WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MAGNETIC THERAPY FOR HORSES?

There’s a reason magnets have been used to promote healing in humans for thousands of years, with lots of anecdotal evidence stating a magnetic bracelet, for example, relieves pain and stiffness. In the last couple of decades, magnetic therapy has been introduced into the equestrian market, in the form of rugs, wraps, bands and boots. These products are proving an invaluable addition to injured horses’ recovery programmes, endorsed by many vets and bodyworkers, as well as a significant part of sport horses’ management and injury prevention. Here’s how they work and why you might want to add magnetic therapy into your horse’s routine!

Magnetic therapy is a bit of an elusive topic, with little hard scientific evidence to explain how magnets can have the effect that so many users report. Many human users claim they reduce pain and inflammation, for example in arthritic joints or over injured soft tissue, improve balance, and help the muscles to relax. Magnets boost blood flow to the areas that are nearest them and this is how they have the above effects. Increased blood flow means increased circulation, which catalyses the regenerative process, reduces stiffness and inflammation (including swelling) and flushes toxins away from the affected area, increasing oxygen levels within the blood.

In real terms, magnetic bands, wraps, boots or a rug keep the horse’s blood flowing at the areas which they cover, which is good for the general health of the muscles, tendons and ligaments, and can additionally be especially helpful with arthritic horses or while recovering from injury.