Equafleece Ltd

Equafleece Ltd: technical fleece garments for dogs and horses

Equafleece Ltd is a British company based in Coryton, Okehampton (Devon), dedicated to the design and manufacture of technical fleece garments for dogs and horses, complemented by a small line for people. The firm presents itself as a pioneer in the field of technical clothing for dogs and its catalogue is distributed to customers worldwide.

Origins and history

The company began trading in January 2000, when it created its first fleece garment to cope with the heavy rainfall of Dartmoor, one of the wettest and windiest areas of Britain. The initial aim was to keep a horse dry during exercise without it sweating under a non-breathable waterproof sheet and without the wind getting underneath. Hence the 'Equa' part of the name. The first rolls of Polartec fleece were purchased in November 2000 and, after several prototypes and field tests, the first dog coat was sold in 2002.

The firm is celebrating 26 years in business and states that its garments are vouched for by owners, vets, hydrotherapists, breeders and handlers. In 2010, its dog clothing received an award from the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust for its innovation and its contribution to working dogs, presented at the Scottish Game Fair held at Scone Palace. The company also indicates that it has received support from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development for its growth readiness project.

Dog garments

The canine catalogue is organised into several product families:

• Dog Suit: full four-legged weather protection.
• Dachsie Suit: special suit for short-legged dogs.
• Dog Jumper: protection without hind sleeves.
• Dachsie Jumper: special jumper for short-legged dogs.
• Dog Tankie: sleeveless garment, like a bodywarmer.
• Dog Coat: traditional style coat with straps.
• Polo Neck Coat: easy to put on and take off.
• Ultra-Bright Neckerchief: high-visibility neckerchief, also known as 'Spot the Dog'.
• Summer Suit: protection against mud, ticks and light rain.
• T-Shirt Suit: protection for allergies and post-op.
• T-Shirt Body: cooling and comforting garment.
• Dog Shorts: shorts for dogs.

People garments and other products

The company also sells a line for human use consisting of neck warmers, socks and full-zip tops, described as versatile and warm without bulk. In the other products section there is a Calf Coat.

Material and how it works

The garments are made from Polartec fleece, a warm, water-repellent and breathable material. According to the company, the intrinsic properties of fleece keep the animal dry in the rain without the need to reproof it. Body heat and fleece combine to create a water-repellent layer, resulting in a garment that is easy to wash, dry and put on. That same mechanism helps dry the dog or horse: the fleece absorbs moisture from the skin and coat and body heat expels it.

Sales, shipping and customer service

The firm takes orders only online or by phone; it does not accept orders through the contact form, by email or via social media. It offers free UK delivery and international shipping. The site includes a sizing guide, a colour chart, a photo gallery, how-to-fit videos and discount codes, as well as information on delivery, returns and terms. The company has a live chat service staffed by real people, not a chatbot, and offers a free brochure. It also carries out in-person fittings at its premises, by appointment and with limited places.

Show presence and distribution

Equafleece announces its participation in Dogfest at the Palace, in Oxfordshire, on 3 and 4 October. The company maintains a network of stockists and a mailing list for customers.

Location and contact

Equafleece Ltd, Holdstrong Workshop, Coryton, OKEHAMPTON, Devon EX20 4PQ, UK · Phone: 01822 820550