Massage pads vs Magnets / back on track products ?

[GermanyJo]

I am considering getting either one of the massage pads or one of the magnetic type rugs which are on the market at the moment.. I have seen several threads on here about either the massage pads or the magnetic rugs, but would be interested to hear if people have used both and which they think had the better result (massage pad may be a bit too much money for me at the mo!

).
Plus I haven't seen anyone mentioning the back on track rugs/boots etc with the ceramic stuff in which are supposed to have been tested and be very good... any one any experience with these as well ??

 

[sillygillyhorse]

I have used both magnets and massage pads. Originally had an equissage but not keen on it, it was heavy, loud and only sat benind the withers. Currently have an Equilibrium massage pad which I think is far superior. Much lighter, covers a larger area, quieter, pulses rather than a contining pounding and best of all is a fraction of the price. One of mine is tight through the back and after wearing the equilibrium feels much softer and freerer in his work. Onlyy thing I dont like about it is the if the weather is hot they sweat under it due to the plastic it is made of, guess that is easily sorted by putting a towel on the back first.

Magnets, I have the equilibrium pad (came on free with the massager) and it is ok. One I use most is from Equimagnets and comes in a DIY kit containing 10 oval pads each with 9 magnets in, you stick the velcro into an existing rug where ever you want and away you go. Definitely seems to help, horses are very relaxed in them which cannot be a bad thing!

Not heard of the Back on Track brand so cannot help there.

 

[TayloredEq]

I would get a back on track rug over a magnetic one. They come in loads of different types eg fleece cooler/net/stable/turn out/breathable for hot weather so you would be able to use it all year round. Plus the magnetic rugs only have the magnets in certain places whereas in the back on track it is melded into the entire fabric of the rug so covers all of the horse where the rugs go.

Regarding massage I have an equissage and have really felt the difference. Yes the equillibrium is cheaper but it is also a different type of massage as Mrs. T mentions. Soem physios I have spoken to reckon that either the equissage (or cyclossage rug) are the better type of massage than the equilibrium.

If I am doing something special then I will use the equissage over the back on track rug and the way the horses come out is amazing. Plus I have found with the back on track rug if I put it on the horse at a competition between classes my horse stays loose and supple and his muscles feel lovely and pliable. Plus they also do a neck cover so you can really cover up the whole of the body.

 

[GermanyJo]

thanks for the answers , I have to admit, I am leaning towards getting one of the back on track rugs as there seems to be alot more postitive test result data on these (some tests done at one of the German universaties was quite impressive)... will have to wait until Christmas and hope OH is feeling generous before I get a equissage