There isn’t a huge amount of scientific research behind magnetic therapy for horses — which comes in the form of gear like rugs and leg wraps — and much of what we think we know is anecdotal. This means it is based on personal experience and opinions rather than science.
However, magnetic therapy has been used for thousands of years on humans and animals, and it is widely thought that it could be beneficial for horses, too. With the advent of modern materials, and the availability of strong magnets in smaller sizes, the number of magnetic products available to use on your horse is growing.
Magnets can be easily integrated into horse rugs and blankets, as well as therapy boots and other products. There are plenty of items for riders to wear, too.
What is magnetic therapy?
Magnetic therapy is natural and non-invasive. However, it’s important to note that the magnets themselves don’t heal. Rather, they are thought to help support the right environment for the body to heal itself.
Magnets are believed to do this by supporting increased blood flow to the areas they are covering. The blood flow brings increased oxygen levels, helps remove waste products and aids reduction in inflammation.
When magnetic therapy is used
Magnetic therapy is used for a range of conditions, including the management of stiff joints and muscles, recovery after strenuous work and also for general relaxation. It is thought that magnetic therapy may help to increase the rate of healing when treating inflammation, swelling and the symptoms of arthritis.
With this in mind, it is thought to be possible that magnetic therapy may also a play part in the recovery process after a horse has suffered an injury or a chronic condition.
Remember, magnets themselves do not heal (see previous paragraph), but many riders report that using a magnetic horse blanket for example is a good accompaniment to the recovery process.
Magnets are now integrated into a range of horsey products and each will contain a number of magnets that are positioned over key areas of the body. These make using magnetic therapy as part of your horse’s daily routine bothe quick and easy.
How it works
When you use a magnetic rug or boots on your horse, the idea is that a magnetic field is generated by the magnets when it comes into contact with your horse’s body.
This magnetic field penetrates through your horse’s muscle and soft tissue, and cellular activity is increased. It is thought that this assists and increases the body’s natural healing process and helps to speed up recovery by increasing the rate at which cells regenerate and repair.
However, there is very little scientific evidence on exactly how magnets work to back up these claims.
Beware very big claims that sound too good to be true, and if the product is said to have been created off the back of research, read it first.
As I have already mentioned, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that magnetic therapy can be helpful, and there are many owners — including myself — who have seen the benefits of using magnetic therapy on their horses.
On the flip side, there are also plenty of riders who will tell you the opposite!
Magnet strength
There are many different types of magnets available, and the strength of the magnet depends on its size and type.
The strength of a magnet is often referred to in gauss. This is a measurement of surface strength of the magnet, which means it is what makes it stick to a metal surface.
This surface measurement isn’t necessarily the level of therapeutic effect the product will have on your horse; it’s the magnetic field strength away from the surface that tells you how deep it penetrates the body’s tissues
Benefits of magnetic therapy for horses
Magnetic therapy can easily be incorporated into your horse’s daily routine.
It is thought to play a role in:
- Helping warm muscles up before and after work
- Relieving tension and aid relaxation
- Easing general stiffness
- Reducing swelling
- Boosting general well-being
- Supporting the body to heal
Magnetic products we’ve tried and tested
Your Horse’s team of testers have used a selection of magnetic and therapy rugs to find out which, if any, make a difference to their horse’s comfort and way of going. Find out what they think here.
Ultimately, while magnetic therapy may have a place in the daily care of your horse, there is one golden rule: you should always seek the advice of a qualified vet in the event that your horse is unwell or unsound. Magnetic therapy is never a replacement for medical care.
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