10 reasons when which therapy rugs are useful for horses
Therapy rugs are not only suitable for therapy and regeneration of already existing problems in the back area. They can be a support in regeneration especially for the prevention of injuries and overtiredness after training.
10 reasons why you should treat your horse to a therapy rug:
1. Weather sensitivity: Strong weather changes between warm, wet cold and windy are not only stressful for older horses. Even horses in their prime can have a hard time with a change in weather due to a lower resistance and adaptability. Faecal water syndrome, diarrhoea, flatulence and colic are the result. A warming rug loosens the muscles, relaxes and prevents cold symptoms. Horses that generally have a weak immune system should wear a stable rug anyway when the seasons change.
2. Respiratory problems: Horses with respiratory problems cramp in the area of the intercostal muscles due to frequent, strained coughing. A warming or vibrating therapy rug helps to relieve cramping and provides relief in the thoracic area. This can make it easier for the horse to cough.
3. Train the tactile system: If horses have problems processing and perceiving tactile stimuli (they do not react at all or react too strongly to touch), a vibrating rug can improve this. The disadvantage is that with most rugs the localisation of the vibrating elements cannot be varied and therefore the whole body is not trained.
4. Relaxation in case of colic: After the vet has been called in case of colic and the horse has been treated accordingly, a warming therapy rug can support the regeneration in case of at least mild colic. This is because warmth has an antispasmodic effect similar to that of a hot water bottle.
5. Stressed and nervous horses calm down: The depth effect of magnetic and massage rugs has a positive effect on the parasympathetic nervous system, i.e. the horse’s resting nerve. Thus, nervous and stressed horses relax within a few minutes after the beginning of the treatment. Injuries caused by panic reactions are avoided and a therapy rug applied before travelling can make for a comfortable ride.
6. Warm-up: Therapy rugs promote blood circulation and stimulate the metabolism, which is suitable as a training preparation and conducive to shortening the warm-up phase.
7. Cooling down: Therapy rugs are also valuable aids after training. They cause a faster removal of lactic acid, which prevents muscle soreness.
8. Increased elasticity and flexibility of the horse: The muscles, tendons and ligaments loosened and made supple by heat and massage allow the horse to release, stretch and bend more easily.
9. Back problems in general: Back problems have very different causes. In addition, the trigger is often found in a different place instead of directly in the back area. This is because all areas of the body are connected via fasciae and thus transmit stimuli and pain, which makes it more difficult to find the cause. A massaging or warming therapy rug helps to alleviate the symptoms of the back pain first.
10. Treat your four-legged friend to a wellness session to improve his or her well-being. With a happy, relaxed horse, the horse owner is also happy and content.