VQ Rechargeable Hand Warmer And Power Bank

Any rider who suffers with Raynaud’s or similar conditions will know all too well the misery of trying to ride and look after horses at this time of year, with fingers like white icicles.

I’ve tried just about every insulated winter yard glove going, to no avail, so was delighted to try this VQ hand warmer and power bank.

First impressions

Initially, I wasn’t sure how useful these would be on the yard. The unit is bigger than I’d imagined, so I thought it might be less helpful when you’re using both hands to do the horses. The instructions said there was a velvet bag to keep it in, which wasn’t included, and weren’t particularly clear about turning the unit on.

I first took it with me to a non-horsey event, which involved hanging around outside in the cold and it definitely made a difference.

Warmth

Encouraged, I took the hand warmer with me to the yard, and found that it really did help. I only live five minutes’ drive from where my horses are so the car doesn’t have time to warm up on the journey, and once my fingers have gone white, they’re numb and painful all morning.

But if I turn the VQ Hand Warmer on before I leave, it’s lovely and warm by the time I get there, and then I can have one hand on it in my pocket while carrying rugs and buckets and leading horses, swapping it from one to the other so both hands get the benefit. You might think that you need two hand warmers but as most of the time doing horses – or walking the dog – you’ve only got one spare hand at most, so I think one does the job.

Charge

I’d never really thought about using disposable hand warmers as I’d get through so many and it feels like a huge amount of waste, which means this rechargeable one is perfect. The battery lasts for a good six hours of continuous warmth (more than the manufacturer’s average estimate of five hours) so not all day but once my hands are fully warm, I don’t need it all day anyway.

It’s not the fastest to charge, either; the manufacturer says it takes approximately three hours but after five, mine was only 75% charged. But if it’s on overnight, it’s fine the next day, and if you only use it in the mornings and evenings, it’ll last a couple of days at least. The unit can also be used as a power bank, which to me is secondary to warmth (and you can’t have both features going at the same time) but could definitely be handy for an emergency phone charge if you needed it.

Value

The unit is available in Cath Kidston prints for £39.99, but this plain unit is £29.99, which I think is very good value, especially as it has a year’s guarantee.

Verdict

A good-value, very useful product that anyone who suffers from cold hands will appreciate.

Who tested the VQ Hand Warmer Power Bank?

Eleanor Jones is Horse & Hound’s news editor and has been riding since she was seven. Having learned at the riding school she went on to teach at, she then worked for dressage and showjumping riders, and competes in British Showjumping events. She has two warmblood mares and a home-bred filly.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

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Uvex Sportstyle winter gloves *H&H Approved*

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Techalogic DC-1 Camera

The Techalogic DC-1 camera sits on the side of your riding helmet and records front and rear views simultaneously. It’s the predecessor of the Techalogic DC-2 Pro.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

What’s in the box?

I was really impressed with the packaging. The box was small, yet contained plenty of different mounting options, the charger and instruction booklet, as well as the camera itself. Everything was very neatly packed, and safe from any potential damage.

It comes with a black helmet strap (hi-vis colours are available separately) and I was really impressed with the strap itself. The inside features a silicone grip, which will grip to any riding helmet. I tried it with a leather-look riding hat as well as a jockey skull with hat silk, and there was no movement or slipping on either – even when turned upside down. I also got hit by a few low branches while riding in the woods. The camera was never dislodged from my hat, but rather the hinge opened and I was able to right it easily with one hand and without removing my hat.

Setting up the Techalogic DC-1 camera

I was having trouble putting the mount together until I found some really helpful videos on the Techalogic website. Once I followed these, it only took me around five minutes to put my camera together on the mount – and once it’s on, you don’t need to do it again. I used the paper instructions to set up the app, which was very easy to use.

Using the Techalogic DC-1 camera

The first time I put my riding hat on with the camera mounted, it felt heavier than expected. However, I double checked the competitors (see the other best riding helmet cameras on the market) and found that actually it was one of the lighter options at just 104g (and my scales weighed the single camera unit at just 98.2g). I think the weight was more noticeable as it is mounted on the side of your helmet, but after a few rides, I soon got used to it and now I don’t notice it at all, so it’s worth persevering.

