Foam Design:automotive packaging:military, cushion, cushioning foam fabrication:ethafoam

It is well documented that many factors contribute to equine stress and anxiety. Experts have found that managing the factors that affect a horse's footing and reducing physical stress and strain on the animal's body can result in a calmer and more contented horse.

With EQUIFOAM* comfort products, Dow has introduced the first vibration-reducing products designed to reduce physiological stresses associated with transporting horses.

Because of its unique composition, EQUIFOAM cushions the floors of horse stalls and provides impact resistance in the floors and sidewalls of trailers, while also reducing vibrations. It is both lightweight and mechanically rigid, allowing for loose or permanent installation. Unlike other materials that provide cushioning or a non-slip surface, planks of EQUIFOAM will not fold between a horse's front and back legs, reducing the potential for injury from tripping over an uneven surface.

The combination of the tough skin and the foam core of EQUIFOAM allows for slight surface deformation, creating a mechanical "lock" around the horse's hoof. This soft locking effect creates a non-slip surface and can improve the horse's balance.

How EQUIFOAM works
The cell structure of EQUIFOAM absorbs vibration energy of frequencies in the 0 Hz to 200 Hz range. These are the same frequencies that a horse trailer experiences while on the road and that cause discomfort in horses. The smooth, resilient, tough skin of EQUIFOAM creates a lightweight, mechanically rigid plank, which supports the horse's weight and provides a strong cushion in trailers and stalls.

EQUIFOAM in Your Trailer

Many Factors Contribute to Stress
A recent international workshop on equine transport determined that horses' stress during transport is the result of a number of factors. Horses experience an unnatural sense of confinement, noise and vibration from a moving vehicle, and they have difficulties trying to maintain balance on hills and during turns and acceleration changes. The shifts, turns, bumps and stops take their toll on horses' joints, muscles and organs. The combination of emotional and physiological stress can seriously undermine horses' performance, and their value.

Given the number of miles the average horse travels each year, the long-term impact of transport-related stress can be significant. For example, the typical Texas horse owner transports horses on 24 trips per year, averaging 236 miles (380 km) per trip (Gibbs et al., 1997, 1998). That amounts to over 5,500 miles of discomfort for a horse each year.

Finally, an End to Stress
Thankfully, though, EQUIFOAM* custom products cancel out many of the impacts that a horse trailer is subjected to during travel. Trailers equipped with EQUIFOAM have proven to dramatically reduce vibrations in the frequency ranges to which horses are sensitive. At last, horses can be calm when they enter the trailer, comfortable during their ride, and refreshed when their travel ends.

Easy to Install, Easy to Clean
Lightweight and mechanically rigid, EQUIFOAM mats are designed for easy installation. Simply prepare the floor, measure and cut the mats and slide them into place.

When it's time for cleaning, EQUIFOAM can be removed and cleaned simply and easily. Because it typically weighs less than 25 pounds, removing EQUIFOAM from a trailer is a breeze. And because EQUIFOAM requires no special cleansers or tools, you'll have your trailer clean and ready to go in no time.

EQUIFOAM in Your Stall

More than just for transport, EQUIFOAM* custom products will give your horses the ultimate in standing comfort when used in stalls.

Improved Balance, Improved Comfort
The combination of the tough skin and the foam core of EQUIFOAM allows for slight surface deformation, creating a mechanical "lock" around the horse's hoof. This soft locking effect creates a non-slip surface and improves the horse's balance. The slight indentations that may appear in EQUIFOAM are good indications of the foam's ability to absorb energy.

EQUIFOAM Surpasses Other Surfaces
Unlike mats made with pliable rubber, EQUIFOAM mats don't let bedding slip underneath, thus eliminating the need to re-level stall floors. And unlike other materials that provide cushioning or a non-slip surface, planks of EQUIFOAM will not fold between your horse's front and back legs. With EQUIFOAM, your horse is less likely to trip over an uneven surface — and less likely to be injured.

What's more, because of its closed-cell foam construction, EQUIFOAM will not degrade when exposed to urine or manure. The result: a more pleasing and hygienic environment for your horse.

Easy Maintenance
EQUIFOAM mats make mucking out stalls faster and easier than ever. And no special cleansers or tools are required. Simply discard soiled bedding and hose down. With EQUIFOAM, bedding costs can be reduced by up to 50%.

EQUIFOAM is available in a selection of board sizes and foam densities for use as trailer flooring, sidewall cushioning, stable and washbox mats, or custom applications.

