For your horse

Massage Mitt Hotdot Instructions

Introducing the Hotdot to your horse

We recommend before starting the below, you ensure you have read our general instructions on charging your Hotdot, the settings and when not to use it. You can find these instructions here.

Below you'll find both video and image guides on introducing the Hotdot to your horse. Generally our Equilibrium Therapy range is readily accepted by horses and ponies, with several showing signs of relaxation very quickly.

Step 1

Allow your horse to sniff the Hotdot while it is switched off.

Step 2

Stroke it gently over the body as you would when grooming.

Step 3

Turn the massage onto low and continue moving it slowly over the muscles.

Step 4

When your horse is comfortable, gradually explore the other settings or hold the Hotdot over a specific area.

Targeted Use

The Hotdot is primarily designed to be held over a specific muscular area.

Your vet, veterinary physiotherapist or suitably qualified therapist may identify areas that could benefit from targeted use between appointments.

  • Hold the Hotdot over the area for 5–10 minutes.
  • Begin with gentle contact.
  • Light pressure may be used if your horse remains comfortable.
  • Heat and massage can be combined for the ultimate session.

Do not press heavily or use the Hotdot directly over prominent bones.

All-over massage

The Hotdot can also be used for a general massage.

Move it slowly in a sweeping motion, following the direction of the coat. Work over the main muscle groups, including the:

  • Neck
  • Shoulders
  • Back
  • Hindquarters
  • Hamstrings

Spend approximately two minutes on each muscle group and repeat on both sides of the animal where appropriate.

Using heat

Heat can be used on its own or with massage. Heat alone may be particularly suitable for animals that find massage too stimulating.

For best results, concentrate the heat over a small muscular area.

The Hotdot is designed to reach approximately 42°C at the surface. Its internal sensor regulates the temperature throughout the 10-minute session.

Gentle heat may help to:

  • Support healthy circulation
  • Encourage muscle relaxation
  • Support flexibility
  • Maintain comfortable movement

Do not apply more than two consecutive heat cycles to the same area.

For a nervous horse, ask another person to stand at the horse’s head and provide reassurance. Do not restrain the horse in a way that prevents it from moving away or expressing discomfort.

Video Guides

Les bienfaits de la chaleur pour votre cheval

Certains chevaux, s'ils sont mal à l'aise ou particulièrement sensibles, peuvent trouver le massage trop stimulant. L'utilisation de la chaleur seule est un excellent outil dans ces conditions car elle est très peu invasive et est généralement bien acceptée même par les âmes les plus sensibles. La chaleur doit être concentrée sur une petite zone pour un effet optimal. Pour d'autres chevaux, c'est un excellent outil, seul ou combiné à un massage, qui apporte plusieurs avantages.

Où, quand et pourquoi utiliser la chaleur.

L’utilisation de la chaleur est généralement bien acceptée par les chevaux et les poneys, et nous savons à quel point elle peut être bénéfique en l’utilisant également sur nous-mêmes.
Il y a de nombreux facteurs à prendre en compte lors de l'utilisation de la chaleur pour nos chevaux, tels que...

Introduction au massage pour votre cheval

Le massage, qui consiste essentiellement en une manipulation des tissus mous, est connu pour aider à la prévention des blessures, à la récupération de la fatigue, à la relaxation et à l'augmentation de la mobilité. (Hemmings, 2001)