Has anyone ever used a Solarium on a horse?

kerilli

kerilli

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(i know this should be in Stable Yard, but it's busier in here!)
i've always had a Solarium on my LotteryWinner'sWishList, but i wondered whether anyone has ever used one? did the horse enjoy it? do you think it's a worthwhile bit of kit to have?
 
Really really good - i want one
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They are fab for warming up horses, especially in the winter -stand them under for 10mins before riding, but obviously you still warm up, dont just go straight out in the arena and start doing half pass or something
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Good for cooling off/drying off aswell for the same reasons as they help the muscles to relax.

They cost around 3-4k, a worthy investment if you have the space IMO.
 
okay, great. do you think the horse needs to be held below it (i've been looking at the pics on WFP's website, and he's got stocks below his to keep the horse immobile) or, if it was in a stable and could be raised and lowered, do you think a horse would stand below it on its own, out of choice?
impossible question i guess... depends how thick the horse is!
 
yes, at his old yard Flash had one in his stable, and when it was on looked absolutely blissful! If I had the money I'd treat him to one for our place
 
Use ours a few times a week (depending on how much time i have) and its great.

I always cross tie under ours and then leave him for a while - hes perfectly happy there.

I use for both pre warm up in cold weather (as PG said) although if doing this, id advise to either ride indoors or to use an exercise sheet and for drying / relaxing post exercise.

I was also told that they help to minimise coat growth which is particularly important for me
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Love mine, wouldnt be on a yard without.
 
We've got one at home and it's fantastic. We cross tie under it and the horses adore it. Very useful for dryig off after baths, warming up before exercise, drying off if they get soaked out riding or just after a thorough grooming to keep the muscles warm.
The staff love it too and can often be found standing under it after a rain shower!!
 
I worked at a rehab yard with one, and agree - cross tieing under it is normal.
Word of caution - the shape of solariums means that you are only heating the top muscles of the horse and not much below...
Oh, and if memory serves, the bulbs are a bit expensive to replace...although I guess it depends what kind.
Most horses seem to really like them though.
S
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There's one at our livery yard and it's fabulous - they love it! They sort of go all sleepy and calm under it. It's generally used if they come in wet and cold, rather than for therapy. Haven't seen one yet that doesn't enjoy it.
 
My boys have been given solarium at the spa/rehab yard and both seem blissfully happy under it. Theirs is at the end of run of indoor boxes and has a panel behind the horse and swinging bar at the side, they are tied normally but it is like standing in a stall for them. Not sure what all the benefits really are but they like it and are very relaxed which has to be good. If I had my own yard would be top of my shopping list.
 
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