Frequently Asked Questions

Are you discovering PROTEC or considering using it for your horse? This FAQ gathers the most frequent questions from riders and professionals. Here you will find clear and transparent answers about our patented innovation*, its use, and its maintenance.

Understanding PROTEC

Discover the philosophy and operation of this unique gum protector.

Use and Installation

Easy to integrate into your training, PROTEC was designed to be simple and practical.

Performance and Benefits

Comfort, precision, and performance: these are the pillars of PROTEC innovation.

Purchase and Durability

Find all practical information regarding the product's purchase and durability here. Please also read our terms of sale.

Studies and Transparency

PROTEC's strength lies in its design, evolution, and transparency.

Understanding PROTEC

Discover the philosophy and operation of this unique gum protector.

Use and Installation

Easy to integrate into your training, PROTEC was designed to be simple and practical.

Purchase and Durability

Find all practical information regarding the product's purchase and durability here. Please also read our terms of sale.

Performance and Benefits

Comfort, precision, and performance: these are the pillars of PROTEC innovation.

Studies and Transparency

PROTEC's strength lies in its design, evolution, and transparency.

What is PROTEC?

PROTEC is a gum shield designed for horses working with a bit. PROTEC is placed under the bit, in direct contact with the bars, with the protective elements positioned over the horse's gums. PROTEC is made from safe and non-harmful materials, including biocompatible silicone, suitable for prolonged contact with the horse's oral mucous membranes. Its objective is to improve oral comfort by reducing certain pressure and sensitive areas, without altering the mechanical action of the bit, restricting tongue mobility, or masking potential lesions. PROTEC is designed as a tool for work, observation, and support.

Does PROTEC replace the traditional bit?

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.

Is PROTEC reserved for show jumping horses?

No, PROTEC is not limited to show jumping horses. It is a comfort tool for the horse, regardless of the discipline practiced.

Should the noseband be adjusted tighter than when used without PROTEC?

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.

For what type of horses is PROTEC recommended?

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.

Should PROTEC be used every day?

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.

Can the same PROTEC be used on multiple horses?

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.

What if I don't notice any change in my horse after using PROTEC?

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.

What is the difference between Medium and Soft pads?

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.

Is the gum shield easy to place in the horse's mouth?

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.

How to properly maintain PROTEC?

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.

Is PROTEC compatible with all equestrian bridles available on the market?

The PROTEC equipment can be used with the vast majority of bridles, provided they are equipped with a French noseband.

What is the composition of the PROTEC pads in contact with the horse's gums?

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.

What are the advantages of PROTEC?

PROTEC is 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 horse and rider.
Its benefits are numerous: more precise contact, improved performance, reduced lesions at the corners of the lips, and more.

Does PROTEC improve performance?

PROTEC does not replace training or the rider's technique.
However, by helping to improve oral comfort and reduce certain sources of discomfort or tension, it can create more favorable working conditions.

A horse working with greater comfort and responsiveness is generally more consistent in its rhythm, more relaxed in its attitude, and more receptive to the rider's aids. This improved quality of contact can facilitate communication and contribute to more consistent progress in training over time.

PROTEC thus fits into a global and sustainable approach, focused on the horse's well-being and the quality of work, rather than on the pursuit of immediate performance.

We are currently collaborating with equine health professionals (veterinarians, equine dentists, physiotherapists, and specialized clinics) on studies aimed at better documenting the impact of oral comfort on the horse's work, locomotion, and functional availability.

What is the lifespan of a PROTEC Starter Pack?

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.

Should the pads be replaced after each use of PROTEC?

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?”

What if I'm not sure if PROTEC is suitable for my horse?

We offer a Discover Pack, which allows for a 14-day trial with the possibility of a refund (see conditions).

Is it possible to try PROTEC?

Yes, it is possible to try PROTEC in several ways:

At our partner retailers, who have demonstration models.

During our presence at equestrian events, where you can test PROTEC directly with your horse.

Or via our Discover Pack, which allows for a 14-day trial with the possibility of a refund (see conditions).

Where can I view the study results?

All the results are available on the Studies page of our website. There, you'll find the full reports in PDF format, updated regularly. This transparency allows every rider, trainer, or equine health professional to form an informed opinion based on reliable and verifiable data.

Where do the results and feedback highlighted by PROTEC come from?

At PROTEC, we attach particular importance to transparency and rigor in presenting information related to our product.

The information we provide is based on:

observations from field tests, conducted under real-world usage conditions,
documented feedback from equine industry professionals (veterinarians, equine dentists, movement practitioners, riders),
as well as on completed or ongoing clinical analysis and evaluation studies, aimed at better understanding the impact of oral comfort on the horse's work and functional availability.

We ensure clarity on what PROTEC can, and cannot, provide.
Our goal is not to make promises, but to provide honest, nuanced, and verifiable information, so that both professionals and amateurs can make informed decisions in the interest of the horse's well-being.

Available data is updated as advancements are made, and accessible studies are gathered on our dedicated page.

Testimonials from professional riders and amateur riders

Every horse is unique, and mouth comfort plays an essential role in contact quality, trust, and performance.
Below, discover testimonials from professional and amateur riders, who share their real 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.

Cela a énormément aidé ma jument à accepter le mors et le contact. Je peux désormais la monter avec des mors beaucoup plus doux, car elle n’est plus sur la défensive dans sa bouche.

L’une de mes juments résistait toujours à la réception des obstacles, quel que soit le mors utilisé, même un mors très simple et très doux. Avec la Protec, elle ne montre plus aucune résistance : à la réception, le mors ne frappe plus les barres et elle est beaucoup plus à l’aise.

Si un cheval en a besoin, s’il a une bouche sensible ou un ancien traumatisme à la bouche, ça le détend et ça l’aide à accepter le contact, ce qui le rend plus facile à monter.

J’ai utilisé Protec pour la première fois dans un Grand Prix à 1,50 m et nous l’avons gagné. Pas besoin d’en dire plus !

Quelque chose de si petit a un énorme impact positif.

Même pour un cheval plus âgé sautant au niveau 5* depuis plusieurs années, Protec a eu des bénéfices significatifs, qui sont devenus évidents dans les résultats en compétition du cheval, en remportant de nombreuses épreuves 5* et des Grands Prix 5*.