About Protec
At PROTEC, we hold a simple belief: equine well-being is achieved through innovative and respectful solutions. It is based on this observation that we developed a patented* concept, designed to improve comfort and optimize connection.
A solution for
horse comfort
amidst the precision of sport
The PROTEC project originated from field observations and feedback from numerous riders: the bit can be a source of discomfort for some horses, especially the more sensitive ones or those with naturally excessive gums. To preserve equine well-being, we have devised an innovative and respectful solution, the result of several years of development conducted with equine health professionals.
Our mission
At PROTEC, our mission is clear: to improve the comfort and well-being of sport horses through a safe, easy-to-use form of protection, tailored to the individual sensitivity of each horse.
PROTEC supports daily work, rehabilitation, and recovery phases after dental care.
It is a practical tool intended for riders, trainers, and equine health professionals, designed to support a fairer and more respectful way of working with the horse, while taking its oral sensitivity into account.
The bit remains an essential tool of communication between rider and horse, as well as a key element of safety. PROTECis in no way intended to replace it, but rather to integrate with it as a complementary solution, providing additional comfort for the horse.
Designed as a protective aid for the mandibular bars, PROTEC helps improve the horse’s oral comfort without altering the function, mechanics, or adjustment of the bit, and while fully respecting the natural mobility of the tongue.
The Solution Provided
An innovative form of protection that is easy to use with existing equipment. By reducing pressure on sensitive areas of the mouth, PROTEC provides greater comfort and improves the connection between the horse and rider.
Its benefits are numerous:
- Precise contact
- Reduced lesions at the corner of the lips
- Reduced gum irritations
- Mitigation of the tongue-over-bit tendency
- Improves locomotor regularity
Our philosophy :
Respect • Comfort • Communication
PROTEC is based on a simple idea: to respect the horse and promote fair and pain-free communication. Every horse deserves a relationship built on trust, clarity, and comfort.
Whether it's a young horse, a sensitive horse, one in rehabilitation, or a high-level performer, PROTEC is a valuable aid in daily training: a true working tool, not a shortcut.
Developed over several years with the collaboration of professionals from various disciplines as well as equine health specialists (veterinarians, equine dentists, osteopaths, etc.), PROTEC is for those who place equine well-being, sustainable performance, and precision at the heart of their practice.
Our values :
Equine Well-being • Innovation • Rider-Horse Trust
At PROTEC, we advocate a vision where equine well-being is at the heart of innovation. We believe that adapted protection can transform the relationship between rider and horse by bringing more comfort, trust, and mutual respect.
Our approach is based on listening to the needs of horses and riders to offer a solution that promotes harmonious riding, based on trust and performance, while respecting equine sensitivity.
Lasting Comfort for Your Horse
Thanks to its innovative design, PROTEC takes into account the unique sensitivity of each horse by protecting the most delicate area of the mouth: the mandibular bars. This innovation helps improve the consistency of the work and the horse’s calmness during exertion. The silicone pads, positioned at the level of the mandibular bone, provide additional comfort by distributing the pressure of the noseband over a wider surface.
More Precise Communication
By optimizing the contact between the rider's hand and the horse's mouth, PROTEC promotes more precise and respectful communication. This results in a more relaxed horse and strengthened horse-rider trust.
A unique and patented* innovation
The world's first patented* gum shield for horses, PROTEC is the result of several years of research and field experimentation. Adopted by many riders and approved by equine health professionals, it adapts to all disciplines and offers a reliable and durable solution. Its positive results are already supported by an initial study, soon to be reinforced by new ongoing research.
The Story of Protec,
a step-by-step evolution
For a long time, equine well-being has been a priority for riders concerned with the quality of their relationship with their mount. However, the bit, essential in many equestrian disciplines, can sometimes generate tension, discomfort, or unease, particularly in sensitive horses or those with a natural excess of gums. It was from this field observation, reinforced by feedback from many equestrian sport professionals, that the PROTEC project was born in 2019.
Our ambition: to create a patented*, safe, and respectful solution that protects sensitive areas of the mouth while optimizing rider-horse contact.
