Discover Protec User Interviews

Exclusive testimonials from world-renowned riders such as Nina Mallevaey, Harrie Smolders, and Conor Swail. They share their experience with PROTEC and explain how this innovation influences locomotion, athletic performance, and the overall well-being of their horses.

What riders say about Protec

Through these interviews, delve into the experience of riders who use PROTEC. They share their feelings, observations, and explain the concrete impact of this innovation on their horses and their performance.

Discover the story of Protec
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Harrie Smolders

Dutch show jumper, a major figure on the international circuit, recognized for his consistency at the highest level and his performances in world competitions.

  • Nationality: Dutch

  • Discipline: Show Jumping

  • Prize list: World No. 1 Longines FEI World Ranking (2018), team world vice-champion (2022), individual European vice-champion (2017), FEI World Cup finalist, multiple winner and placed in CSI5* Grand Prix.
See more details on the prize list

Main results :

  • 4 FEI World Cup Final appearances (2008, 2011, 2012, 2016) - best result: 2ᵉ in 2016.

  • Silver medallist at FEI World Championships 2022 (show jumping, team).
  • Silver medallist at the 2017 European Championships (individual).
  • Olympic Games participation - Rio 2016 (7ᵉ per team, entered events).
  • World number 1 Longines FEI World Ranking in 2018 (first time in his career).
  • Dutch Rider of the Year in 2023 (national title in the Netherlands).

Harrie Smolders has numerous CSI5* Grand Prix placings and wins in international competitions, including Longines Global Champions Tour events.

Jur Vrieling

Dutch show jumper, specialist in major international events, particularly renowned for his team successes on the world stage.

  • Nationality: Dutch

  • Discipline: Show Jumping

  • Achievements: World team champion (2014), European team champion (2015), Olympic team vice-champion (2012), World team vice-champion (2022), numerous World Cup and CSI5* Grand Prix placings.
See more details on the prize list

Main results :

  • Team World Champion at the 2014 FEI World Championships in Caen.

  • European team champion at the 2015 European Championships in Aachen.
  • Team silver medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
  • Team silver medal at the 2022 World Championships in Herning.

Jur Vrieling has also taken part in several editions of the Olympic Games (2012, 2016) and is a regular presence with solid rankings in World Cups and international competitions.

Nina Mallevaey

French show jumper, now one of the major talents on the international show jumping scene, withtop results at the highest level.

  • Nationality: French

  • Discipline: Show Jumping

  • Prize list: World No. 1 FEI Jumping U25, World Top 10 FEI Jumping Senior (2026), French Pro Elite Champion (2025), multiple winner, regularly ranked, and podium finisher in international CSI5 and CSI4 Grand Prix events.
See more details on the prize list

Rankings & major performances :

  • World No. 1 in the FEI Jumping U25 ranking (under 25 category), leader for many months.

  • Inclusion in the FEI Jumping Senior World Top 10 for the first time in career (2026)

Significant sports results (2024-2025) :

  • Champion de France Pro Élite 2025
  • 1ᵉ of the Grand Prix Rolex 1.60 m - Brussels Stephex Masters 2025
  • 3ᵉ of the Grand Prix CSI5 de Dinard 2025*.
  • CSI5*-W victory in Ocala (1.50 m class, USA, 2025)
  • 3ᵉ of the Grand Prix CSI4 of Wellington 2024*.

Testimonials from riders and equine health professionals

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.


Which other oral or locomotor pathologies could benefit from Protec?

Lot of tmg issues it could be helpful. Base of the neck problems, everything that posture and biomechanics can be improved by better contact and availability of the horse.


We value your expertise, please share any detailed case observations , positive or negative, that could help us build clinical evidence.

We had a stallion with very complicated contact. Could never find a bridle that seems to relieve stress. Sensitivity to the bars and tongue pressure. Protec seems to be doing it all on this horse. The comfort it provided helped to work the horse in the correct way and we reduced his heart rate at work in canter from 120 to 90 average.

Julien M.Equine Physiotherapist


Which other oral or locomotor pathologies could benefit from Protec?

Bone spurs or sharp mandibular bars.


We value your expertise, please share any detailed case observations , positive or negative, that could help us build clinical evidence.

