About us

Who we are

Haygain Ltd. is a rapidly growing international company dedicated to the health and well-being of horses. 


With headquarters in Berkshire, UK, we are known for our patented, science-backed products such as the hay steamer and the ComfortStall padded flooring system; all designed to help owners deal with the issues that come with domestication of horses. 

Solving the issues that come with the domestication of horses

In a domestic environment horses spend only about 10% of their time feeding, when high-energy concentrate meals are served. 


This feeding schedule, with long periods of food deprivation, does not suit them and often leads to health problems including colic, obesity, gastric ulceration as well as a host of undesirable stereotypical behaviours such as “weaving” and crib-biting. 


Domestic horses also suffer from respiratory diseases caused by the fungi, dust, and mould in their forage and urine-soaked floors, as well as poor musculoskeletal health because of an unnatural feeding position.

Our Story

Haygain began when a group of riding enthusiasts in southern England became concerned about the coughing, nasal discharge, and other respiratory problems they observed in their horses. 


They suspected that the airborne respirable particles naturally found in forage were the problem. Soaking hay, the centuries-old method of removing these particles, obviously wasn’t effective. 


High temperature steaming, on the other hand, appeared to be an excellent option to be looked into.


Working with researchers at the University of Bristol and the Royal Agricultural University (RAU), the group succeeded in producing a few prototype hay steamers.

By 2007 the Haygain project had evolved into a prototype that was effective and reliable. 


It relied on a unique, patented method of steaming hay consisting of an insulated steam box with spikes that pierced the hay and injected the steam from the inside out, evenly distributing the steam throughout the hay, and heating it the hay to high temperatures.


The result: clean, dust and mold free, palatable hay.


Following two years of research and development in cooperation with the Royal Agricultural University, the first manufactured Haygain hay steamer was launched on the equestrian market at the British Equestrian Trade Association Trade Fair in 2009. A UK patent was granted the same year.

By 2007 the Haygain project had evolved into a prototype that was effective and reliable. 


It relied on a unique, patented method of steaming hay consisting of an insulated steam box with spikes that pierced the hay and injected the steam from the inside out, evenly distributing the steam throughout the hay, and heating it the hay to high temperatures.


The result: clean, dust and mold free, palatable hay.


Following two years of research and development in cooperation with the Royal Agricultural University, the first manufactured Haygain hay steamer was launched on the equestrian market at the British Equestrian Trade Association Trade Fair in 2009. A UK patent was granted the same year.

The hay steamer rapidly caught on, attracting acclaim from scientists, veterinarians, racing trainers, and Olympic riding champions. 


Among the high-profile users of Haygain products are top international champions in jumping, dressage and eventing at the very highest levels.


Over 15 peer reviewed published research articles show that. among others, the Haygain method is:

  • Is effective in reducing airborne respirable dust in hay by up to 98%

  • Kills the mold, fungal spores, bacteria and yeast that can cause equine asthma and chronic respiratory inflammation

  • Reduces the odds of having Inflammatory Airway Disease by 65%

  • Maintains nutrition and digestibility

Respiratory Inflammation

Horses are highly sensitive to respirable dust in hay, especially to mould, fungal spores and bacteria. 


Prolonged exposure to these particles can cause serious respiratory disease in the horse including equine asthma, Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD), Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO), plus broken wind and heaves. 


Common symptoms include a persistent cough, nasal discharge at rest or after exercise, and an increased respiratory rate. 


In addition, owners observe that their horses recover more slowly after exercise and generally perform less well in competition. 


This condition is extremely common: one recent study showed that up to 88% of the horses examined suffered from IAD. Horses on Haygain steamed hay reduces chances by 65% of getting this.


Beezie Madden

International Showjumper, Team USA

Four Olympic medals, Three Pan American Games medals, 

4x World Championship medals

"Hay is crucial for the health, well-being and performance of horses. Haygain ensures for us that our horses get what they need and nothing that they don’t from their hay.”

Today Haygain offers three models of hay steamers.


