Fitting
The Happy Hat is suitable for sizes cob to draft. It is not designed for equines with very small faces like Welshes or Shetlands.
If your equine is pony sized, but "thick boned", it will most likely fit (this includes cobs, Halflingers, mules, donkeys, and small quarter horses with thicker heads.)​​​
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The forehead velcro should not be tight. Leave a few inches of clearance around the eyes as shown in the photo.
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The chin strap should be slightly loose, with just a fingers' width of clearance.
The two neck straps should be snug, but not constricting, to keep the poll cap on in the event of head shaking. Ensure the horse's head is kept at wither level or higher to prevent the Happy Hat from falling off.
Common Fitting Problems
The poll cap touches/covers my horse's eyes
This usually happens to horses with petite faces. The solution is to loosen the forehead velcro as much as possible, to allow the Happy Hat to expand outward rather than covering the eyes.
It is not dangerous for the LEDs to shine on the eyes from above.
The poll cap falls off my horse's head
This can happen when the horse puts its head all the way down (for example, when grazing) or when the neck straps are not snug enough. Keep your horse's head at wither level or higher during use. Also, ensure the neck straps are snug but not constricting.
Tips & Tricks
Follow these guidelines to get the most out of your Happy Hat poll cap.
Clean the area before use. Dust, dirt, and excess hair may impede the penetration of light past the skin.
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For exceptional stress relief, use an alcohol wipe on the temporal muscles to facilitate better penetration.
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Bring the entire forelock through the hole above the forehead velcro, so the forelock does not block the light from reaching your horse's temporal muscles. Long or thick manes should be tied back or braided, so they don't cover the neck.
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If possible, remove the halter and put it around your horse's neck.
Tense temporalis muscles are a common cause of tension headaches & TMJ pain in both horses and humans.
Protocols
Tense Poll / TMJ Tension Best Setting: Red + Near-Infrared (1 button press) Mode: Continuous for acute tension, Pulsed for chronic or deeper tension. Usage: Ideal for horses who experience poll tightness or jaw tension. Time: 15-20 minutes, 1-2x daily.
The Happy Hat cheat sheet is available as a downloadable PDF file that may be printed out and brought to the barn!
Headache / Migraine Relief Best Setting: Red Light Only (2 button presses) Mode: Continuous Usage: Ideal for horses showing signs of head discomfort (head shaking, avoidance of touch). Bring forelock thru the hat above the front velcro strap. Horses with headaches may appreciate a looser fit. Time: 10-15 minutes as needed. Keep sessions short to avoid overstimulation.
Anxiety Reduction (Calming Before Transport or Competitions) Best Setting: Near-Infrared Only (3 button presses) Mode: Pulsed Usage: Apply before stressful situations such as traveling or competitions. The deeper light wavelength helps calm the nervous system by stimulating the parasympathetic response. Time: 20 minutes prior to the event or as needed for anxiety.
Upper Cervical Pain / Stiffness Best Setting: Red + Near-Infrared (1 button press) Mode: Pulsed for chronic pain, Continuous for acute pain. Usage: Beneficial for horses with stiff necks and sensitivity to touch. Time: 20 minutes, 1-2x daily.
Cervical Arthritis Best Setting: Near-Infrared Only (3 button presses) Mode: Pulsed for deep tissue stimulation, especially for chronic conditions. Usage: For horses with cervical arthritis or swelling/inflammation around the upper cervical vertebrae. Ensure mane is out of the way so light can penetrate. Time: 20-25 minutes, 1-2x daily.
Need extra help?
Northeast EquiWellness
377 Valley Rd PMB 80343
Clifton, New Jersey 07013
contact@northeast
equiwellness.com
+1 (201) 279-1875
​Note from the owner: For the quickest response, I recommend texting me at the above number, or messaging me through Facebook / Instagram.
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Because I am often working hands-on with bodywork clients, calls are handled using a callback system.
