Magnetic and infrared therapy rugs are often grouped together, but the technology, construction and recommended wear times are different. Here is a practical comparison of Premier Equines Magni-Teque and Nano-Tec rugs, including what riders should realistically expect from each. Magnetic Infrared Quick answer Magnetic and infrared rugs use completely different technologies. The Magni-Teque Magnetic Horse Rug uses 238 static ferrite magnets positioned across key areas of the rug and neck. The Nano-Tec Infrared Horse Rug uses mineral-containing fibres fused into its lining, designed to reflect some of the horses own emitted heat back as infrared thermal radiation. Magni-Teque has a maximum recommended wear time of four hours. Nano-Tec can be built up to around four hours for routine use and, where appropriate, up to twelve hours. Start with the purpose What is a therapy rug for horses? A therapy rug is designed to become part of a horses management routine around work and rest. Depending on the technology, it may be used before exercise, after the horse has finished work, or during a controlled period of rest. Therapy rug describes a category rather than one single method. Magnetic rugs and infrared textile rugs should not be treated as interchangeable products. Their construction is different, their use instructions are different and the claims made about them should be considered carefully. The useful question is not simply which therapy rug is better. It is which technology fits the way you manage your horse. Side by side Magnetic vs infrared therapy rugs: the key differences Both Premier Equine rugs are designed for pre- and post-exercise routines, but they achieve that through different materials and different wear guidance. Feature Magni-Teque Magnetic Nano-Tec Infrared Technology 238 static flexible ferrite magnets across rug and neck cover Mineral-containing Nano-Tec fibres fused into the fabric lining Construction Soft breathable mesh with antibacterial nylon at wither and shoulder Breathable 3D ducted sports mesh with moisture-wicking infrared lining Introduction 30 minutes to 1 hour per day during the first week 30 minutes to 1 hour per day during the first week Routine wear Typically 14 hours, built up gradually Around 4 hours after gradual introduction Maximum stated wear 4 hours per day after two weeks Up to 12 hours After exercise Only once the horse is dry, at normal temperature and resting with a regular heart rate Designed for post-exercise use with a moisture-wicking, breathable lining During exercise No No. Designed for use around exercise and during rest Always follow the current product instructions supplied with the rug. Guidance may be updated as products develop. Technology 01 How the Magni-Teque Magnetic Horse Rug is constructed The detachable neck cover adds 74 magnets to the 164 positioned within the main rug. Magni-Teque is built around individual static magnets. There are 164 magnets in the main rug and 74 in the detachable neck cover, giving 238 in total. Each is specified as a 600 Gauss high-energy flexible ferrite magnet with a 50 mm plume field zone. They are stitched into defined positions across the rug and neck rather than placed in one central panel. 238 magnetsAcross the rug and neck cover 600 GaussSpecified per flexible ferrite magnet 14 hoursTypical wear after gradual introduction 4 hoursMaximum stated daily wear The rug uses a soft breathable mesh, with antibacterial nylon lining over the wither and shoulder. A therapy rug still needs to sit comfortably and manage heat while the horse is standing at rest. View Magni-Teque Use matters as much as construction. The horse should be at rest with a regular heart rate. After exercise, wait until the horse has returned to a normal temperature and is dry. Do not use Magni-Teque on a sweaty or wet horse or during exercise. Technology 02 How the Nano-Tec Infrared Horse Rug is constructed Nano-Tec uses an infrared textile lining rather than individual magnets. Nano-Tec uses a textile-based approach. Nano nylon filaments containing minerals are fused within the fabric fibres. The fabric is designed to reflect some heat and energy emitted by the horse back towards the body as infrared thermal radiation. Nano-Tec is not an electrical blanket and it does not contain an infrared lamp. Its infrared function comes from the material itself. 3D sports meshDesigned for breathability and temperature management Moisture-wickingFor pre- and post-exercise routines 4 hoursOptimum routine use after gradual introduction Up to 12 hoursMaximum stated wear time The 3D ducted sports mesh helps regulate temperature, while the lining is breathable and moisture-wicking. The infrared technology is fused into the fabric and is designed to last for the lifetime of the product when cared for correctly. View Nano-Tec Evidence matters What does the evidence say about therapy rugs for horses? Therapy products sit in an area where rider experience, product design and scientific evidence are not always the same thing. We believe those should be kept separate. Static magnetic therapy Static magnetic products are widely used in equestrian management. However, controlled research in healthy horses has not shown a significant increase in muscle blood flow from static magnetic blankets or wraps compared with placebo controls. Infrared