Massage Pad Heatsense Instructions

While most horses accept the Massage Pad Heatsense immediately, introducing it for the first time should be done carefully to ensure a positive experience.

Each session lasts for 30 minutes and then automatically turns off. If you don’t have 30 minutes, you can manually turn it off by holding the selected massage intensity button down until the Heatsense stops. Horses will still benefit from a shorter session.

The heat option is perfect for sensitive horses, those returning to work or help warm up muscles prior to exercise.

The Heatsense is designed to deliver and maintain a therapeutic temperature of 42 degrees for 15 minutes. For safety and to ensure the muscles are not overheated, sensors independently control the heat output in the left and right hand side of the pad depending on the horse’s temperature. This means that once it has reached the desired temperature, the Heatsense will shut down heat until it needs to increase the horse’s temperature again.

Preparing to use the Massage Pad Heatsense

When you receive your Massage Pad Heatsense, the battery will already hold some charge. You may want to top this up before its first use. A full charge can take up to 12 hours. Read more on the battery and charger further down this page.

When you are ready, you can connect the battery to your Massage Pad Heatsense by plugging in the cable found in the pocket on the right hand side of the pad.

A fully charged battery can deliver at least 10 sessions of heat and massage in normal weather conditions. In cold temperatures, this could reduce to 8 sessions. You will still be able to run massage sessions, however we’d recommend recharging your battery after 8-10 sessions to get the full heat benefit.

Introducing the Massage Pad Heatsense

It’s a good idea to have someone hold and reassure your horse when introducing the Heatsense for the first time.

Put the straps over the Pad so they aren’t in the way, then slide it gently over the horse and fit it so the pad follows the contours of your horse’s back. Adjust the straps to fit, but don’t fasten them straight away.

The heat and massage intensities can be turned on by pressing the relevant button on the control panel. To turn off, hold the same button down again. We recommend using heat and/or the low massage setting for your horses first experience with the pad.

Ensure your horse is tied up securely and do not leave them unattended while the Heatsense is in use.

Doing up the straps

If you are confident that your horse has accepted the pad, you can then fasten the chest strap followed by the belly straps.

The belly straps should cross like a rug and the centre strap goes straight across to the opposite centre strap.

Start with the straps tightened so they are sitting flush against your horse’s sides and the pad feels secure on your horse’s back. As the horse relaxes throughout their massage it is possible they will take deeper breaths and may need the straps readjusting to allow the rib cage to expand. The straps should never be overtightened.

If you find the Massage Pad Heatsense isn’t sitting flush with your horses sides, ensure the straps aren’t too tight.

FAQs

Yes, you can use it up to 3 times a day. Especially at a competition, you may wish to use it before you ride as a warm up and in-between phases or rounds. We would advise not running more than one session of heat consecutively on the same horse.

We do not advise travelling in the Massage Pad Heatsense for 2 reasons. The first is that if a horse leans on the pad against the partition this could damage the product. Secondly, to get the most benefit out of a session the horse needs to be stood at rest.

The Massage Pad Heatsense uses the same massage technology from our original Massage Pad. In our clinical trial the Massage Pad was used 6 days a week. Using it this frequently significantly increased back flexibility and relaxation. Therefore, we recommend using it at least this often to see the maximum benefits.

You can use it either before or after exercise, or both! Use before exercise as a warm up, or after exercise to aid recovery. Especially if you have worked your horse harder than usual. If using after exercise make sure the horse has completed the initial stages of recovery (i.e. their heart rate and temperature is back to normal).

You can use the Massage Pad Heatsense over a thin fleece rug to help keep your horse warm during their massage session. Alternatively, you can place a rug over the pad too if you prefer, this method is better suited if you are using the heat function so the pad is in direct contact with your horse's back.

Yes. Try to get all excess water off your horse by using a sweat scraper and/or towel drying, and then use the pad over a thin towel. We would not recommend using the heat function directly against your horse’s back if their coat is wet. If the Massage Pad Heatsense gets damp, ensure it is thoroughly dried before being stored away ready for the next use.

A fully charged battery can deliver at least 10 sessions of heat and massage in normal weather conditions. In cold temperatures, this could reduce to 8 sessions. You will still be able to run massage sessions, however we’d recommend recharging your battery after 8-10 sessions to get the full heat benefit.