Once you’re confident with the vibration patterns and lights that indicate on/off, WiFi phone connection and battery power, it’s easy to use – and the easiest way to use it is to just turn it on and let it run. If you only want to record a small section of your ride, you can reach up to press the button and you’ll know that it has started recording thanks to the familiar vibration pattern.

I used this camera while hacking, riding on the beach and cross-country schooling. This battery life is estimated as 2–2½ hours. I managed to get a few hacks out of each charge, so I can confirm it lasted as long as expected. This was great because I didn’t need to take it home every time I rode, but if you’re going on a really long ride, it’s worth taking a power pack or not turning it on until you reach the road or activity you want to record.

Downloading the footage

For me, the app is one of the best parts of using this camera. I’ve seen friends struggling to download clips off other cameras, but this one is really easy to use. All the clips appear on your phone and don’t take up any memory until you download them – and then they automatically are filed in a separate folder so they’re really easy to find.

The camera can connect to your phone anywhere – you don’t need a WiFi of 3G signal to do this. This means you can see what you’re recording to check the angles even in the middle of nowhere or download clips to your phone.

I had selected the setting that cut my ride into three-minute clips – I found this was really helpful as I could pick through and easily find the landmark points in my ride I was looking for.

The footage

The footage I recorded did exactly the job it’s meant to. It’s not the smoothest or clearest video you’ve ever seen. I was able to capture smoother canters on my phone (although riding with one hand is obviously far from ideal) – but if you’re using this to capture roadwork it doesn’t need to be cinema-worthy and you certainly need the handsfree element, so I felt this was a fair compromise as you can’t have it all. I was able to make out number plates when I paused the video and usually if I hadn’t caught a car with one either the front or rear camera, it was caught on the other.

I believe the only times I had problems with poor angles or shots was down to user error – for example, not checking the angle before each recording.

I filmed a sunset ride on the beach and the camera coped really well with the changing light from the low sun. In good light the colours were captured beautifully. It records sound – and this has proved to be really clear unless it’s very windy or you’re cantering or galloping and then you, of course, get a lot of wind noise.

Footage examples

Passing traffic from front camera

Passing traffic from rear camera

Passing traffic from front camera

Riding in canter from front camera

Riding in canter from rear camera

Riding on the beach from front camera

Cross-country schooling from front camera

Verdict

This camera’s USP is that it records front and rear views simultaneously. If you’re primarily a hacker and looking for a device to record your time on the roads, this is the camera for you.

I really believe that people who saw me wearing this camera out hacking were more courteous, whether they were in a car or on foot, which certainly added to the value. Electricals will always be pricey, but you’ll be ever-thankful if you capture footage of an accident – and you can use it for fun, too.

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Reolink Duo 2 Outdoor Security Camera

More than ever people are looking for ways to keep their property secure, and a high-quality security camera is often top of the list. Reolink is a brand known for its security products and this summer launched its latest product in its Duo series, the Duo 2, costing £159.99.

The 4K 8 megapixel dual-lens camera – which comes with a two-year warranty – is available in two connection options; hardwired using Power over Ethernet (also known as PoE) or WiFi. For this review I have tested the PoE, which is suitable for home set-ups where cabling is already in place. Owing to my property’s rural location, PoE provides me with a stronger connection than WiFi – but this will vary from property to property based on your WiFi coverage, and should be taken into consideration before buying.

The PoE system offers a simple “plug and play” set up, but you require a PoE-compatible network switch, which you’ll need to buy separately. The camera came with screws that can be fitted to a variety of materials including wood or concrete, using a power drill or screwdriver. As my property already has PoE cabling in place, I would say setting up the camera was a smooth process and the camera is activated via the Reolink app by scanning the QR code. However, some yards and individuals might find the WiFi option more appealing, and easier to set-up, owing to it being wireless.

