|
MENU |
|
|
|
|
|
History of the Guardian Mask
 As
with many products, the creation of the Guardian Mask was a step-by-step
process. Sid Eby, co-owner of Guardian Mask was led to the
idea of a new design for horse masks while working with a friend's horse
in a pasture. Seeing the mask on the horse, with it's tattered
frayed edges, and unraveling of thread, created a question in his mind.
Why would these masks be destroyed so quickly and what kind of new design
would function better, with more durability?
Sid discussed his ideas
with his son , David. They joined forces to create the basic design
of the present day Guardian Mask, and the search began to locate someone
qualified in pattern designing. We were fortunate in finding that
qualified designer in the local area and began work.
Several challenges began to
unfold in the creating of the prototype. Our designer realized the
material alone would need to exceed the normal requirements of the
standards currently used in the equine industry. This created a six
month search by David, throughout the United States.
Sorting through miles of fabrics, swatches and samples continued to turn
up materials too inferior for durability, problems with unraveling or
shrinking, tearing and ripping. The goal was to find mesh-type
material that would withstand rigorous use without losing shape, quality
or size. Time and time again, they were told material of this
type does not exist.
Refusing to
give up the search revealed the ultimate sample of material, seeming
to come from the most unexpected source. The mystery material
was then handed to our designer to work her magic, and magic she
did. The Guardian Mask was born, of a custom woven
nylon fiber mesh that incorporates a unique interlocking design that
won't unravel. Basically, that means each individual stitch is
an interlocking knot, creating a strength unlike other fabrics and
masks currently on the market.
The next step required
locating comparable materials for colored braiding, threads and hook
and loop which would compliment the strength of the mesh fabric,
appearance and integrity of the Guardian Mask. Again the expertise
of our designer was the answer. She searched, explored and
pursued the finest materials available. Adding various colors of woven
polyester braiding, strong nylon threading and heavy duty, extra wide hook
and loop provided the necessary components to create the first Guardian
Mask.
Fitting and testing the
prototype unveiled many interesting challenges. Sid became a total
nuisance to his neighboring horse ranch, showing up at all times of
day and night. The horses became Sid's unknowing accomplices in his
quest for the perfect fit. Their faces, ears, jaws, eyes and brows
were measured, maneuvered, re-measured, and stretched into all facets of
mask architecture. Horses yawned at the sight of Sid's approaching
their stalls.
 The next hurdle encountered
was sizing. Sizes needed to be kept to a minimum. Research and
fitting revealed the need for excessive adjustment in the throat and head
strap areas. By incorporating extra wide hook and loop the entire length
of adjustment on the straps, it enabled sizing to be limited to small,
large and extra large. At this time Sid and David realized the
miniature horse market would also benefit from the Guardian Masks
revolutionary new design. Thus the miniature horse mask, sizes small
and large was developed. Each size somewhat overlaps another,
allowing for all sizes needed.
Eye structure was yet an
additional hurdle. How could any mask maintain shape and still
protect the various eye and brow bone areas without irritation or
collapse. The patented Guardian Mask removable eye was born.
The circular eye design allows for hook and loop adjustment away from the
horse's brow bone and eye. Depending on the size of mask, up to two and
one half inches adjust away from the horse's face. This creates many
options for the horse owner, from simple insect face protection, to the
ultimate eye therapy for most standard injuries or healing.
The veterinarian market was
an area unknown to Sid and David in the early stages of development and
marketing. Soon to be discovered were many uses for this new mask
design, in the field of face and head injuries and eye therapy. From
this stage, the black-out patch was created. It was advantageous for
horse owners and veterinarians to be able to occlude light for sensitive
vision or black out light altogether in the treatment of eye injuries or
infections. Research further indicated a need for a firm cap or cup
to allow for veterinary care in treatment of eye problems where the eye is
protected from any items creating pressure against the eye area, including
horse scratching against barriers and adding further harm or injury.
Thus the veterinary cap was created. Additionally, the design
allowed for a unique full circular zipper which provides access to the eye
without the need to remove the mask.
The Guardian Mask was not
yet complete. Still needed, Sid thought, was exterior protection on
the mask for insect repellent. As an added item, three two-inch hook
and loop tabs strategically placed about the mask, allow for
repellant cream or liquid to be applied to the strip rather than the
horses skin and reattached to the mask.
Marketing now could begin.
Testing had proven the mask exceeded expectations in every way.