OBSERVATION
At certain times of the year, some horses show increased oral sensitivity, which can have an impact on their comfort with the bit.
This observation has led us to think about ways of improving the horse's oral comfort, without calling into question the use of the bit.
RESEARCH
PROTEC development began in collaboration with internationally renowned riders and equine health professionals.
DESIGN
First prototypes tested on several horses, with predominantly positive feedback regarding comfort.
Successive design improvements to optimize ergonomics and the horse's comfort and feel.
PRODUCTION
Launch of PROTEC V1 production, in collaboration with a Belgian company specializing in engineering and molding, involved from the research and design phases.
Deployment
Marketing and distribution via the official PROTEC website.
EVOLUTION & DEVELOPMENT
International travel (Denmark, South Africa, Belgium, France) to refine the product and strengthen professional collaborations.
Launch of new packaging.
Release of the Pink edition in support of the fight against breast cancer.
Ongoing development of the first prototypes for the V2 version.
Meet Sébastien Tirtey, the Creator of Protec
Internationally recognized equine dentist, Sébastien Tirtey leverages over twenty years of experience alongside the best show jumping horses. Since 2003, he has dedicated his career to improving the well-being and performance of sport horses, combining passion and expertise in equine dental care.
Through his work with exceptional riders such as Grégory Wathelet, Kent Farrington, Cian O’Connor, Nina Mallevaey, and Conor Swail, he observed a recurring phenomenon:
even with impeccable dental care, an experienced rider, and so-called soft bits, mouth irritations persisted, as well as numerous cases of horses with a natural excess of gum tissue causing a loss of contact at key moments.
This observation paved the way for deep reflection: how to offer the horse additional protection without altering the role of the bit?
From this desire, PROTEC was born, an innovation resulting from several years of research, nourished by field experience, rider feedback, and an unwavering passion for equine well-being.
Meet Sébastien Tirtey, the Creator of Protec
Internationally recognized equine dentist, Sébastien Tirtey leverages over twenty years of experience alongside the best show jumping horses.
Since 2003, he has dedicated his career to improving the well-being and performance of sport horses, combining passion and expertise in equine dental care.
Through his work with exceptional riders such as Grégory Wathelet, Kent Farrington, Cian O’Connor, Nina Mallevaey, and Conor Swail, he observed a recurring phenomenon:
even with impeccable dental care, an experienced rider, and so-called soft bits, mouth irritations persisted, as well as numerous cases of horses with a natural excess of gum tissue causing a loss of contact at key moments.
This observation paved the way for deep reflection: how to offer the horse additional protection without altering the role of the bit?
From this desire, PROTEC was born, an innovation resulting from several years of research, nourished by field experience, rider feedback, and an unwavering passion for equine well-being.
Scientific studies and results on Protec
The initial results, which are particularly encouraging, motivate us to continue collecting and analyzing data to deepen and scientifically broaden our long-term observations.
Discover the "Starter Pack"
The PROTEC Starter Pack contains everything you need to equip your horse from day one.
It is a long-term investment designed to last, representing much more than a simple accessory.
Every element has been designed to ensure optimal comfort and improved precision with each use.
Starter Pack Contents
- 1x PROTEC Frame
- 1x box of mixed pads
- 1x Carrying Case
Discover PROTEC with this complete pack including 5 pairs of mixed pads (Medium & Soft), a Protec frame, and a transport box.
A complete solution to test and adopt the high-end equine gum shield, combining comfort, performance, and durability.
Testimonials from international riders on Protec
Discover exclusive testimonials from internationally renowned riders such as Harrie Smolders, Nina Mallevaey, or Jur Vrieling, who share their experience with PROTEC and their feelings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Protec
Are you discovering Protec or do you want to learn more before using it? Here are the answers to the most frequent questions, to help you understand how this patented* gum shield can support your horse daily.
PROTEC is a gum guard designed for horses that work with a bit.
