Massage/magnetic type rug or pad (warming up before you get on)

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A Musing

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I'm doing my Xmas shopping list and would like to add a rug or saddle pad thingy, that you can use before you ride, to help warm up the horse's back.

My horse can get a bit tense in her back, which means she has had a couple of moments where she's kind of had cramp after being ridden. (I'm in the process of getting various checks and treatments and it doesn't seem like its anything major.)

I think she'd benefit from being warmed up a bit more before I ride. Does anyone have any recommendations please for rugs or pads to use before or during riding?

For those that posted on my previous thread (thanks), this is the one with the still-a-mystery illness but current thinking is that it was a virus that took a while to shift. She's on the mend now thankfully - the back may or may not prove to be linked, the jury is out on that atm, but that would be tooooooo long a thread to go into.

I should def join the injured TB clique at this rate !!
 
Equilibrium massage pad - expensive but well worth it...

Has turned my hunting cob from tense and cold backed to a well mannered and relaxed person. He is also prone to bucking, but hasn't thrown a single one since using this pad.

I give him the 'warm up' massage setting in the lorry on the way to hunting, and the 'cool down' setting once untacked and on the way home - his has truly been a different horse since using it.

(please note he only behaves in this manner over the winter, and has had all the relevant vet/chiro/physio/saddle checks!)
 
Thanks sidney, I did a bit of a search before I posted and saw that pad coming up a few times although it is a bit pricey. Do the batteries last well and is it easy enough to use?

I like the idea of it having different settings and being able to use it on a lorry, although with my previous horse I used to travel ready tacked up to hunts and am not sure how good this one would be to tack up on arrival, but if it's that or she gets a sore back, then obv I would go with travelling with the pad on instead. Will check it out thanks!

I know of an RS that used magnetic pads too so would be interested in any experiences of that please.
 
Once charged, you can get up to 8 x 1/2 hr massage cycles. It is very simple to use and has 3 settings, low which is used for cool down, medium for warm up, and high for injuries.

My cob is quite sharp so tried it on in his stable initially, and he was a little 'suprised' at it, but it is now just part of his routine.

Know what you mean about not arriving tacked up - this is the only pita, but mine is usually chilled at the meet so just make sure I get their 5 mins early.

I had a look at the Equilibrium magnetic pad, as a more economical option, but was a bit worried about where to place the magnets.

There is also a company called 'Back on track' that does magnetic rugs - from under rugs to full turn out's, looked fab but very pricey.
 
My TB can be tense behind the saddle when first ridden and takes a good while to warm up. My physio suggested I should string 2( not too hot) hot water bottles together and place them over his back in the appropriate place while grooming and tacking up.
 
claracanter said:
My TB can be tense behind the saddle when first ridden and takes a good while to warm up. My physio suggested I should string 2( not too hot) hot water bottles together and place them over his back in the appropriate place while grooming and tacking up.
Click to expand...

Fabulous! Am loving the common sense and economical approach. Not sure about "2 hot water bottles and a bit of string" on my xmas list but hey it could work if Santa doesn't read my list :D
 
I have been having tension issues with my mare. I decided to rent a massage pad and see how she got on to see whether it's worth the pennies.
Tried it for the first time today and she was falling asleep with it on! (usually permenantly in edge and tense) and when I put the saddle on she was 100% better! Usually she tries to eat me but she just stood there!
During the session, she felt looser and softer on the contact quicker. Definitely more supple as well. Canter transitions were lots better and she did feel more relaxed. It wasn't a miraculous improvement as she was still a bit speedy (though lots less choppy, on the spot and llama ish than normal) and had a strop at one point but seemed lots better.
Will try again 2moro before my lesson!
My 5 year old loved it too!
 
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