I previously tested the Reolink Go PT Plus outdoor camera – which was super for watching over my field and stables – and I had high expectations for the Duo 2, which I would describe as an overall yard security camera. I fitted this to a wall overlooking my entrance gate and parking area, and thanks to its 180° panoramic view, I can see any vehicle or person entering my premises – as well as anyone making their way towards my horses’ field.

Similar to the Go PT Plus, the Duo 2 has lots of features; its dual lens provides a wide viewing angle that captures a big area seamlessly, it offers live viewing and easy playback, has motion detectors that pick up vehicles, people or animals, a built-in microphone and speaker, time lapse feature, and spotlights. The smart camera offers the ability to have continuous recording, motion-triggered recording or scheduled recording – for example, if you only wanted to record during the night or when a vehicle was detected. Recordings can be stored on a server or on an SD memory card; a 64GB card will support around 16 hours of recording, while a 256GB card will support up to 64 hours, based on the camera’s default bitrate setting (note: the WiFi version offers more hours of recording on the same size memory cards, compared to the PoE).

Another helpful feature is the alert settings which allow you to receive push notifications to your mobile when motion is detected. As I keep my horses at home, having a camera and the ability to set alerts provides that extra peace of mind – as well as quality video evidence in a worse case scenario should I ever be a victim of crime. Another bonus is the camera can also connect to Google Assistant so for those with a Google Nest Hub at home for example, you can ask Google to show you your camera view, which is a nice added touch.

Verdict

H&H Approved – A security camera is a much-needed addition to any home or yard and I feel the Duo 2 really offers everything you could ask for. The picture quality is second-to-none and I like that everything can be controlled via an app on your mobile phone, making it very user-friendly. The Duo 2 does not currently come in a 4G version (like the Go PT Plus) and so WiFi or PoE cabling is essential for installation – however the original Duo camera (which offers 150° view compared to the new Duo 2’s 180°) does come in 4G. Overall I would describe the Duo 2 as a high quality product in the Reolink range, with a reasonable price tag.

In the UK? View the PoE version now at amazon.co.uk

In the UK? View the WiFi version now at reolink.com

In the US? View the PoE version now at amazon.com

In the US? View the WiFi version now at amazon.com

Who tested this camera?

Becky Murray started freelance writing for Horse & Hound in 2016 alongside other equestrian titles, before joining the H&H news team in July 2018. She was made senior news writer in January 2022. During her time at H&H she has reported on a broad range of topics across the equestrian industry including welfare issues, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings, rider safety, and road safety campaigns. In 2019 she attended the national Strangles Symposium and the Scottish welfare conference.

Becky was part of the home remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympic Games and the European Showjumping Championships and has reported from Morris Equestrian, the Royal Highland Show and Blair Castle International Horse Trials. She also regularly contributes to the H&H podcast.

Based in north Scotland, Becky learnt to ride at the age of five. She got the showjumping bug with her 13.2hh older pony Phoenix, who used to particularly enjoy a chase-me-Charlie. She went on to compete in British Showjumping and riding club activities as a teenager with her pony Sparkle. After losing two horses in 2015 to illness and injury, Becky is now producing two Irish mares, Ruby and Chloe, and hopes to get back in the showjumping ring in the future. She also has two miniature Shetland sisters, Mootie and Poppet, who keep her on her toes.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Pivo Pod Active (formerly the Pivo Silver, now called Equestrian Pack)

If you find watching back video of yourself and your horse useful to help improve your skills, or want to record fun clips to share with your friends, but struggle to find someone to help you out by recording, then the Pivo Pod Active remote cameraman system is the stuff of dreams.

The clever automatic cameraman – or pod – works with the free-to-download app – Pivo+ – and uses your smart phone to record while automatically following your horse as it moves. The system is designed to recognise a horse’s shape (when you select horse mode) and will zoom as needed (within your phone’s capabilities) so you don’t end up appearing as a dot in the distance.

