Using massage rugs? Do you or don't you and why...

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Do you use a massage rug on your horse before you train? If you do, what benefits have you seen? If not is it because you've not considered it, or is the financial investment putting you off? If you would like to find out why many top riders do, FMBs is happy to answer any questions you might have, plus they have rugs available to hire if you would like to try before you buy. Please post any questions you have below and FMBs will reply to you.

The top riders and trainers currently using use Activo-Med rugs include William Fox-Pitt, Zara Phillips, Nicola Wilson, Pippa and William Funnell, Ben Maher, Scott Brash, Tim Stockdale, Laura Tomlinson, Carl Hester, Paul Nichols and Clive Cox. They enjoy feeling the suppleness, flexibility and general well-being in their horses.
 
Massage pad yes, on some horses. It seems to calm my somewhat sensitive ISH a little and he's noticeably less tense once you're on. One of my old boys just seems to love it and dozes off - heat and massage I guess. But my big mare loathes it with a deadly loathing.
 
Equilibrium massage pad but not rugs. Only on some horses as well. Use it to help reduce tension in horses that hold themselves ridden and to aid relaxation mentally and looseness over the back. Financial investment puts me off though offering hiring so people can try and see if it's worth it is a great idea and if i could ever consider a massage rug i would definitely take this option.
 
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Another who has an equilibrium massage pad - bought for a horse who had kissing spine and did seem to help. Horse really seemed to enjoy having the pad on. Have thought about rug and feel it could be beneficial to other younger horse who doesn't seem to enjoy the pad so much and so would be interested in trying one before buying due to cost. Was fortunate that found the equilibrium pad at a really good price around £60 less than most saddlers seem to be selling it for.
 
I have a FMBS rug and the leg boots and I really rate it. I traded my Equissage in to help with the cost. We used it a lot a events and one horse who was particulary tense loved the magnetic part of the cycle and almost fell asleep however he seemed more alert during the massage part. I definitely think it helped their back muscles and they came out softer and warmed up quicker. We used it most at 3 day events and used the leg boots there too usually after iceing after xc and never had any problems so it's hard to know what would have happened without using them.

Sadly we're not competing as much now but still use the rug on occassions at home and when we are at events. The only downsides are that I find it bulky and heavy to carry and the elastic has stretched on the leg boots so I should really replace it. I would love to upgrade to a newer version with the neck etc but sadly can't justify the cost. My son travels round a lot as an EDT and talks to a lot of clients about it so that may generate some sales!!
 
We use an Equilibrium Massage pad before dressage at events, she loves it and falls asleep while wearing it. Since we have used it she definitely warms up quicker and with less tension.
 
We travel in magnetic rug then has the equilibrium pad on for 30 mins before we tack up and then again after we've finished. Also have an equilibrium massage mitt that we use 3 or 4 times a week.

We use t as an aid to warm up the muscles and also as a relaxant (sp?) as she loves both the rug and the mitt.
 
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Thank you for spreading the word on the effectiveness of the pulse magnetic therapy exclusive to Activo-Med products. Your comments about the leg wraps is something that is said to us often. However, some people also do try to have periods without using them just to see. In the main there is a difference with the speed the body heals. Pulse Magnetic Therapy enables the body to repair in the same way as nature intended, only quicker and with reduced strains on your horse, it is hoped that the long term benefits are also seen in long term health.
 
I have an equilibrium massage pad which I think really makes a difference but it was an expense however I would recommend to anyone !

i would consider using a massage rug because it seems like a good idea, does it massage everywhere the rug sits & or just the back area as obviously that would be a plus to the rug compared to the pad
 
Another vote for the equilibrium massage pad. My two love it and are relaxed and happy afterwards.

A massage rug sounds nice, but I suspect that they are way out of my price league. I am a leisure rider these days.

FMBs, Is there a link directly to the prices of these rugs? I had a quick nosey and couldn't find it. The price list would always be my first port of call when investigating a new product.
 
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