We all want our horses to be in peak condition and there are lots of therapeutic products on the market to help achieve this. With options including everything from magnets to infrared technology, it can be confusing trying to decide which will best suit your horse. Think about his needs – maybe he could do with some extra help pre- and post-exercise, or he’d benefit from wearing a therapeutic rug when he’s in the stable.

Top tip

To judge the correct rug length, use a long piece of string to measure from the centre of his chest to his quarters, where you’d expect the rug to finish. The length of the string will be his rug size.

What do they do?

Massage products work by engaging vibrating panels over large muscle groups, and are thought to increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension and aid relaxation.

Electromagnetic pulses send a wave of energy into the body. It’s thought that they help encourage cell repair and relax muscles.

Magnetic therapy works by placing magnets over large muscle groups. It’s believed that they help to stimulate bloodflow by engaging the body’s electromagnetic field.

Infrared technology reflects body heat back into muscles, which is then reabsorbed. This can raise skin temperature, which improves blood flow, and is believed to help reduce inflammation.

Massage

Horseware Sportz-Vibe ZX rug

The breathable mesh outer features wirelessly-controlled, removable massage panels that are designed to warm up muscles.

Sizes: 5ft 3in – 7ft 3in

£561.95

horseware.com

Electromagnetic and Massage

FMBs Activo-Med Combi Pro rug

Provides pulsed electromagnetic and massage therapy over the back, shoulder and thigh areas.

Sizes: Pony, standard horse and extra-large

£975

fmbs.co.uk

Magnetic

Equine Magnetix rug

A lightweight polyester mesh with more than 200 fixed neodymium magnets. Matching neck available separately.

Blue or purple trim

Sizes: 5–7ft

£139.95 (neck £49.95)

equinemagnetix.com

Bucas Recuptex therapy rug

The fine, stainless steel mesh webbing reflects magnetic fields created inside your horse’s body, helping to stimulate blood circulation and oxygen flow.

Sizes: 5–7ft

£155

zebraproducts.co.uk

BrodPod magnetic rug

The high-power alternating magnetic field is designed to move electrons and help improve cell health.

Sizes: 5ft 9in – 6ft 9in

£197

brodpod.co.uk

Veredus Magnetik rug

Made from a breathable, microporous material with 32 neodymium magnets across the back, quarters and shoulders.

Sizes: Small, medium or large

£379

zebraproducts.co.uk

Infrared

Masta Protechmasta

Infrared technology and soft air mesh material helps regulate temperature. Ideal for use pre- and post-exercise.

Sizes: 4ft 6in – 7ft 6in

£135

masta.co.uk

Premier Equine Nano-Tec infrared therapy rug

Infrared technology with a breathable, moisture-wicking lining. For pre-exercise warm-up and post-exercise cool down.

Sizes: 5ft 6in – 7ft

£164.99

premierequine.co.uk

Catago FIR-Tech Healing rug

Features a Synthermax fibrefill and woven lining with ceramic particles. The cross surcingles and front closure ensure a good fit.

Sizes: 5ft 6in – 7ft 3in

£167.99

catago.dk

Back on Track mesh rug

Breathable mesh covering a layer of infrared Welltex ceramic fabric to keep horses cool and relaxed.

Sizes: 4ft 6in – 7ft

£194

backontrack.com