To work at its best, the pod needs to be level and set to around the horse’s chest height. It can be mounted on any tripod and I was supplied with the Pivo tripod as part of the standard pack for testing purposes. The pod has a small spirit level bubble built in so you can check it is level, and small extendable feet so it can be placed on a suitable flat platform if you prefer.

My initial testing was with an iPhone 7 running iOS 15.5, which is an older model iPhone than is recommended (see Pivo+ compatible phones), although the operating system was up to date and it appears to have worked fine. I believe the amount the camera zooms may be limited by the phone, but you can see the zoom working when watching back the video.

I found the Pivo Pod Active and the Pivo+ app easy to pair and quite straight-forward to set up using advice in the quick start guide. It did take me a couple of attempts to get a successful full session recording, but now I’m more familiar with it, it’s working consistently for me.

Here are a few pointers that I’ve picked up along the way to avoid your recording from cutting out unexpectedly. This can be caused by low battery or from notifications popping up on your phone mid-ride.

• Make sure your phone and your pod are fully charged before use
• Turn off all other apps on your phone
• Put your phone on either flight mode or do not disturb

For the most consistent results you need to be on your own in your riding arena, without any horses being in sight in the background. Because the tracking works by picking up the shape of a horse, rather than by the horse or rider carrying a remote tracking key, the pod cannot distinguish between different horses. It will focus on the one that is clearest/nearest to it. If you are riding with others, then it is possible that the camera will switch between you. And if horses are grazing close by, it may lock on to them instead.

The best place to position your Pivo Pod Active is near the centre of the riding arena, rather than in the corner of the school or on the fence line. The system can struggle to follow you if you either ride very close to it, or ride directly towards or away from it for a long period, as it can no longer recognise the horse’s shape. If you notice that the pod has stopped tracking you, then you can reactivate it by simply riding in front of it again (see video below, watch to the end).

The Pivo+ app automatically uses the rear camera on your smart phone as this usually provides better quality video than the front camera, which is designed for close-up work, such as selfies. However it is possible to switch to the front camera if you prefer. The benefit of using the front camera while you are getting to grips with the system is that you can more easily see that it is recording as expected, but for better quality the rear camera is recommended. The phone needs to be placed in landscape position in the pod when used in horse mode.

Here are the settings that I’ve used for these test recordings:

I’ve turned predictive follow off in the tracking settings as I’ve heard from other users that it can cause issues, but have target exposure and auto zoom turned on. And the speed was set to fast. See below videos of the pod working, along with the videos that it recorded. These couple of short clips are from a 40min riding session, which it recorded in full.

As you can see in the video above, occasionally the pod is not completely smooth when tracking the horse, but this is fairly infrequent and still compares favourably to the often shaky hands of a human being. Also please note that I have chosen to turn off the audio on the Pivo recordings owing to a glitch with my phone’s audio settings that results in a constant background rumble on all videos recorded on my phone, regardless of which app I am using.

I have now tried the Pivo with my new iPhone SE and recorded the following videos of a jumping sessions. These do have the audio left on. The microphone does pick up a fair bit of background noise, but you can hear my trainer’s voice when she is facing the Pivo. In the first clip there is a moment when the Pivo stops tracking me at the far end of our 20×60 arena, but it quickly picks me back up as I approach the jump. The Pivo was positioned between D and L on the centre line. I had the speed setting on frenzy (the fastest setting option) for these clips.

In the second clip, the Pivo struggles to stay with me briefly after I jump the last fence, but it quickly accelerates to get me fully back in frame.

The video clips above were taking from a 50min riding session, during which the Pivo only briefly lost me a couple of times: once when I rode too close to the pod and another when I was at the far end of the arena and my trainer walked across in front of the camera, blocking me from view. Both times it picked me up as soon as I came back into sight.

It is worth noting that the Pivo Pod Active is not water-resistant and so should not be used outside in the rain.

The useful travel case mini that came with the pod is lightweight and the hard shell offers great protection for the pod. The travel case is shaped inside to securely hold the pod and the remote control, plus the net in the lid is ideal to keep the charging cable safe and you can pop the quick start guide in there too. This came as part of the standard pack, but you can buy the Pivo Pod Active individually, or as part of the Pivo Pod Active Starter Pack or Pivo Pod Active Plus Pack, as well as the extra items individually on the Pivo Amazon Store.

