Some horses, if in discomfort or particularly sensitive, may find massage over stimulating. Using heat on its own is a great tool in these conditions as it is very non invasive, and is usually accepted well by even the most sensitive of souls. Heat should be concentrated on a small area for best effect. For other horses, its a great tool either on its own or combined with massage that reaps several benefits.
Lets explore them!
The Benefits of Heat.
Heat can help to:
- Support healthy muscles and soft tissue.
- Warm up muscles or joints before exercise.
- Maintain lymphatic function.
- Increase metabolic and nerve activity.
But what does this mean? In essence, heat can help our horses feeling good and promotes healthy muscles, so that they can perform at their best. Not only that, but it gives some of that necessary R&R time that we all need.
Which Horses can Benefit from Heat?
In short - any horse! But here's a few specifics:
- Older horses.
- Horses that are slow to warm up.
- Young horses who are learning new things.
- Horses undergoing retraining and recruiting new muscles.
- Those returning to work after a period of rest.
- Horses working hard and/or competing.
- For any horse or pony to enjoy!
How to Deliver EFFECTIVE Heat for Your Horse.
Providing heat is one thing, but providing reliable, repeatable and safe heat that is effective is another!
To have an effect it is thought the tissue temperature needs to increase by at least 3 to 5°C from the resting temperature (Bockstahler et al, 2004). Our solution to this is a handy, battery operated product. The Massage Mitt Hotspot has been tested and is achieving an average of 8.7°C increase to skin temperature whilst still remaining well within the safe limits.
Comparing it to other alternatives currently used for horses, we look at the various challenges associated with these and how the Hotspot can help.
Comparing traditional heat methods to the Massage Pad Heatsense and Massage Mitt Hotspot
| Negatives of Hot Water Bottle/Wheat Bag | Positives of Massage Pad Heatsense & Massage Mitt Hotspot |
| Unpredictable temperatures. | Set to a specific target temperature with a cut off to prevent overheating. |
| Starts very hot – can be a shock to the skin. | Starts at ambient temperature and gradually increases to pre-determined maximum temperature. |
| Starts to cool down quickly. | Set to maintain correct temperature. |
| A lot of heat lost to the atmosphere. | Insulated to help reduce heat loss. |
| Need access to hot water/microwave. | Battery operated to deliver numerous sessions. |
| Covers need to be washed – not straightforward with a wheat bag. | Easy to wipe clean - and you could even use the Hotspot on yourself! |
A Closer Look at the Massage Mitt Hotspot
Offering comforting heat and massage options, the Hotspot soothes and relaxes your horses hardworking muscles.
The choice is yours – pick from heat and 2 different types of massage.
Tailor the massage with 3 different strengths.
Fits into your daily routine with a 10-minute programme.
There’s no muscle you can’t reach.
Battery operated to take it with you wherever you go.
