Solarium - how high, how long?

[cptrayes]

I'm just fitting up some 250w infrared lamps to warm my cold backed horse before I ride. Can anyone with use of a solarium tell me how high above the horse's back the lights are used, and also for how long? I don't want to find out I've baked him to a crisp

 

[Pippin79]

We always have ours about a foot and a half above the back, as we advised by the company we bought it from. The UV lights should be on for a maximum of 15 minutes and IR lights I dont think it matters. We have UV on a 15 minute timer and then usually leave horse on for 25-30 mins in total, although 20 mins should be fine I think.

 

[cptrayes]

Thanks Pippin, I have just tested them with a suitable jumper on and found 15 inches is perfect for me, so your advice sounds spot on. I just hope to goodness it works because I am hating getting on him in the cold for the first ten minutes!!

 

[Pippin79]

Great, am sure it will work, good luck! Otherwise we also have an Equilibrium massage pad which is also great for warming muscles up prior to work so could also be worth a go if needed.

 

[cptrayes]

The signs were VERY good tonight. He loved the lights. While he clearly anticipated pain when I got on, he seemed as if surprised when it didn't arrive and relaxed VERY quickly after hunching his back, but not bucking, only two or three times. I am cautiously very optimistic. Thanks for your help.