The Pivo+ app also has Photo, Meet and Webcam modes. The Photo option will take stills, while the Meet option can allow you to do a remote training session with a trainer in another location, while Webcam is designed for meetings. I haven’t tried any of these options yet, nor have I tried using the remote control to start and stop the video recordings, so I will add further info on these once I have tried them out.

There is an active facebook group – Pivo Horse Riding Community – which is a great place to get tips and tricks, plus if you come up against any problems, there are Pivo employees in the group who are usually quick to help.

Verdict

H&H Approved – A really useful piece of kit if you ride on your own and want to track your progress or record videos to share with friends.

Who tested this device?

Carol Phillips is Horse & Hound’s website editor, who has ridden since childhood. She has a seven-year-old Irish Sport Horse who she is pictured riding in the test videos.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

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Uvex Tocsen Crash Sensor *H&H Approved*

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Uvex Tocsen Crash Sensor

The Uvex Tocsen Crash Sensor is a small device that attaches to your riding hat – or other sports helmet – behind the ear. It works in conjunction with an app that stores your emergency contacts and, in the event of a fall, can send them an alert.

The sensor arrived in a small box that contained the sensor (which is available in black or pink), a charging lead, attaching sticker, instruction sheet and two decorative stickers. The sensor needs charging for two hours before you can use it. This was easy enough as it connects to a standard USB charger. When I plugged it in I did expect a little light to appear to say it was on, so at first I wasn’t sure it was charging. Then after fiddling about with it I realised it made a jingle noise once it was plugged in and charging, which was helpful.

Once charged, I set about attaching it to my hat. This was probably the easiest part of the setup process. All I had to do was use the double-sided sticker provided to position and secure it. I have a leather-look helmet and was worried it might damage the covering, but I’ve removed it to check and you’d never have known it was there.

The app can be downloaded for free onto any iOS or Android device and this was simple. Setting it up was a little more complicated and there weren’t detailed instructions in English. I filled in my details – I had to add my emergency contacts manually, as although the app picked up my contact list I seemed to be unable to select them – and then connected to the sensor via Bluetooth.

When you add an emergency contact, it sends them a text but doesn’t say who it’s from. I hadn’t pre-warned my colleague, Sophie Cheeseman, I was adding her, so at first she thought the text was spam, so I’d advise giving your contacts a heads-up before you start. Contacts can download the app, too, but this isn‘t essential and we tested using the text feature.

The app allows you to simulate a fall, so that you and your contacts can see what to expect. It took me quite a few tries to successfully run the simulation, but I think this was user error as I’ve ran multiple since to show friends at the yard with less problems. This time the message did explain who it was from and that I was running a simulation. When you fall, the app will give you 30 seconds to say you’re OK and cancel the alert before sending a message to your contacts. If in that time you’re getting yourself up and catching your horse, you can notify them after but it allows you to prevent the worry if you’re quick. If you don’t have mobile signal where you ride, there is also a feature that alerts your contacts if you haven’t logged your return by your expected return time.

The sensor is small but quite noticeable. I forgot it was there, but everyone I rode out with noticed it and asked what it was. Once it’s attached, you can’t take it off without replacing the sticker and only one is provided. This means you couldn’t take it off for competing or to charge the device if you attached it directly to your hat so I would recommend attaching it to a hi-vis hat band (I used this one from Equisafety) rather than your hat. I leave my hat at the yard, so this saves me bringing the whole thing home when I want to charge it – I can just bring the band – but it also means that I can lend the Tocsen to friends and take it off for competing.

To use the device when you’re riding, all you need to do is turn on your Bluetooth and connect to the device. I also run the Equilab app while I’m hacking, so I was worried about the two draining my battery, but it doesn’t use as much battery as I anticipated. So far the Tocsen’s battery has lasted really well – it claims to last three months with average use, although I’ve found it’s run down a little quicker so I may use it more than average.

