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

The Benefits of Heat for Your Horse

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.

Where, When and Why Heat Should be Used.

The use of heat is usually accepted well by horses and ponies, and we know how beneficial it can be from using it on ourselves too.
There are many factors to consider when using heat for our horses, such as...

Introduction to Massage for Your Horse

Massage, essentially the manipulation of soft tissues, has been noted to aid the prevention of injury, recovery from fatigue, relaxation and increasing mobility. (Hemmings, 2001)