Following the successful launch of the first hay steamer, Haygain released a smaller, “half bale” model as well as a one-horse model that can be easily transported to shows. 


Haygain hay steamers continue to be manufactured in the UK and are sold both directly and through a number of distributors worldwide. 



Today Haygain offers three models of hay steamers.


Following the successful launch of the first hay steamer, Haygain released a smaller, “half bale” model as well as a one-horse model that can be easily transported to shows. 


Haygain hay steamers continue to be manufactured in the UK and are sold both directly and through a number of distributors worldwide. 

As the company has grown, we have added other complementary equine health products to our portfolio in keeping with our goal of helping owners to deal with the issues that come with the domestication of horses

  • February 2017: Launch of the Haygain Forager, a slow feeder for horses that provides a natural way to slow down the pace at which they eat in order to reduce the risk of colic, gastric ulcers, obesity and laminitis; common side effects from stabling and infrequent eating. 
  • June 2017: Acquisition of ComfortStall, Inc., a US-based company that manufactures and distributes a sealed, impermeable, padded orthopaedic flooring system. The flooring has a number of benefits including preventing undesirable liquids seeping in to floors and producing ammonia gas, reduced bedding, easier cleaning, reduced dust, and providing unparalleled comfort and joint support for the horse. Read more.

Ashley Holzer

International Dressage Rider, Team USA

4x Canadian Olympian, One Olympic medal

“It’s been a game changer. Havanna loves her hay, she’s eating well and she’s not having the allergic skin symptoms. She is shiny, well-muscled. It smells so good I want to eat it myself. It’s a fabulous machine that I can’t say enough good things about.”

With our diversified portfolio of scientifically backed, propriety products, endorsed by many of the world’s leading show jumpers, eventers, dressage riders, and racing trainers; Haygain addresses a well-defined niche market of customers who care passionately about their horses and want to provide them with the best possible equipment. 


Whether used for work, sport, or companionship, horses in both Europe and North America have long been an integral part of society. Equestrian sports provide both pleasure and jobs and have proved resistant to economic downturns. 


Haygain is present in more than 20 countries, including our target markets of Europe, North America and Australia. There is an estimated 58 million horses worldwide, and thanks to a growing awareness of the benefits of steaming hay, Haygain is enjoying rapid growth.


The company produces the only effective, scientifically proven hay steamers on the market. With no competition, no regulatory issues, and high barriers to entry we look forward to years of continued high growth in our efforts to reduce the stress on horses and help them to enjoy better health.

With our diversified portfolio of scientifically backed, propriety products, endorsed by many of the world’s leading show jumpers, eventers, dressage riders, and racing trainers; Haygain addresses a well-defined niche market of customers who care passionately about their horses and want to provide them with the best possible equipment. 


Whether used for work, sport, or companionship, horses in both Europe and North America have long been an integral part of society. Equestrian sports provide both pleasure and jobs and have proved resistant to economic downturns. 


Haygain is present in more than 20 countries, including our target markets of Europe, North America and Australia. There is an estimated 58 million horses worldwide, and thanks to a growing awareness of the benefits of steaming hay, Haygain is enjoying rapid growth.


The company produces the only effective, scientifically proven hay steamers on the market. With no competition, no regulatory issues, and high barriers to entry we look forward to years of continued high growth in our efforts to reduce the stress on horses and help them to enjoy better health.

Ashley Holzer

International Dressage Rider, Team USA

4x Canadian Olympian, One Olympic medal

“It’s been a game changer. Havanna loves her hay, she’s eating well and she’s not having the allergic skin symptoms. She is shiny, well-muscled. It smells so good I want to eat it myself. It’s a fabulous machine that I can’t say enough good things about.”

We are passionate about finding new ways to improve the health and well being of horses. To this end we continue to research equine respiratory, gut and musculoskeletal issues and conditions with an international network of leading scientists and veterinarians.


As we strive to improve equine health and well being, our growing portfolio of scientifically backed, proprietary products will continue to address the issues of domestication, including respiratory, musculoskeletal, and gut health.Haygain offers clean, organic solutions and is dedicated to bringing the pleasures of horse riding to the community, including disabled riders. Our values include equality and sustainability; our mission is to enhance the well being of horses and their riders through improved knowledge of their needs.


