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.

Have you 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 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:

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, Behaviour, and Spinal and Limb Kinematics. International Journal of Equine Science, 5(1), 21–32