Equilibrium

Do Massage Pads Benefit Horses? New Research on Stride Length, Movement & Benefits A new peer-reviewed study from Hartpury University has given us some of the clearest evidence yet on how a heated vibration massage pad can affect the way horses move. If you’ve ever wondered whether massage pads for horses really make a difference, or if it’s just something riders feel. This study looks at whether a horse massage pad can genuinely and objectively improve stride length and movement. What did the study look at? Researchers carried out a randomised, blinded, controlled study, which is considered the gold standard in scientific research. In simple terms, this means the study was designed to be as fair and unbiased as possible, so the results weren’t influenced by expectation or guesswork. Horses were split into two groups: A treatment group using the Massage Pad Heatsense A control group wearing the pad switched off Both groups followed the same routine, in the same environment. And importantly, the researchers assessing the horses didn’t know which group each horse was in - helping ensure the results were based on what actually happened, not what anyone expected to see. The study looked at two timeframes: Part A: Immediate effects after a single 30-minute session Part B: Effects after 4 weeks of consistent use (30 minutes, 6 times per week) How were the results measured? There are already plenty of product reviews from horse owners who say they can see and feel the benefits of massage pads. But this study set out to measure those effects objectively. ·       Movement was analysed using motion tracking and video analysis. ·       Pain sensitivity was measured using pressure testing. ·       Behaviour was assessed using a recognised scientific system. In other words, this wasn’t based on opinion. It was based on data. This is important when assessing whether a horse massage pad genuinely works, rather than relying on opinion alone. The results of the study: After 4 weeks of consistent use, the study found the following improvements in the treatment group, specifically in trot: +24.7CM +2.7° +2.3° +2.2° STRIDE LENGTH IN TROT   Increased hindlimb retraction (push behind) Increased hindlimb protraction (reach forward) Increased forelimb retraction (shoulder movement)   The control group showed no significant changes over the same period. These findings suggest that using a massage pad for horses can improve stride length and overall limb movement when used regularly. What do these results mean for your horse? Stride length is a key indicator of how efficiently a horse is moving. An increase of this size suggests: ·       Better use of the hindquarters ·       More propulsion and engagement ·       Greater freedom through the shoulder In practical terms, this is often associated with a horse that feels looser, more fluid, and less restricted in its movement. How long does it take for a massage pad to work on a horse? Important: this isn’t an instant effect One of the most useful takeaways from the study is how long it takes to see results. After a single session (Part A), researchers found: ·       No significant changes in pain sensitivity ·       No meaningful behavioural changes ·       No significant improvement in spinal movement This tells us something important: The benefits are cumulative, not immediate. The improvements were only seen after consistent use over time, which reflects how these products are typically used in real-world routines. What the study doesn’t claim: It’s also important to be clear about what this research does not claim about massage pads for horses. The research was carried out on healthy horses with no existing back pain, and it focused on how horses move. It is also important to note that the sample size was relatively small (N=11 for Part B), and the study looked at heat and massage working together, so it doesn’t separate which element drove the effect. However, the combined approach did result in measurable improvements with consistent use. It did not assess: Injury treatment Pain relief in clinical cases Performance under saddle So, while the results are promising, a massage pad should be seen as part of a management routine, not a replacement for veterinary care. If your horse has an existing musculoskeletal condition, always consult your vet or physiotherapist. How often should you use a massage pad for horses? The improvements were seen using a consistent routine: 30 minutes per session 6 sessions per week 4 weeks to see significant results They used the medium massage setting in the study, along with heat turned on. The pad was applied to the thoracolumbar region (across the back), before exercise or at least 4 hours after. If there’s one take-away from these results, it is that consistency was key. So, do massage pads benefit horses? Based on this independent research: Yes - when used consistently over time. The study shows that a heated vibration massage pad can: Improve stride length Enhance limb movement Support more efficient, freer motion But it’s not a quick fix. It’s a tool that works best when used regularly as part of your horse’s routine.   About the research The study was conducted by Gillian Tabor, Natalie Bennett, Corinna Crosby, Zoe Dunham, Emily Jordan and Fiona Bloom at the Equine Department, Hartpury University. Equilibrium Products Ltd provided the heated massage pads for data collection but had no role in the study design, data analysis, or preparation of the findings. Full citation: Tabor G. et al. (2026). Effects of a Heated Vibration Massage Pad on Horses: Randomized, Blinded Measures of Mechanical Nociception, Behavior, and Spinal and Limb Kinematics. International Journal of Equine Science, 5(1), 21–32. [Read the full paper at the International Journal of Equine Science →] (external link, new tab)   Ready to see the results for yourself? [Shop the Massage Pad Heatsense for horses→] (links to product page)   FAQs How long does it take for a massage pad to work on a horse? The study showed no meaningful immediate effects, but significant improvements after 4 weeks of consistent use. Do massage pads improve horse movement? Yes, the research found measurable improvements in stride length and limb movement after 4 weeks of regular use. Can massage pads help with pain in horses? This study did not find changes in pain sensitivity in healthy horses, and it was not designed to assess clinical pain conditions. How often should you use a horse massage pad? The protocol used was 30 minutes, 6 times per week, over a period of at least 4 weeks.