Charlotte Dujardin CBE

Olympic, World and European Champion

"We are always looking for ways to keep our horses more comfortable, healthier, happier and performing at their peak, partnering with Haygain is a perfect fit with our horse keeping philosophy."

To provide science backed, organic, non-pharmaceutical solutions that solve the issues and implications that come with the domestication of the horse.


To provide science backed, organic, non-pharmaceutical solutions that solve the issues and implications that come with the domestication of the horse.


Equality, Sustainability & Community Support

As a responsible business Haygain is driving equality and inclusion across its organisation. 


Haygain also has a strategy in place for increased sustainability and have set ourselves a target to reduce our environmental impact by 25% over 10 years. 


Haygain works actively with the community to help and support the riding community; sponsoring disabled/mobility impaired riders and horses, and providing ongoing research and information of respiratory health.

McLain Ward

International Showjumper, Team USA

Four time US Olympian with 2 gold and 1 silver medal. 

 2018 World Equestrian Games Team Gold Medalist; World Cup Finals champion

“We are incredibly happy to have added the Haygain Hay Steamer to our program, and quickly noticed an increase in the quality of our horses’ breathing, especially in those with respiratory problems. In addition, we’ve noticed the hay is easier to chew and digest which is always a concern for the older horses.”

Media

Haygain's focus on the science of horse health and how to improve it is welcomed by the veterinary and equestrian media. High temperature hay steaming and ComfortStall Orthopedic Sealed Flooring are frequently referenced in the print and digital outlets most trusted by horse owners. Dramatic, sometimes life-saving, improvements spurred by Haygain equipment make for compelling and inspiring stories.


Haygain's highly experienced management team, board of directors and advisory board has put the company on a path of exponential growth. Backed by a high quality, and diverse group of investors, that fully support our development into the leading issues of equine health and well-being that come with the domestication of horses.

Chairman

Dr. Bernard West

Bernard was the CEO of Cansolv Technologies Inc., which he restructured and subsequently sold to Royal Dutch Shell plc. Previously, he was President of Canada Colours & Chemicals Ltd.; CEO of Rhone Poulenc Canada (now Rhodia); and, prior to that, Bernard held various senior positions with ExxonMobil Chemical. 


Bernard has been active, generally as Chair, Director or member, with many Boards, industry associations and Advisory Committees. These include the Society for the Chemicals Industry, National Association of Chemicals Distributors (US), Sustainable Chemistry Alliance, and the National Research Council (Canada). 


Bernard holds a BSc and a PhD in Chemical Engineering of the University of Manchester, where he taught for 6 years. 

Chief Executive Officer

Edzo Wisman

Edzo has been CEO of Haygain since March 2016. Since then, the company has grown its sales six-fold, doubled its gross-margins, and went from one to three products. 


Moreover, since March 2016, acceptance by top-riders, veterinarians and scientists of Haygain’s products has grown rapidly, it has become a leader in equine respiratory heath research, and is now an essential part of preparations for many countries’ equestrian teams for major competitions. 


Prior to Haygain, Edzo was the CEO of Cambria Africa plc, an investment holding focused on Southern Africa, which he turned from a loss of USD 18 million to a break-even position. 


Edzo was the Founder & Managing Director of Stuart Lammert & Co., a Toronto and New York based corporate advisory firm and, prior, Vice President, Investment Banking, with a Canadian merchant bank. 


Previously, he was with investment consultant Wilshire Associates; first the consultancy practice in Amsterdam, servicing some of Europe's largest institutional investors, and then the Private Markets Group at their Santa Monica, California headquarters, seeking leveraged buyout opportunities. Prior, Edzo was with the investment department of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Pensioenfondsen. 


Edzo is a Director of Consilium Corporate Recovery Master Fund Ltd; Director of 1793161 Ontario Ltd, part of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA. He holds a Msc, Business Economics of the University of Groningen.