I haven’t fallen off while using the sensor, but the simulation has given me reassurance that it will work. I did, however, also drop the Tocsen on the floor at home once I’d finished setting it up and it activated immediately, began to alarm and sent Sophie an alert, which was really good to see.

The text message includes a link, which allowed Sophie to see my exact location – she was relieved to see I was at home – and gave her the option to Google Map to me or call me, which was a really smooth transition. I was pleased with the map as if I fell off in the woods and had one of my fellow liveries as my emergency contact, they would know exactly where to find me – and if it was a local friend, they would be able to use Google Maps very easily.

Although I had a few teething problems setting it up and using the app, I can really see how the Uvex Tocsen Crash Sensor would be handy to have – plus most importantly it was easy for my emergency contact to use. I mostly hack, live alone and am often one of the last to leave the yard in the evening during the summer. If I didn’t return from a hack it’s quite possible that no one would notice for a good while, so for someone like me it could be a life-saver. Equally, if you have a child hacking out it can give you peace of mind.

It retails at £79.99, which is a lot for a small device, but when you consider what it could do it’s harder to put a price on it. Plus, it’s good to note that the app is free – and you do not need to pay a subscription for it to work. It looks like it will last a long time and although it was easy enough to remove, I think it’s unlikely to fall off. Plus, now that I’ve found a way to detach it from my hat by using the hat band, the value has really increased for me.

Verdict

*H&H Approved* A great bit of kit if you regularly hack alone.

Who tested this device?

Georgia Guerin looks after Horse & Hound’s shopping, fashion and product content. She owns a Norwegian Fjord horse who she regularly hacks alone in woodland for hours at a time.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Reolink Go PT Plus outdoor camera

There are many reasons to consider a camera at your yard – whether you have a small home set-up or a bigger premises – and I was really excited to test the Reolink Go PT Plus owing to the many benefits it offers.

The 2K 4 megapixel wireless 4G PT camera, with smart detection, is an outdoor battery-powered camera costing £245.99. The waterproof camera, which has a two-year warranty, comes in white and is a nice sleek design measuring 112mm x 98mm in size.

I attached the camera to my stables (you could also use it inside the stable, too) – using the screws and mount provided – overlooking my field and its 355° pan and 140° tilt offers a brilliant all-round view. The pan and tilt features are controlled via an app that is free to download on your mobile phone, so you can adjust this on the move. It was easy to assemble by hand and was screwed in using a normal screwdriver into wood. For tougher surfaces a power screwdriver would be beneficial. 

I was a little concerned that setting up the device might be complicated, but I would describe it as a straightforward process and the clear operating instructions were easy to understand. One of the biggest bonuses is the camera operates via a 4G pay-as-you-go sim card meaning you do not need Wi-Fi or cabling for it to run – providing you have 4G coverage. I tried both an EE and a Three sim and both allowed the camera to operate in “high” – which is four megapixels. There is also the option to record in mid and low. The manufacturer states 02 and Vodafone sim cards will also work but I would recommend checking which provider offers the best 4G signal in your area first.

Providers offer various 4G sim plans – including pay as you go and a monthly contract. As an example, EE offers a 5GB pay as you go sim for £10, and you can get a 100GB for £30. Under an EE monthly contract you can get unlimited data for £37 a month (prices subject to change). The Reolink Go PT data usage depends on the bitrate you have the camera set up for – recording in high will use more data than lower options. As a guide the manufacturer states that “under normal usage” 2GB of data will be enough for a month, based on 30 minutes continuous live video viewing in high mode, and 10 hours in a lower setting – this can vary from provider to provider. The settings in the camera’s app allows you to change bitrate and resolution to suit your needs.

The Reolink Go PT Plus offers lots of clever features including; Smart person/vehicle detection via a PIR motion sensor (passive infrared sensors that detect heat energy) with alert notifications available via the app or email, night vision up to 33ft, zoom function, cloud storage and SD memory card storage, and time lapse. It has a very effective two-way audio system so you can communicate with someone through the camera using the app and you can also take instant time- and date-stamped screenshots from the live recordings.

