Kan Teq - The Company

Wendy McCaughan and CharlieKan Teq was founded by Wendy McCaughan from Killinchy in Co Down. Wendy, herself a rider, has a background in the fashion industry and has been involved in researching bullet proof materials. In the search for a more flexible and stronger material for body protectors Kan Teq looked at other high risk sports and identified Planet Knox who have been the market leaders of motorcycle body protection since 1981.

With Knox and Kan Teq there is a definite synergy that results in perhaps the most dynamic body protector available today.

“Kan Teq Ltd was formed in 2005 as I saw an opportunity in the market to develop a “next generation” body protector thatincorporated advanced technologies from the motorcycle protective clothing market, as no other manufacturer of equestrian body protectors was doing so, also the existing styles are bulky, cumbersome, ugly and user unfriendly! Prior to setting up Kan Teq Ltd I had worked as a design consultant for some large military bullet proof vest manufacturing companies, so had gained experience over 2 years of developing improved body armour and believed that I had the skill set to bring a product to the market from concept, through production with appropriate branding. Also enough knowledge of the sport to understand a riders needs. Working for such large manufacturing companies exposed me to the inflexibility and problems that exist in house and the difficulties in bringing about change and new product / production ideas, so I gained confidence believing that I had the industry knowledge to control the processes within the product development of the KAN”.

The body protector had to be fit for purpose and it was essential that the garment would meet current safety standards for equestrian body protectors and comply with the provisions of the PPE Directive. The Kan out performs any other equestrian body protector in terms of fit, comfort and safety. It continues to gain recognition for this and we receive testimonials to say that it has even saved lives “…I could see what an exceptional safety product it was. I’m so glad I bought it – it turned out it saved my life”.

Also “The Kan body protector provided me with the highest level of protection possible. I strongly believe that if I hadn’t been wearing my Kan body protector I would now be in a wheelchair.” 

Export and company growth

The KAN body protector was launched into the UK and Irish markets in January 2008. We also export our product to Europe,Canada and Australia and continue to make sales through equestrian retailers and direct to the public at International Horse Trials.

 

“Finally a body protector that allows for a women’s shape. Once on it is comfortable and lightweight, it is also breathable and flexible. I also liked the way it was curved to fit the spine.”
Lottie Prentice
“I am delighted with the fit and the amount of mobility I have with my Kan body protector. Although I hate wearing body protectors this one is by far the most comfortable and I am very pleased with the purchase”.
Hannah Walker
“This is an amazing body protector. We hesitated about buying it because of the price but could see what an exceptional safety product it was. I’m so glad I bought it – it turned out it saved my life. I would recommend it to all horse riders from happy hackers to competitors.
Celia. Somerset
“I had a fall on one of my horses and broke my femur, however when the paramedics got to me, along with one of the organizers i was told that my body protector was absolutely fantastic and it was the best they have seen and without it my injury most probably would have been a lot worse.”
Rowan Haywood
“This body protector allows me to breathe and maintain my own oxygen levels and performance; I find the Kan very comfortable and my movement is not restricted at all”
Jeanette Brakewell
“Although heavy to hold, I am amazed at how comfortable and unrestricting this body protector is. I actually enjoy wearing this important part of our cross country kit. I took a fall at Gatcombe in August and was delighted with the support and flexibility it gave, allowing me to roll away from the horse. I can thoroughly recommend this comfortable and important part of cross country kit"
Nicola Wilson
“I went to a pony club one day event with a couple of babies last weekend and it was much more breathable and more comfortable than my normal one. I had much more movement and I hardly noticed that I was wearing a body protector at all - which was really nice because I have always felt restricted in my other one. So far so good, I’m really impressed with it!!
Charlotte Castle
“Some years ago I fractured 2 vertebrae so having a good body protector is very important to me. With Kan Teq’s superb design I feel safe and have the movement which other body protectors don’t always allow”
Izzy Taylor
“I bought one of your new Body Protectors from Badminton Horse Trials last year and unfortunately I have suffered a very serious fall XC schooling recently. Thanks to the body protector I have sustained injuries that will heal in time. The Kan body protector provided me with the highest level of protection possible. I strongly believe that if I hadn’t been wearing my Kan body protector I would now be in a wheelchair.”
Kerry Arnold-Herrick Middleton Equestrian Centre
“I absolutely adore the Kan body protector. The attention to detail in the design is evidently enormous. The shape & support it provides is fantastic, it makes me feel very safe which I think nowadays in this sport is imperative. I would just like to thank Kan Teq for (without sounding too over-dramatic!) saving my life. I had fall at an event in June and the horse stood on my arm- causing serious muscle damage, smashed out two teeth, and stood on my ribcage (with two studs in!). The Kan is not only revolutionary in its shape, comfort and breathability, it is a lifesaver!
Eleanor Barnes Graham
“Just thought I would let you know I am really pleased with this body protector. I was unfortunate enough to hit the deck at Mattingly, however I had no bruises and no aches afterwards, unbelievable.”
Debbie