I feel that the primary benefit of the Protec is to make horses more comfortable with bit contact if they have pathology such as bone spurs. This spares the horse from having invasive surgical procedures to remove the spurs when removal may be avoided by using a Protec. I feel the benefit to horse welfare and comfort, while avoiding a painful surgical procedure with a moderate success rate makes the Protec an excellent innovation in
improving performance horse comfort.

Mike L. Equine Dentist


Describe your experience in a few words

I do use it since the beginning because I thought and with the time of using it it did prove me that it was very helpful for the horses and very Benedict for the horse. It help the horse a lot in different situation.



Do you have any additional comments, suggestions, or experiences to share?

Yes I would like to say that in the delicate situation we have now with the image and the welfare of our horses it is very important for me to show or explain that everything we add on the horse is not always again the horse but some are very good for the horses. Like protect is. And the good think is that everyone can use is professionnel, amateur, good or bad riders. Because even if they don’t use it right it won’t affect anything on the horse.

Gregory W. Professional horse rider


Describe your experience in a few words

Not only it improves the quality of contact with your horse but it definitely gives them the confidence to accept the riders actions. Thanks to that the rider can have softer demands and a quicker response. What a great invention!



Do you have any additional comments, suggestions, or experiences to share?

As with any product or material each horse is different and they don’t react all the same to the Protec. They all have different needs. But most of my horses made a great improvement since I’ve been using it. The more I use it the more confidence I find in my horses, in their mouvements and in their reactivity to my demands. My horses being much more confidents gives me much more trust in my riding, my demands are much more accurate and much softer. Thank you for this founding that made a huge difference in my daily relation with my horses.

Kenzo M.-L.Horse rider


Describe your experience in a few words

Fantastic piece of equipment simple to use with noticeable better contact mouthing of any bit! This piece of equipment changes horses lives. Amazing what two pieces of soft silicone rubber can do. I recommend its use to everyone! I was sketical at first until I used it! If you are a horseman you will feel the difference 100%!


Do you have any additional comments, suggestions, or experiences to share?
If you are FOR the horse once you use it you will be believer!

Juergen B. Show jumping trainer and coach

What if you experienced the effects of PROTEC for yourself?

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.

Different colors available: ● ● ● ●

Order a Starter Pack

Why Protec Makes a Difference

PROTEC is not just another equestrian accessory: it is an innovation born from four years of research and collaboration with riders. Field-forged expertise also highlighted the natural condition of many horses living with excess gum tissue. As this condition is inoperable, the inventor made it his mission to find a solution for the horse's well-being.
Here are three essential reasons that make it a unique tool for your horse.

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.

Stay Informed
of the Latest News from Protec

Discover our news: scientific advancements, feedback from international riders, participation in equestrian events, and other exclusive information about PROTEC and its impact in the equine world.

Frequently Asked Questions about Protec

Are you discovering PROTEC, or would you like to know more before using it?
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions, to help you understand how this patented gum protector can fit into your training and support your horse on a daily basis.

What is PROTEC?

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?”

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.

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 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 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).
Access the Full FAQ
How to Install Protec

Press articles
that talk about PROTEC

Discover the press articles that highlight PROTEC, its approach to horse comfort, and the feedback from industry professionals. A selection of publications that attest to the interest and recognition given to our solution.

GRANDPRIX #168 | JULY–AUGUST 2025

PROTECTING SENSITIVE BARS AND PRESERVING THE GUMS: PROTEC RISES TO THE CHALLENGE!

"Is it a corrective splint for equine dentition?" No, but it's true that the equipment can be surprising! In reality, it is indeed about protection here, which the name also aptly reflects. Conceptualized by an equine dentist, PROTEC is an innovative bar protector, available to explore now...

Read the article
GRANDPRIX #168 | JULY–AUGUST 2025

PROTECTING SENSITIVE BARS AND PRESERVING THE GUMS: PROTEC RISES TO THE CHALLENGE!

"Is it a corrective splint for equine dentition?" No, but it's true that the equipment can be surprising! In reality, it is indeed about protection here, which the name also aptly reflects. Conceptualized by an equine dentist, PROTEC is an innovative bar protector, available to explore now...

Read the article

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.

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.
Zacko H.
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.
Nina M.
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.
Amy M.
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 !
Harm L.
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*.
JohnJoe G.

Innovation that brings comfort and connection to horses

Patent pending

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