Equi-lift is a patented pneumatic lifting system designed to help equines that are unable to stand. A deflated inflatable cushion is positioned beneath the recumbent animal and inflated within four to five minutes, allowing the horse to stand safely with minimal stress. The system was developed by veterinarians Pierre Schoenaers and Mathilde Bourély in Waremme, Belgium.

What is Equi-lift used for?

Equi-lift is used to lift recumbent horses, provide standing support, assist with transport, improve recovery following anaesthesia, and support rehabilitation. It helps reduce complications associated with prolonged recumbency, including pressure sores, muscle crush syndrome and metabolic disorders.

Which Equi-lift models are available?

Equi-lift is available in four models: the Model Classic for lifting recumbent animals, the custom-built Model M for surgical procedures, the Model RC for post-anaesthetic recovery, and the Model H, featuring an abdominal support harness that allows a single person to lift a recumbent horse.

Equi-lift | An Inflatable Lifting System for Equines

Equi-lift

What is Equi-lift?

Equi-lift is a patented pneumatic lifting system designed for equines that are unable to stand due to trauma, injury, or conditions causing partial or complete loss of mobility. Developed by veterinarians Pierre Schoenaers and Mathilde Bourély, it provides a safe and effective solution for lifting and supporting recumbent horses.

Following extensive testing and successful clinical use, we quickly realised that Equi-lift's applications extend far beyond simply lifting recumbent animals. It is an invaluable aid during equine surgery, improving patient comfort throughout the procedure while providing optimal support during recovery from anaesthesia. By reducing stress and the risk of injury, Equi-lift helps create safer conditions for both veterinary teams and their patients while promoting the highest standards of animal welfare.

Equi-lift

Why Equi-lift?

Veterinarians regularly encounter conditions that leave horses partially or completely unable to stand or move, whether in specialist hospitals or ambulatory practice.

In these situations, the animal's weight quickly becomes a major challenge:

Exhaustion and difficulty standing;
Pain, injuries, dehydration and reduced feed intake;
Metabolic complications;
Weakness, pressure sores, muscle crush syndrome, ...

Equi-lift helps minimise these complications by providing fast, safe and stress-free lifting. It improves recovery outcomes while supporting the highest standards of animal welfare.

Lift a recumbent animal safely — a common challenge in equine practice.
Support an animal in a standing position for as long as required.
Reduce complications associated with prolonged recumbency.
Lift and transport animals with impaired mobility safely and efficiently.
Improve safety for veterinarians and everyone working around the animal.
Support recovery following anaesthesia.
Assist with rehabilitation.

Four Models

How does it work?

Equi-lift Model Classic

The deflated cushion is positioned beneath the recumbent animal and fully inflated in around four minutes, allowing the horse to return safely to a standing position. It is one of the simplest and safest ways to lift a recumbent horse while prioritising animal welfare.

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Equi-lift Model M

The animal is positioned on the inflated cushion placed on the operating table. Removable inflatable support cushions allow the surgeon to position the patient precisely throughout the procedure. The Equi-lift Model M is usually custom-built to suit individual requirements.

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Equi-lift Model RC

Specifically developed to support horses recovering from general anaesthesia. The inflatable system maintains the animal in a natural physiological position, reducing the effort required to stand and significantly improving recovery conditions. Particularly beneficial for elderly or high-value horses.

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Equi-lift Model H

A single person can safely lift a recumbent horse using the abdominal support harness and inflatable frame. Fully inflated in approximately five minutes—no lifting straps or tractor required. Ideal for horse owners, veterinarians and rescue teams.

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An inflatable lifting system for equines that are unable to stand or move independently.

What is Equi-lift?

Why Equi-lift?

How does it work?

Equi-lift Model Classic

Equi-lift Model M

Equi-lift Model RC

Equi-lift Model H