Non Executive Director

John Dunlap

John is President of Moffat Dunlap Real Estate, an equestrian real estate and countryside brokerage firm. Prior to this he had a 10-year career with strategy consulting firm Boston Consulting Group in Toronto, Paris and New York. 


He is a Past President of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, the largest indoor equestrian and agricultural exhibition in the world and a past Chairman of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Horse Show where he was instrumental in putting show jumping squarely in the mainstream spotlight.


John is a Director of Southlake Regional Hospital and a Governor of St. Andrew’s College. He serves as a Director of The Dunlap Institute at the University of Toronto and is a Trustee of The Pebble Hill Museum and its 6000-acre campus. John is a Director of numerous private companies. 


John continues a long and prestigious family history in the equestrian field. His father Moffat Dunlap was a World Championship team gold medalist, two-time Jump Canada Hall of Fame inductee, and a 20-year member of the Canadian Equestrian Show Jumping team. 


John’s family is equally prominent in the thoroughbred world as breeders of several classic winners, including winners of the Kentucky Derby, the Belmont Stakes, and the Irish Derby.John holds an MBA from Northwestern University and a B.Com from Queen's University.  

Non Executive Director

Dr Emmanuelle  

van Erck Westegren

Emmanuelle graduated in 1996 from the French Veterinary School of Maisons-Alfort. She trained in sports medicine at the University of Liège (Belgium) where she obtained her PhD on respiratory function testing in horses. She developed the equine sports medicine unit and consulted as senior clinician in the CIRALE in Normandy (France).


In January 2010, Emmanuelle started her own ambulatory referral practice, the ‘Equine Sports Medicine Practice’, based in Belgium. Her practice offers specialized service in equine internal and sports medicine throughout Europe and North America, following national teams and international riders. 


Emmanuelle authored over 50 peer-reviewed scientific articles and regularly lectures at international conferences.


She was appointed « de facto » diplomate, European College of Equine Internal Medicine (ECEIM) and on the ICEEP International Committee.


Emmanuelle is a member of the FEI expert committee on prohibited substances and doping, Belgian equestrian team veterinarian, President of the Belgian Equine Practitioners Society, and a Director of the International Conference of Equine Exercise Physiology. 

VP, R&D and Technical Sales

Becky James

After graduating in Animal Science from the University of Nottingham, Becky pursued an MSc in Applied Equine Science at the Royal Agricultural University. Here she helped develop the Haygain Hay Steamers while carrying out research for her thesis. After this, the joined the company and has grown to head the many research projects on-going at any point in time with leading universities in Europe and the US. 


Having also worked for several years in competition yards, Becky has represented England at BYRDS international competitions and continues to compete her own dressage horses.  

Scientific Advisor

Professor 

Meriel Moore-Colyer

Dean, School of Equine Management and Science, Royal Agricultural University, and a competitive dressage rider. Considered a pioneer in the area of fungal contamination of hay and its association with equine health.


BSc Honours in Agriculture, University College of Wales, and went on to be a Lecturer there on Animal Science. Holds a PhD, Equine Digestive Physiology, University of Edinburgh.


Registered Animal Scientist, Society of Biology, and active researcher, with a wide range of publications on equine nutrition and the health and welfare of the stabled horse. Worked with numerous feed companies in product development and committed to application of both pure and applied equine research to the horse industry.  

Advisory Board

David Allan

Allan is a director of, and advisor to various North American life sciences companies. He is a former Governor of the Toronto Stock Exchange and a member of the Awards Selection Committee of Canada's Network of Centers of Excellence, the Multidisciplinary Assessment Committee of the Canada Foundation for Innovation and of the Ontario Biotechnology Advisory Board.


He is a recipient of the 2017 Julia Levy Award for Commercialization of Innovation, the 2016 Leadership Award from Life Sciences Ontario, and the 2012 Gold Leaf Award for Industry Leadership from BIOTECanada.