Horses that would normally destroy other masks were unable to remove or
demolish the Guardian Mask. As with other aspects of the Guardian
Mask, Sid and David realized a unique sales and marketing director would
be needed for establishing a successful marketing program.
Through business associates, Leatha Lockhart entered the picture of the
Guardian Mask. Leatha's unique background consisted of sales,
telemarketing, trade show participation and lifetime horse ownership.
Still yet, there were more
discoveries as the Guardian Mask began to be distributed!
Due to the input of horse
owners, veterinarians, and veterinary colleges we discovered that there
were greater problems aside from the insect control. Sid found that horses
suffered eye cancer, glaucoma, cataracts, Headshaking, and Uveitis and
that there was a tremendous need for something to alleviate the suffering
of horses all around the world. Sid was appalled at the lack
of medical knowledge and treatment of these conditions and the ultimate
result was to put the horse down, particularly in instances of uveitis and
headshaking. Although there has been a great deal of research,
the medications used would produce usually minor temporary effects if any,
and at great expense to the horse owner. There has been little advancement
and the same medications have been used for years. This was a devastating
problem that had to be aggressively addressed. Sid having grown up
on the beaches of Southern California had an Idea.
Humans wear sunglasses
to shield and protect the eyes and face from effects of the harmful
rays of the sun, that we know it can be
painful and damaging, could this be the same with horses? Further, could
the the damaging results play a role in the five major conditions of the
eyes that horses suffer? With this in mind, Sid invented the #
95 UV Sunshades! Using a special treated material (lab tested) that
reflects and absorbs the harmful rays of the sun. Immediate
extensive testing on horses with headshaking, uveitis, glaucoma, cancer
and cataracts brought forth results that were not only astounding but
sensational in the field of equine therapy. The Revolutionary # 95
UV Sunshades have made this one of the most important discoveries of
treatment and healing in the history of equine eye care around the
globe.
In addition, during the
course of sales, and input, the #95 UV nose cover was also invented. It
unique design is instrumental in protection against harmful rays. The nose
cover attached to the Guardian Mask and was found to help prevent
blistering and sores caused by the insects and harmful rays of the sun.
And taking it one step further Guardian Accessory light weight mesh
leggings were also invented that are comfortable and durable and an
excellent aid against insect bites and offer sun protection and protection
from additional injuries that promotes healing as well.
The direction was now clear
and after several years of growth and using the standard sales type
methods, magazines, tack and catalogs, we then slid into the technology
super highway of marketing and introduced the Guardian Mask to the globe
via the world wide web. Through a customer, we discovered our web
designer, Veta "Vee" Broman that helped create our most instrumental knowledge
base that is now reaching all corners of the globe. The Guardian
Mask web site is now an intricate part of our organization as we build for
the future.
Reviews continue to
reinforce the confidence Sid, and David originally felt when constructing the Guardian Mask. Veterinarian, horse owners and dealers
continue to find new and unique applications for the Guardian Mask because
of its handmade quality, design and commitment to excellence, the Guardian
Horse Mask Company will continue to set new standards in the equine
industry.
 Little did Sid and David
know, that the revolutionary product would begin to save the lives of
horses all around the globe in addition, save horse owners thousands of
dollars. Currently, with the aide of computers and the
internet, as well as each and every individual that has contributed their
success stories, as well as all of the continued research done in all the
stages of the masks development, Sid has discovered that the Guardian Mask
has proven to be one of the most successful products in aiding horses that
suffer multiple eye diseases and conditions. The thousands upon thousands of horse owners
all over the world are discovering the miraculous results with ultimate
success. Horses have suffered for years with eye conditions
and many have died causing heartbreak to their respective owners, and now
there is more than hope... there is the "Gift of Life".
Doors
were opened for new study by veterinarians all over the world, and as the
word spreads of the "Original Multi-Purpose Guardian Mask", a new
education of equines is unfolding. It's year round usage, for
not only aiding horses with eye conditions such as Uveitis (moonblindness), photic headshaking, cataracts, eye injuries, and in addition,
prevention and treatment as well as insect control. The Guardian
Mask is indeed the equine industries best product of the millennium.
Sid and David wish to
express special thanks to Ms Betty M. Smith, ranch owner: Mandella Farms
of Bermuda Dunes who helped with the concept of the Guardian Mask.
We would like to further
express our gratitude to our devoted web designer Vee, (also a horse
owner) who
created the Guardian Mask web site, and who also maintains
internet communications and promotion that has aided in the success of the Guardian
Mask.
Sid & David
Eby |
|