There are many different reasons to have an outdoor camera – from added yard security, to keeping a close eye on a poorly or even a new horse in the field, or simply seeing what your horse gets up to when you’re not around. But it’s important to note a camera should not be used as a substitution for daily in-person checks.

I keep my horses at home and like that the camera is providing extra security, which is a big comfort. I really like that if I’m out I can quickly open the app and see my mares grazing in the field – I also appreciate that I can simply do this while watching television in my living room in an evening if I want to. For me, being able to gauge when my mares lie down, when they drink and generally how they interact together and at what times of the day – without disturbing them with my presence – is fascinating and I think a real benefit for owners as we continue to understand more about horse behaviour.

Plus, as an owner of two miniature Shetland ponies who have been known to test the electric fencing is working on occasion, the camera allows me to quickly check my mares are where they should be at any time of the day or night. I can see the camera also being an asset to owners with horses on field rest, or horses with foals, as owners can promptly check on them throughout the day between visits.

As the camera is battery operated, it will need charging which means disconnecting it for a period. The manufacturer states the battery lasts for about one to four weeks per charge, but “actual use varies based on settings”. I found the battery to last around one week on the high function.

Reolink also offers a separate solar panel, costing £24.99, which can be mounted and connected to your camera via USB cable as a charging solution. I have been really impressed while testing the solar panel and think this is a worthwhile investment as this means I don’t need to disconnect my camera to charge it. I have been testing the solar panel during summer in Scotland and we have had lots of sunlight, so I will be interested how this gets on during our long dark winters, but I don’t foresee this causing any major concerns.

Verdict

Overall, I am very impressed with the Reolink Go PT Plus. It would be nice if the solar panel charger was included in the price, but it offers everything I can think I would need from an outdoor camera, and the fact it is wireless offers a real benefit for many horsey premises that don’t have Wi-Fi or electricity. The picture quality is excellent day and night and I wouldn’t hesitate in considering other Reolink products.

View now at amazon.co.uk 

Who tested this camera?

Becky Murray started freelance writing for Horse & Hound in 2016 alongside other equestrian titles, before joining the H&H news team in July 2018. She was made senior news writer in January 2022. During her time at H&H she has reported on a broad range of topics across the equestrian industry including welfare issues, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings, rider safety, and road safety campaigns. In 2019 she attended the national Strangles Symposium and the Scottish welfare conference.

Becky was part of the home remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympic Games and the European Showjumping Championships and has reported from Morris Equestrian, the Royal Highland Show and Blair Castle International Horse Trials. She also regularly contributes to the weekly H&H podcast.

Based in north Scotland, Becky learnt to ride at the age of five. She got the showjumping bug with her 13.2hh older pony Phoenix, who used to particularly enjoy a chase-me-Charlie. She went on to compete in British Showjumping and riding club activities as a teenager with her pony Sparkle. After losing two horses in 2015 to illness and injury, Becky is now producing two Irish mares, Ruby and Chloe, and hopes to get back in the showjumping ring in the future. She also has two miniature Shetland sisters, Mootie and Poppet, who keep her on her toes.

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A massage gun probably isn’t the first thing a lot of riders think of when considering their supplementary fitness and recovery habits, but when the opportunity arose to test out the Pulseroll Pro Massage Gun, I jumped at the chance to discover whether it really could make a difference. The benefits of the Pulseroll include helping reduce muscular pain, aiding rapid training recovery, helping flush away lactic acid and increasing blood flow – in other words, providing an experience akin to a sports massage in your own home. 

When the Pulseroll arrived, it definitely felt a little like Christmas for me, unpacking the very smart box it arrived in to find a padded carry case, with a sturdy zip and handle, enclosing the gun itself and all the accompanying accessories, each in their own compartment for ease of storage and location. Overall I was very impressed with the presentation and packaging of the product, and the slightly daunting array of attachments available, which fit to the device itself, all with various purposes. Thankfully, a full instruction booklet is provided.