As an investment banker, Allan was a leading advocate for the access of small and medium-sized enterprises to capital markets and, as the founding Chairman and CEO of YM BioSciences, concluded the first listing of any North American biotechnology company on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange, followed by TSX and NYSE American listings. YM BioSciences eventually sold for USD 510m to Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:GILD). 

Anne-Jan Bruggink

Principal at ABConsulting, where his assignments include work for J.F. Lehman & Company, Travis Perkins Plc and Lovecrafts.com. Prior, responsible for global supply chain at RS Components, where during his tenure he reduced total cost to serve by 15% whilst improving customer satisfaction. At the same time, employee satisfaction and Health & Safety improved dramatically.


Previously, Anne had supply chain and operations roles at United Biscuits, Honeywell and Autoglass. He has been recognized for driving step changes in supply chains through systems implementations, outsourcing, tendering, M&A, flow and footprint optimization, S&OP implementations, CI as well as process re-design. 


Anne He holds a MScEng from Wageningen Agricultural University, and studied Efficient Consumer Response at Nijenrode Business University. 

David Calder

A leading UK private equity investor, with a focus on fast-growing companies, Calder sees that the influence of endorsements from top horsemen and veterinarians is already impacting millions of horse owners around the world. 


Calder is a founding Partner of Penta Capital Partners (Penta), a leading UK private equity fund established in 1999, where he has invested in, and has been a Director of a number of fast-growing companies. Penta eventually became the private equity arm of Toscafund Asset Management LLP, which manages assets of over GBP 4 billion. 


Prior to Penta, David was a senior manager in the Group Corporate Finance department of the Royal Bank of Scotland and worked on a number of strategy and M&A projects. David is a Chartered Accountant and worked with Coopers & Lybrand in Edinburgh and Toronto after graduating from the University of Edinburgh. 

Guy Langley

Guy is an experienced international business and sales leader with 18 years in executive and leadership roles globally. These have provided strategic insight into growing organisations across many and varied business cultures where he has been instrumental transforming organisations, specialising in effective 'go to market ' strategies, to drive profitable growth.


Currently Guy is head of the EMEA business for aPriori, a Boston (MA) based, rapid growth software business. Recently completed assignments by Guy include projectsw for clients such as The Access Group Ltd (supporting the integration of a new acquisition), Unit4 NV (leading APAC, Middle East Africa, Southern & Eastern Europe) and Lumesse where he was the COO.


Prior to this, Guy ran Siemens AG's PLM business in EMEA following eight years running various country operations including the Nordic region, Germany, Middle East, Spain and the UK for J.D. Edwards. Began his career in engineering, marketing and sales at IBM. 

 Gaëtan Lussier, OC, BSA, MSc, PhD

Former President, Culinar Inc., prior President, Weston Bakeries Ltd. Was Deputy Minister of Agriculture for both the Quebec and Canadian governments, as well as Deputy Minister for Employment & Immigration Canada. Was Founding Chair, Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute.


Gaetan was a Non-Executive Director of Shoppers Drug Mart Corp., now sold to Loblaws, and Biovet Inc. Currently he is the Chair of Foragen Management Technologies Inc. and a Non Executive Director of Canada House Wellness Group Inc. and of 3 Sixty Secure Corp.


Gaertan holds B.S.A. from the University of Montreal's Oka Faculty of Agriculture, and M.Sc. and Honorary Doctorate in Science, Macdonald College, McGill University. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada. 

Terrance Millar

Terrance Millar, aka "Torchy," is a mainstay of the Canadian Show Jumping team as both a rider and a coach. Following an illustrious competition career that saw him ride in two Olympics and on 23 Nations’ Cup teams, Millar turned his attention to training and coaching. He acted as chef d’equipe of the Canadian Show Jumping Team at the 1998 World Equestrian Games in Rome, Italy, and the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. 


Since 2004, he has been the Chair of High Performance for Jump Canada and the chef d’equipe of the Canadian Show Jumping Team. The crowning achievement in Millar’s reign as chef d’equipe came at the 2008 Olympic Games when Canada won the Team Silver Medal and Eric Lamaze went on to claim Individual Gold.