Company History

How was the company created?

The textile engineering company was founded in 1989 by John Da Silva, a textile engineer trained in Europe and the US, who had been working as a consultant to modernize textile plants and make them more environment-friendly while improving efficiency.

To promote an industrial process that created energy by recycling hot-air, he introduced a line of backpacks and sportswear made with fabrics using that technology. The environment-friendly backpacks, sold in university and college bookstores across Canada, were an instant hit.

How did we get in the equestrian market?

In 2003, the University of Ottawa formed an equestrian team who contacted us to make their team jackets. The jackets were a success and soon, other riders were coming to us requesting other products (vests, horse blankets…).

In no time, John saw a problem with a horse losing hair and came up with a solution: the Frictionless™ saddle pad! It was presented to top dressage riders Shannon Dueck and Ashley Holzer, who tried it and loved it! ECOGOLD – Equestrian was launched. In no time, the we were getting into saddle pads for high-performance dressage and showjumping horses.

We created:

• the Frictionless™ line to prevent friction
• the Stabilizer™ line to keep the saddle stable and absorb impact.
• the WitherCare™ line for high-withered horses and solve saddle-fitting issues
  
• the Secure™ line to make eventing safer.
  

As our president, John likes to say, he is the "Dr.Phil" of saddle pads. Riders come to us with problems and we find solutions. Riders are amazed that their problems are being addressed by someone with this depth of experience and knowledge in high-performance textiles.

By using new developments in textile technology and smart design, we are able to make the most advanced products that improve horses’ comfort, safety and give them a competitive edge.