PROTEC is placed underneath the bit, in direct contact with the bars of the mouth, with its protective elements positioned against the horse’s gums. PROTEC is made from safe, non-toxic materials, including biocompatible silicone, suitable for prolonged contact with the horse’s oral mucosa.
Its purpose is to improve oral comfort by reducing certain pressure points and areas of sensitivity, without altering the mechanical action of the bit, restricting tongue mobility, or masking potential lesions.
PROTEC is designed as a tool for training, observation, and support.
All horses using a bit can benefit from PROTEC. This gum shield is particularly recommended for horses with sensitive mouths, those experiencing contact issues, as well as during the development of young horses or during rehabilitation. It is also suitable for horses whose oral morphology requires it, especially in cases of natural excess gum tissue.
No, thanks to small external appendages located on the pads (at the back of the horse's head), PROTEC remains perfectly in place, eliminating the need to tighten the noseband. The non-slip pads contribute to keeping the entire assembly secure. Furthermore, their size allows for better distribution of noseband pressure over a wider surface, thus enabling a more respectful adjustment and more harmonious work with the rider.
The use of PROTEC is specific to each horse. However, according to feedback from our users, a “PROTEC effect” is established after regular use for a few months: the horse retains the acquired comfort and connection, to the point of needing PROTEC less and less in the long term, while remaining an essential item to keep in the grooming box.
Yes, it is entirely possible to use the same PROTEC on multiple horses, provided the frame and pads are thoroughly rinsed between each use. However, we draw your attention to the fact that certain doping medications or specific substances can adhere to the silicone. The pads can be a vector for contamination (food residues, saliva, or certain transmissible diseases): changing the pads between each horse ensures safe and hygienic use.
No, PROTEC is not limited to show jumping horses. It is a comfort tool for the horse, regardless of the discipline practiced.
The frame is designed for unlimited use over time, while a pair of pads, under normal use, have a lifespan of 4 to 6 weeks.
PROTEC is not a “magic” product. If you do not feel a difference, it may simply be because it does not provide a specific improvement in the connection with your horse or it does not fully suit them.
However, even without a particular feeling from the rider, the horse may be in greater comfort, which can have a positive impact on its locomotion.
In other words, in the worst-case scenario, PROTEC does not bring about change, but it can in no way be harmful when used correctly.
The main difference lies in the rigidity of the pad.
Soft pads are more flexible than Medium ones, which means they will allow a little more bit pressure to pass through. We recommend starting with Medium, then testing Soft to see what best suits your horse. The choice is specific to each horse.
Yes. The simplest way is to stand to the side or in front of the horse's head, then slide PROTEC under the bit after putting on the bridle. The pads will naturally position themselves on the mandibular bars. Feel free to consult our explanatory video to visualize the setup.
We recommend replacing the pads every 4 to 6 weeks. In case of visible wear, especially where the bit acts, it is advisable to change them.
Caution: for horses under medication, please refer to the question “Can the same PROTEC be used on multiple horses?”
After each use, rinse it with clear water to remove saliva and dust.
Once a day, gently wash it with leather soap, rinse it thoroughly, and let it dry completely before storing it. When not in use, place it in its transport case, designed to protect the integrity of PROTEC.
No, PROTEC does not replace the bit. This gum protection was designed to protect the mandibular bars against the pressure exerted by the bit, while optimizing its action and respecting the unique sensitivity of each horse.
The PROTEC equipment can be used with the vast majority of bridles, provided they are equipped with a French noseband.
The pads are composed of food-grade, biocompatible silicone. This silicone, very soft to the touch, makes it the ideal protection to enhance the horse's comfort.
We offer a Discover Pack, which allows for a 14-day trial with the possibility of a refund (see conditions).
Testimonials from professional riders and amateur riders
Each horse is unique, and comfort in the mouth plays a vital role in the quality of contact, trust, and performance.
Below, discover testimonials from professional and amateur riders, as well as equine health practitioners, who share their real-life experience with PROTEC. These testimonials reflect field observations, concrete and honest, highlighting the impact of PROTEC on horse comfort, connection quality, and welfare during work.
Innovation that brings comfort and connection to horses
Patent pending