Why your warm-up matters just as much as your horse’s Horse riders are generally very good at thinking about their horse’s preparation — warming up slowly, managing workload, and being mindful of conditions. But one thing is often overlooked: the rider’s body. As a Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist working in both human and equine medicine, Hannah Donnelly regularly sees the impact that rider stiffness, asymmetry, and fatigue can have on a horse’s way of going. “Most of us arrive at the yard straight from work. Many riders have office-based jobs that involve long periods of sitting, which can leave hips, backs, and shoulders stiff before we even get on.” When a rider’s body isn’t prepared, it doesn’t just affect comfort - it can directly influence the horse. How rider stiffness affects your horse Research has shown that rider asymmetry and stiffness can alter a horse’s movement, including changes to stride, balance, and the range of motion through the back. Studies have demonstrated that induced rider asymmetry can significantly affect equine locomotion and thoracolumbar range of motion when ridden (MacKechnieGuire et al., 2020).  The horse may: Struggle to move evenly Find bending more difficult on one rein Compensate through different areas of the body Over time, this can place additional strain on the horse - particularly when work is increasing or conditions are more demanding. Why a rider warm-up doesn’t need to be complicated A warm-up for riders isn’t about stretching for long periods or doing anything strenuous. Instead, the aim is to: Increase circulation Gently mobilise joints Prepare commonly tight areas for movement A simple pre-ride warm-up routine Head and neck mobility Why it helps: Reduces neck tension and improves upper body suppleness, helping riders avoid holding stiffness through the reins. Arm circles Why it helps: Warms the shoulders and upper back, encouraging softer, more even contact. Thoracic twists Why it helps: Improves spinal mobility and symmetry through the torso. Hip circles Why it helps: Mobilises the hips — a key area for balance, seat, and effective leg aids. Gentle lunge positions Why it helps: Prepares the hips and thighs for time in the saddle, particularly after sitting during the day. Warming down: helping your body recover Just like horses, riders can experience delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after exercise - especially when returning to riding after a break or increasing workload. Research suggests that warming up can reduce the severity of DOMS, helping muscles cope better with exercise (Law & Herbert, 2007). A gentle cool-down after riding can help riders: Reduce post-ride stiffness Maintain mobility Feel more comfortable for the next session Simple post-ride mobility ideas Head and neck stretches Shoulder blade stretch Cat–cow back movement Gentle leg stretches These don’t need to take long - even a few minutes can help maintain mobility over time Consistency over perfection Rider preparation isn’t about being perfect or adding another time-consuming task to your routine. It’s about small, consistent habits that support your body - and in turn, your horse. “Maintaining rider mobility helps support healthy joints, balanced movement, and clearer communication with the horse.” Over time, these small decisions can make riding feel easier, more comfortable, and more consistent. A note on safety If you have any pre-existing injuries, pain, or medical conditions, always seek advice from a qualified physiotherapist or medical professional before starting new exercises. Written with contributions from:Hannah Donnelly — Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist (Human & Equine) References:  MacKechnie-Guire, R., MacKechnie-Guire, E., Fairfax, V., Fisher, M., Hargreaves, S. and Pfau, T. (2020)The effect that induced rider asymmetry has on equine locomotion and the range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine when ridden in rising trot.Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 88, 102946. Law, R.Y.W. and Herbert, R.D. (2007)Warm-up reduces delayed-onset muscle soreness but cool-down does not: a randomised controlled trial.Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 53(2), pp. 91–95.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0004-9514(07)70041-7  

How long should a warm-up take? Veterinary physiotherapists share evidence-led advice for warming up and cooling down horses safely, and some advice for you too! 

When choosing a rug for your horse, comfort is just as important as warmth. One of the key measures of comfort is water vapour permeability – essentially, how well a fabric allows moisture (sweat and natural body vapour) to pass through it. What is Water Vapour Permeability Testing? Water vapour permeability (WVP) testing measures how much water vapour can pass through a material over a set period. Results are usually expressed in grams per square metre (g/m²), showing how many grams of vapour pass through one square metre of fabric in 24 hours.A higher number means the material is more breathable, allowing moisture to escape instead of becoming trapped against the horse’s skin. A Rough Guide to Breathability While scales can vary between industries, a useful guide for equestrian textiles is: Under 500 g/m² → Low breathability (suitable for warmth but may trap moisture) 500–1000 g/m² → Moderate breathability (suitable for stable use or rugs worn at rest) 1000+ g/m² → High breathability (ideal for active use or performance wear) Where Does Our Magnetic Rug Sit on This Scale? Our Magnetic Rug scored 1166.25 g/m² in WVP testing. This places it in the high breathability range.This means it allows excellent vapour transfer making it suitable for use all year round, helping prevent trapped moisture. Find out more about the Magnetic Rug here.