textile products Nano-Tecs construction can be described precisely: mineral-containing fibres are fused into the fabric and designed to reflect emitted heat as infrared radiation. Clinical effects on an individual horse should not be overstated without direct evidence. For injury, pain, swelling, lameness or persistent symptoms, product use should sit alongside veterinary assessment rather than replace it. In the routine When should you use a therapy rug? For most riders, the value of a therapy rug comes from consistency. It should have a clear place in the horses routine rather than being used randomly. Before exercise: during a calm period of rest before tacking up. After exercise: as part of a controlled post-work routine. With Magni-Teque, the horse must first be dry and back to normal temperature and heart rate. On rest or lighter-work days: where a regular management routine is already established. For horses in regular training: where the owner wants a repeatable pre- or post-exercise process. A therapy rug should never become a reason to ignore a change in the horse. New stiffness, pain, heat, swelling, altered movement or persistent symptoms deserve proper assessment. Wear time How long should a horse wear a therapy rug? Magni-Teque Magnetic Horse Rug Start with 30 minutes to one hour per day during the first week. Build gradually. Premier Equines current guidance is a maximum of four hours per day after two weeks. Nano-Tec Infrared Horse Rug Begin with 30 minutes to one hour per day during the first week. Build towards around four hours for routine use. Current product guidance states that Nano-Tec may be left on for up to twelve hours. Longer is not automatically better. Gradual introduction gives you time to observe the horse and establish whether the product fits comfortably into the management routine. Decision guide Which Premier Equine therapy rug should you choose? There is no universal winner. Choose on technology, intended wear time and how you want to use the rug. Consider Magni-Teque if You want a defined magnetic routine. It suits riders looking specifically for a static magnetic rug with magnets positioned across major areas of the body and neck, used during shorter controlled periods of rest. Consider Nano-Tec if You prefer a textile-based infrared option. It suits riders who want breathable 3D mesh, moisture-wicking construction and the flexibility of a longer stated maximum wear time. If your priority is simply drying a very sweaty horse after work, a dedicated horse cooler rug may be the more direct product category to consider. Use responsibly Safety, contraindications and when to speak to your vet Do not use either rug over open wounds. Do not use on mares in foal. Magni-Teque should not be used near pacemakers. Magni-Teque must not be used during exercise. Do not put Magni-Teque on a sweaty or wet horse after work. If symptoms persist, contact your veterinary surgeon. Therapy rugs are management products, not diagnostic tools. If a horse is injured, lame, unusually stiff, painful or showing persistent symptoms, seek veterinary advice before relying on any therapy product. Frequently asked Therapy rug FAQs Do magnetic rugs for horses actually work? Riders commonly use magnetic rugs as part of pre- and post-exercise management, but the scientific evidence for static magnets is limited. Controlled studies in healthy horses have not found a significant increase in muscle blood flow from magnetic blankets or wraps compared with placebo controls. What is the difference between a magnetic rug and an infrared rug? A magnetic rug contains physical static magnets positioned within the rug. An infrared textile rug such as Nano-Tec uses mineral-containing fibres fused into the lining and does not contain magnets or an electrical infrared source. Can you put a magnetic rug on a wet or sweaty horse? Not with the Magni-Teque Magnetic Horse Rug. After exercise, Premier Equines current instructions say the horse should have returned to a normal temperature, be dry and have a regular heart rate before the rug is used. How long can a horse wear a magnetic rug? For Magni-Teque, start with 30 minutes to one hour per day and build gradually. The current maximum stated wear time is four hours per day after two weeks. How long can a horse wear an infrared rug? For Nano-Tec, start with 30 minutes to one hour per day. Build towards around four hours for routine use. Current Premier Equine product guidance states that it may be left on for up to twelve hours. Can a horse exercise in a therapy rug? These rugs are designed around exercise and rest rather than to be worn while the horse is being ridden or worked. Magni-Teque specifically must not be used during exercise. Explore the range Choose the therapy technology that fits your horses routine. Compare Premier Equine magnetic and infrared rugs, boots and targeted therapy products. Shop Therapy Rugs Explore Horse Therapy Evidence references Edner A, Lindberg L-G, Brostrm H, Bergh A. Does a magnetic blanket induce changes in muscular blood flow, skin temperature and muscular tension in horses? Equine Veterinary Journal. PubMed. Steyn PF, Ramey DW, Kirschvink J, Uhrig J. Effect of a static magnetic field on blood flow to the metacarpus in horses. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. PubMed.