Our Story
Hello! We’re John and Jill, Founders of Equimats North America.
Our journey began with a simple yet profound inspiration: our deep love for animals and our commitment to providing them with the best possible environment for their success. As passionate caregivers, we sought to find a solution that would enhance the well-being of our horses, and it was through our own experiences that we discovered the transformative benefits of Equimats, and had to bring them to North America.
Since then, Equimats have become an integral part of our lives, allowing us to maintain the high standards of care we demand for our equine companions. Our mission is to share this exceptional product with like-minded individuals who prioritize the health and happiness of their animals.
We take great pride in the countless success stories we've gathered from our customers, witnessing health recoveries and comfortable retirements made possible by our therapeutic mats. At Equimats, we are dedicated to continuing this journey, helping both animals and their caretakers thrive together.
Equimats were initially designed in England approximately 30 years ago for the dairy industry, which sought a solution to enhance cow health. The mats proved to be remarkably effective, leading to their natural extension into the equine market, particularly for horses and horse stalls.
As a fourth-generation English dairy farmer and horse enthusiast, I (John) recognized the obvious benefits of Equimats for equestrian use. Jill, who was sponsored by an English company as an elite dressage competitor, shared this vision.
After moving to Canada 25 years ago with five elite horses in tow, we were eager to introduce Equimats to the North American market. At that time, there were no comparable products available. We improved the design to suit local needs and have proudly served as the exclusive distributor of Equimats ever since.
The journey has been gradual yet immensely rewarding over the past 25 years as we’ve dedicated ourselves to educating customers and demonstrating the benefits of this exceptional product across North America. While we have maintained the core composition and unique formulation of the mats, we have made minor adjustments over the years to enhance their manageability and ease of handling.
As passionate horse owners deeply immersed in the equine industry, we needed a dependable product that would not only provide peace of mind for us but also enhance the well-being of our horses. We discovered that Equimats significantly contribute to equine health by offering a non-abrasive surface for standing and lying down, delivering uniform support for all joints. With Equimats serving as the horses' bed, the only bedding needed is for absorbing moisture—not for comfort. This approach not only leads to cost savings but also promotes a healthier environment by reducing dust and creating a cleaner living space for the horses.
Our journey with Equimats over the past 25 years has been nothing short of extraordinary. We have had the privilege of sharing our knowledge of horse breeding and training, as well as educating others through firsthand experiences, ranging from dairy cows to elite sport horses.
What brings us the greatest joy in our mission is our ability to assist horse owners and barn builders. Whether we are providing Equimats for new facilities or refurbishing older barns, we take immense pride in supporting everyone—from one-horse families to professional yards and competition facilities. Every person and animal who interacts with our mats enjoys their lightweight, sterile, reusable, and therapeutic comfort. We are excited to demonstrate how Equimats’ superior qualities make them the best investment for both horses and their owners.
Are you interested in enhancing your barn with Equimats? We’d love to discuss how we can help. Get in touch with us today!
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