magnetic rugs/massage rugs/ massage mitts etc, any experience?

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oldie48

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OH has asked me what I'd like for Xmas and obviously I want something for the horse. Mr B has recently had a field injury and has had to have a couple of sessions with the physio to sort his hind quarters out. He's naturally quite an anxious tense horse and finds it difficult to "let go" and although he'll stretch at the end of a session he struggles to do it at the start (altho massively improved from when I bought him). I've got exercises and stretches to do with him but wondered if one of the above might help him to relax his back muscles, which can be quite tight. His saddle is checked regularly and he has all the other health checks. It's info on the above I'm interested in.
 
Magnetic pads!

Can't remember what mine are, but there's the back one and the rump one.

Not used in a while as horses all been retired / not backed. However I do remember the effect they had. Used for 15-20 mins before working and they were much softer and free moving.
 
Back on Track mesh rug. I have three! The horses absolutely love them, they seem to somehow wrap round and cacoon the horse in relaxing warmth :). My very high powered equine physio rates them highly too.

Also the Equilibrium massage pad (I have two of those ;))...

Re the tight back muscles, have you considered PSSM? My mare, who also had a whole heap of other issues leading to a sore back, responded dramatically when I started giving her a high daily dose of Vitamin E. Her rock hard bum muscles loosened and relaxed, and she became far happier in herself.
 
I was told to get a magnetic rug for my very difficult mare. She's been checked for KS and ulcers, fed on ulcer friendly feed etc. I had a brilliant lady out to her who found she was tight and tense all over. She loosened her up and suggested a magnetic rug for daily use.

I bought the Premier Equine one, she wears it for 4 hours a day, and quite honestly the difference in her is unbelievable. She's SO much more relaxed in her way of going, and can now manage to trot in a long and low outline. She's never managed it before :)

I was really dubious but figured it was worth a try, so glad I did!
 
My osetopathic vet recommends a hot water bottle on any problem areas for 10 to 15mins before you ride. I reckon anything that warms the muscles would work just as well though.
 
My physio advised that infra red is thought to be more effective than magnets, but I think there is probably a lack of scientific research into either.
 
I have a massage mitt and think its fab, the ponies love it. Being very lazy I have slotted an elastic surcingle through it and left it on the pony while I muck out etc - a poor man's massage pad lol

I do have to forge myself to use it though, in the months after I bought it I made excuses about lack of time then wondered why the heck I had shelled out money for something I didn't use so now I make time for pamper sessions - I can see however how these get bought and totally forgotten about
 
I have back on track for both me and the horses - my back wrap is fabulous and I lived in it when I tweaked my lower back. On that basis the horse (PSSM) gets one too.

I also have a magnetic rug, but its BOT products that I'd spend money on
 
Thanks for all your replies. I am leaning towards the BOT mesh rug. I take the point of the hot water bottle, and have my thick lemiux saddle pad on the aga to warm up before I ride this morning. I travel Mr B to lessons very frequently and I like the idea of being able to put something on whilst he travels, I think a hot water bottle might be problematic! I'm not convinced by magnets and the good massage pads are very expensive so I might buy a human hand massager to use on him (as well as me!).
 
Another vote for an Infrared rug - I love mine and use it for half an hour before riding (along with four IR leg wraps). A few brands sell them / versions of them - Rambo Ionic, PE Infrared, BoT, etc.
 
Another vote for Infrared rugs, I have the PE one and its brilliant for pony who can be a tense little beast. I've used it on me too and made a massive difference!
 
I have a BOT mesh rug and even if it does nothing, it's a very useful layer that is easier to keep clean than a fleece :D Kira seems warmer underneath it than a normal sheet.
 
This is interesting, was looking at the PE Infrared rugs for horse that is quite often tense in back/hindquarters (possible PSSM), may stick it on my Xmas list!
 
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