Magnetic rugs for horses have been popular for many years now, as have massage and other therapy rugs, and the best magnetic boots, chaps and wraps. There are a range of therapeutic benefits that come with each type of rug and some combine two types of therapy. They all have a slightly different function and some require power to work, which leads to a wide range of price points. The best magnetic rugs for horses will come with instructions so you can be sure you’re using it correctly.
What does a magnetic rug do?
All cells in your horse’s body have electromagnetic properties, which means they can be energised by a magnetic field. When a powerful magnet is placed against the body, cellular activity is increased, which can increase the rate at which cells regenerate and repair. It can help to encourage blood flow and increases cellular activity in the body but it’s important to understand that the magnets themselves do not heal.
Magnetic therapy is reported to help…
- maintain circulation
- reduce muscle tension
- aid recovery of muscle fatigue
- improve oxygen supply to tissues
How long can you leave a magnetic rug on a horse?
Every rug is different. Some rugs require that your horse be supervised while he’s wearing it, while with others you’ll need to build up the time gradually. A good-quality rug should come with instructions and guidance.
Best therapy and magnetic rugs for horses
Equilibrium Magnetic Rug
Type: Magnetic | Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft | RRP: £195 |
This rugs allows you to position the six included magnets wherever you want them, with the aim of supporting mobility, aiding joint function, and promoting circulation. It’s designed for ridden horses, cold-backed horses, veterans or horses who are stiff or those on box rest or standing in for long periods of time. It has an anti-rub lining at the chest and shoulder, plus a detachable neck.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, naylors.com or gooutdoors.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Channel Quilt with Therapy-Tec Detach-A-Neck
Type: Ceramic fabric | Sizes: 5ft – 7ft 3in | RRP: £164.99 |
This therapeutic stable rug from Weatherbeeta can be used pre- and post-exercise or while your horse is resting in the stable. It has a ceramic lining over the neck, shoulders, back and hind end to reflect your horse’s own body heat back to him. It is designed to reduce the risk of injury while warming up, by preparing the muscles for exercise, and aid recovery by reducing lactic acid build up. The rug has a 600D quilted outer and 220g polyfill, traditional side gussets for natural movement; memory foam wither relief, a clip front closure, low cross surcingles and a tail string. Also available as a turnout rug or available as a fleece.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, gooutdoors.co.uk, naylors.com or sportsdirect.com
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Bucas Recuptex Therapy Rug
Type: Natural magnetic field reflection | Sizes: 5ft 6in – 7ft | RRP: £165 |
Made of extremely fine stainless steel mesh, the Bucas Recuptex material reflects the magnetic fields within your horse’s body, which stimulates blood circulation and oxygen flow. This helps to reduce swelling and inflammation, so are ideal for use pre- and post-exercise. Made to last, this rug can be machine washed up to 100 times without losing effectiveness.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Veredus Magnetik Rug
Type: Magnetic | Sizes: S, M or L | RRP: £439 |
This breathable rug from Veredus is equipped with 32 neodymium magnets that develop a power of 2,400 Gauss each. The magnets are distributed across the shoulders, back and hind end, and are designed to stimulate circulation and prepare muscles and tendons for exercise. It is designed to be used alone or under another rug if it’s cold.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
LeMieux Conductive Magno Rug
Type: Magnetic | Sizes: M or L | RRP: £284.95 |
This LeMieux rug has inner liners that are made with a woven layer of steel fibres that conduct magnetic waves around the lining. The 2,600 gauss twin magnets that are strategically placed over the shoulder, elbow, hip, stifle and gaskin. The breathable 3D mesh top side releases any heat build up from the magnets, while the lightweight mesh of the lower section encourages the air flow up. The three-way adjustable belly straps ensure a close, secure fit for maximum effect.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Protechmasta Infrared Fixed-Neck Rug
Type: Infrared | Sizes: 4ft 6in – 7ft 6in | RRP: £169 |
This Mastacare rug uses far infrared radiation to gently increase blood flow, remove toxins and promote healing. It can be used before work to prepare the muscles for exercise, but most importantly after work to help reduce lactic acid build up and aid the repair process. You can leave your horse to wear this rug unattended.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
Premier Equine Magni-Teque Rug
Type: Magnetic | Sizes: 5ft 6in – 7ft | RRP: £178 |
This mesh rug from Premier Equine has 238 600 Gauss magnets stitched into it around the main muscle groups. You can gradually build up to using it for four hours a day – before exercise to help warm your horse up and after exercise to ensure they cool down slowly. It has antibacterial nylon lining at the wither and shoulders, and comes in a reusable zip-fastened storage bag to keep your tack room tidy.
In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk
Equine Magnetix Rug
Type: Magnetic | Colours: Blue or navy | Sizes: 5ft – 7ft | RRP: £144.95 |
This rug from Equine Magnetix is made from lightweight mesh material with more than 100 2,000 Gauss neodymium magnets – 84 magnets in the rug and 32 in the neck. It covers all major muscle groups and can be used for long periods of time and overnight. It can be used on its own or under another rug. Neck sold separately.
FMBs Combi Pro II rug
Type: Magnetic and massage | Sizes: M–XL | RRP: £3,400 |
This dual therapy rug from FMBs combines pulsed electromagnetic therapy and deep massage, which can be used simultaneously. It covers the main muscle groups and can be used daily to support performance as part of your warm up and cool down routine. It can be used as part of a rehabilitation or general maintenance program.
The rug is battery operated and incorporates 14 massage modules and 14 pulsed electromagnetic copper coils. It is operated via a control box – the magnetic field can reach 80 Gauss, while the degree of vibration massage can be chosen to offer an individual solution. Comes with a two-year warranty.
BrodPod Magnetic Rug
Type: Magnetic | Sizes: 6ft 3in – 6ft 9in | RRP: £197 |
This rug from BrodPod incorporates unique, custom-designed multi-directional neodymium magnets charged with 3220 and 4025 gauss. The magnet modules cover the shoulders, back and quarters. There are no time limits for use and the magnets don’t “run out”. Presenting both north and south poles towards the body creates a pulsing effect that generates a deep and penetrating field mimicking that of electro-magnetic units, but without the need for batteries or electricity.
The rug is made from a high quality open weave polyester mesh, and features a sheepskin wither pad, leather front fastening, single surcingle and fillet string. It can be used before or after exercise, as a travel or sweat rug, or underneath another rug. It is also fully washable.
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