonwood Veterinary Clinic, California
"I was delighted with the benefits we gained from our first season using the Equilume Light Masks in 2013. Aside from the obvious efficiencies of not having to box our mares under lights, our barren and maidens had strong heats in early September with excellent fertility. Without any hesitation, we will be using the light masks again next season."
Gordon Cunningham, Curraghmore Stud, New Zealand
"I think that Equilume Light Masks will open the eyes of the horse industry to the benefits of light manipulation in the same way that deslorelin brought focus to ovulation-inducing drugs"
Dr. Angus McKinnon B.V.Sc., M.Sc., Diplomate A.C.T., Dip.Vet.Med., Diplomate A.B.V.P, Director, Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital, Shepparton, VIC, AUS.
"My two barren mares that wore masks since november both cycled, were bred, and got in foal just as I had hoped. I bred the first one on feb 14th and the second on feb 20th. Figuring normal gestation of 11 months 10 days, my first two mares to foal were right on target. Thats almost perfect in my opinion. Using the masks have been a life changer. I love them! They have given me confidence in the future."
Rosylin Polan, Sunday Morning Farm, Kentucky, USA
We used the Equilume Light Masks last season on a selection of our in-foal mares with a history of long gestation lengths. We found that the masks worked to good effect and resulted in a significant reduction in gestation lengths compared to the same mare's gestations last year. We intend to use them again.
Julian Dollar, General Manager, Newsells Park Stud, UK