The case includes the Pulseroll Pro Massage Gun, user manual, charger, power adapters, and six different attachments: a large and small round head, flat head, spinal head, pneumatic head and the rather alarming sounding bullet head. Each is depicted with a diagram in the instruction manual, brief overview of their specific intended use, and an indication of their impact level, from one to five. Unsurprisingly, the bullet head, “for pain point muscle massage”, offers the highest level of impact. 

I opted to begin with the large round head, marked as a two out of five on the impact scale, and designed “for full body muscle massage”, which sounded a much more affable experience for my massage gun debut than the promises of the bullet head. The heads are simple to attach to the main gun, which has an on/off switch on the bottom, and a power button at the top to control the intensity of the vibration and change the speed settings (there are four in total, from 1400 to 3000 RPM). 

One of my initial impressions is that the gun is quite heavy; it weighs 1.6kg and this combined with its overall size (it is 25 x 16 x 6cm) meant that I did find it a little cumbersome. Other people, and those used to massage devices, may not find this, but it’s worth considering whether Pulseroll’s Mini Massage Gun, at 0.6kg and 14 x 10 x 4cm in size, might be a better option if you’re concerned about weight or planning to use the Pulseroll while on the move. 

I really liked the manual, with clear instructions on how to use the gun to achieve either a relaxation or activation effect on various parts of the body, including the best attachment to use and recommended duration. There is also a section detailing recommended use to ease pain of certain conditions, such as tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis and carpal tunnel.

However, as a massage gun rookie, I would have appreciated an additional brief guide to the different grips referred to, such as the reverse grip and base grip, as well as some direction on how best to position yourself to target certain areas. I did find some answers online via the informative Pulseroll blog, but some basic techniques listed in the manual would have been helpful.

Personally, I found the glutes, hamstrings and quads the easiest areas to begin with in terms of working out positioning and intensity. The power of the gun, even at its lowest setting, took me a little by surprise – this machine does not lack in the oomph department – but I found that I quickly got used to the sensation and enjoyed the almost instant relief I found it offered my tight muscles. It is also remarkably quiet for such a high-powered device. Over several sessions I cycled through the power settings comfortably and also graduated through the different attachments – although I admit the bullet head is yet to be deployed.

Certainly some parts of the body are easier to target than others; for my upper and lower back, I roped in my husband to make sure the gun was targeting the right spots. 

The Pulseroll can be used for both relaxing the muscles and activating them ahead of a session. As someone with a job that requires me to be sitting at a laptop for much of the day, I’m very aware of the need to activate my glutes and hamstrings in particular before an after-work ride, run or workout, and I added one minute on each side with the Pulseroll to my usual warm-up routine to fire up my muscles before heading out on an evening run. It could be coincidence, but I ran my fastest 5k of the year that night, and without the back niggles that often accompany my hard running efforts. 

A few days later, I got back in the saddle after a few months out, enjoying a two-hour hack with a friend. That evening, I used the Pulseroll on my glutes, hamstrings and thigh adductors, and was pleased to find the next morning that my body didn’t ache as much as I might have expected it to, given that I am not riding regularly at the moment. 

Whether you’re looking for a means to ease and relax tight and tired muscles, or for more targeted relief or activation, the Pulseroll Pro Massage Gun is a high-end, high-spec piece of kit that is reasonably easy to use once you get used to it. While the price point may deter some, I’d recommend it for anyone riding professionally, or indeed any rider who places high importance on their own fitness, strength and recovery, both in and out of the saddle. 

Verdict

A high-end, high-spec piece of kit recommended for any rider who places high importance on their own fitness, strength and recovery, both in and out of the saddle.

Who tested this massage gun?

Polly Bryan is H&H’s dressage, products and sport horse breeding editor. Although she does not currently have her own horse, Polly enjoys catch rides whenever possible, and so is accustomed to the aches and pains that accompany “part-time” riding. She is also a keen runner and gym-goer, and has participated in several half marathons.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.