The Solution to Equine Stress
It is well documented that many factors contribute to equine stress and anxiety. Experts have found that managing the factors that affect a horse's footing and reducing physical stress and strain on the animal's body can result in a calmer and more contented horse. With EQUIFOAM* comfort products, Dow has introduced the first vibration-reducing products designed to reduce physiological stresses associated with transporting horses. Because of its unique composition, EQUIFOAM cushions the floors of horse stalls and provides impact resistance in the floors and sidewalls of trailers, while also reducing vibrations. It is both lightweight and mechanically rigid, allowing for loose or permanent installation. Unlike other materials that provide cushioning or a non-slip surface, planks of EQUIFOAM will not fold between a horse's front and back legs, reducing the potential for injury from tripping over an uneven surface. The combination of the tough skin and the foam core of EQUIFOAM allows for slight surface deformation, creating a mechanical "lock" around the horse's hoof. This soft locking effect creates a non-slip surface and can improve the horse's balance. How EQUIFOAM works The cell structure of EQUIFOAM absorbs vibration energy of frequencies in the 0 Hz to 200 Hz range. These are the same frequencies that a horse trailer experiences while on the road and that cause discomfort in horses. The smooth, resilient, tough skin of EQUIFOAM creates a lightweight, mechanically rigid plank, which supports the horse's weight and provides a strong cushion in trailers and stalls. EQUIFOAM in Your Trailer Many Factors Contribute to Stress A recent international workshop on equine transport determined that horses' stress during transport is the result of a number of factors. Horses experience an unnatural sense of confinement, noise and vibration from a moving vehicle, and they have difficulties trying to maintain balance on hills and during turns and acceleration changes. The shifts, turns, bumps and stops take their toll on horses' joints, muscles and organs. The combination of emotional and physiological stress can seriously undermine horses' performance, and their value. Given the number of miles the average horse travels each year, the long-term impact of transport-related stress can be significant. For example, the typical Texas horse owner transports horses on 24 trips per year, averaging 236 miles (380 km) per trip (Gibbs et al., 1997, 1998). That amounts to over 5,500 miles of discomfort for a horse each year. Finally, an End to Stress Thankfully, though, EQUIFOAM* custom products cancel out many of the impacts that a horse trailer is subjected to during travel. Trailers equipped with EQUIFOAM have proven to dramatically reduce vibrations in the frequency ranges to which horses are sensitive. At last, horses can be calm when they enter the trailer, comfortable during their ride, and refreshed when their travel ends. Easy to Install, Easy to Clean Lightweight and mechanically rigid, EQUIFOAM mats are designed for easy installation. Simply prepare the floor, measure and cut the mats and slide them into place. When it's time for cleaning, EQUIFOAM can be removed and cleaned simply and easily. Because it typically weighs less than 25 pounds, removing EQUIFOAM from a trailer is a breeze. And because EQUIFOAM requires no special cleansers or tools, you'll have your trailer clean and ready to go in no time. EQUIFOAM in Your Stall More than just for transport, EQUIFOAM* custom products will give your horses the ultimate in standing comfort when used in stalls. Improved Balance, Improved Comfort The combination of the tough skin and the foam core of EQUIFOAM allows for slight surface deformation, creating a mechanical "lock" around the horse's hoof. This soft locking effect creates a non-slip surface and improves the horse's balance. The slight indentations that may appear in EQUIFOAM are good indications of the foam's ability to absorb energy. EQUIFOAM Surpasses Other Surfaces Unlike mats made with pliable rubber, EQUIFOAM mats don't let bedding slip underneath, thus eliminating the need to re-level stall floors. And unlike other materials that provide cushioning or a non-slip surface, planks of EQUIFOAM will not fold between your horse's front and back legs. With EQUIFOAM, your horse is less likely to trip over an uneven surface — and less likely to be injured. What's more, because of its closed-cell foam construction, EQUIFOAM will not degrade when exposed to urine or manure. The result: a more pleasing and hygienic environment for your horse. Easy Maintenance EQUIFOAM mats make mucking out stalls faster and easier than ever. And no special cleansers or tools are required. Simply discard soiled bedding and hose down. With EQUIFOAM, bedding costs can be reduced by up to 50%. EQUIFOAM is available in a selection of board sizes and foam densities for use as trailer flooring, sidewall cushioning, stable and washbox mats, or custom applications.