With the health and wellbeing of a horse always at the forefront of your mind, a growing number of horse owners are turning to therapy rugs and blankets to help combat annoying little niggles and stiffness that comes with hard work and advancing years. There is a growing selection of therapy horse rugs and blankets available, some made from technical materials that claim to boost circulation, or you can opt for magnetic therapy to aid muscle health and suppleness.Can a horse rug really have such a big impact on their wellbeing? There is only one way to find out by using it! Your Horses testing team has put six different therapy blankets to the test over several months to find out how effective they really are. Each rug has been tested for how well it fits, performance (whether the tester noticed any changes in their horses way of going after using the rug) and value for money. Finally, each of our testers say whether they would recommend the therapy blanket to other horse owners.Therapy rugs: whats the research?Before we get into the test, its important to talk about what research, if any, there is into therapy horse blankets. They tend to come with quite a hefty price tag, and so its important to know what youre buying into when you click the buy button. Therapy horse blankets promise many benefits, including aiding blood circulation, easing tension and supporting recovery. In fact, some of the claims are quite extraordinary. The amount of research varies from rug to rug and some have none at all. We havent looked into this as part of our testing process, so if this is important to you, do your research before you buy.Many horse owners are convinced that a therapy blanket plays a role in keeping their horse comfortable, but this is anecdotal. There are many who dont believe they make any difference. I personally swear by my Protechmasta Therapy Cooler, particularly when its cold. My ex-racehorse who is well into his teens is noticeably more comfortable when I first get on after he has been wearing it. I also find that wearing Equilibrium Magnetic Chaps help prevent filled legs and stiffness. Do I believe these items are going to prevent him being injured or help him heal from a catastrophic injury? No. Common sense needs to be applied, and finding what works (and what doesnt) in terms of therapy blankets for your horse is key.The Your Horse test: therapy rugs and blanketsProtechmasta Therapy CoolerThe Protechmasta Therapy Cooler Rug has a natural ceramic-infused lining that emits a safe form of Far Infrared radiation, also known as Biogenetic Radiation, to the horses body. It is then reflected back from the body, creating a natural black body effect. According to Harry Hall, this natural process is scientifically-proven to gently and safely assist blood circulation, helping to reduce any swelling, ease muscle tension and support recovery and help in the prevention of injury.Is it a good fit?This therapy rug is true to size and deep, giving my horse good coverage. It is cut higher over the withers compared to other rugs which means it sits up the horses neck a little, making it flexible for different shapes of horse. It fits both my Thoroughbred and my Warmblood well and, crucially, there is no pressure on the withers. This therapy blanket didnt slip when either of my horses were wearing it and the fastenings offer lots of adjustment for a good fit. 5 starsDoes it do the job?This is a smart therapy rug that I have used while travelling my horses and at competitions. It has been an effective cooler, wicking away moisture to leave my horse dry. Ive used it in all weathers for travelling and it has been great at regulating body temperature. Ive noticed a difference when my horse wears it, especially pre-work and when travelling. He arrives at an event more relaxed and also more supple at the start of his warm-up. He tends to take longer than most to warm up and start moving freely, but wearing this rug definitely reduces that time. 4.5 starsValue for money?Generally speaking, it is expensive to buy a horse therapy blanket. However, I think this is a competitive price for such a versatile rug. It has so many uses and works well as a cooler and therapy rug. 4.5 starsRRP 169 (sale price 74.95)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereEquilibrium Products Magnetic RugEquilibrium states that this rug is made from a poly-cotton twill and is breathable and soft, yet super strong. It has an anti-rub lining across the chest, shoulder and neck. A hook and loop inner lining makes attaching or moving magnets super easy and allows you to target all areas of the horse.Does it fit well?This rug is my horses usual size and it fits her well. The soft cotton material is lightweight and it follows the contours of her body. All the fastenings are good quality and easily adjustable. Theres also a removable neck cover that can be quickly attached to the rug if required. Ive found that this therapy blanket doesnt slip even when worn by my horse overnight. 5 starsDoes it do the job?One of the best things about this rug is that you can move the VITAflex magnets, which enables you to target specific areas of the horses body. There are six magnets included and these stick to the rug lining and stay securely in pace. My horse wears this rug overnight in her stable and also for travelling. Historically, she comes off the horsebox a little stiff, but Ive found that since using the Equilibrium Magnetic Rug this has reduced. My mare also seems a little more relaxed about life. I also like that you can add the neck cover and use magnets in this area too. 4.5 starsValue for money?This rug is an investment as its a high price tag, but Im impressed by the results Ive seen so it is worth the spend. 4 starsRRP 195 (US$214.50)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereBucas Therapy CoolerAccording to Bucas, the Recuptex therapy material in this rug is made from a fine, stainless steel mesh to reflect the magnetic fields created inside the horses body. This is said to stimulate blood circulation and oxygen flow, possibly aiding healing and reducing both swelling and inflammation. This therapy cooler can be worn all the time if necessary as it is not a magnetic rug, however Bucas advises you slowly increase and monitor its use, especially at first. It features a stay-dry lining that helps wick away moisture, so it can also be used after washing down. There are attachment points at the neck and rear D-rings, so the rug can be used and secured under another Bucas rug.How does it fit?This therapy rug is a great fit and true to size for my horse. The magnet fastening at the chest is a great idea and makes doing up the rug quick and effortless. 4.5 starsDoes it do the job?Ive mainly used this rug for travelling to shows to help warm up my mares muscles and then as an aid for recovery afterwards. My horse appears calmer when she wears this rug, which really helps me with my nerves as its one less thing to worry about, and it also means that I can get on with our warm-up. I didnt find that it performs as well as a cooler, but it didnt cause my mare to sweat, although the stay-dry lining doesnt always dry her off effectively. 3starsValue for money?I would definitely recommend this rug. Ive seen a positive difference in my horse when she wears it. 4.5 starsRRP 198 (US$322.95)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereLe Mieux Conductive Magno RugLe Mieux states that the inner liner of this rug contains a woven layer of steel fibres which conduct magnetic waves evenly around the lining, bringing the whole of the horses upper body within the magnetic field. The breathable 3D mesh top side releases any heat build-up, while the lightweight mesh of the lower section encourages airflow.Does it fit?This rug fits well and is a good depth. The fastenings are quick and easy to use, while the three belly straps ensure that the rug fits closely, which is necessary for maximum effect from the magnets. It takes a couple of uses for the rug to mould to the horses shape. The lining does rustle. One of my horses wasnt too sure at first, but once fastened he relaxed. 4.5 starsDoes it do the job?This rug has inner liners that contain a woven layer of steel fibres directly under powerful 2600 gauss twin magnets which are placed over the shoulder, elbow, hip, stifle and second thigh. There are also additional magnets along the spine. My horse wears this rug for travelling to competitions and for lessons. He travels well when wearing it and comes off the lorry looking relaxed. After a hard jumping lesson, or when weve been eventing, he seems to recover quickly while wearing it and he doesnt seem so stiff the following day. The only downside, despite the material being breathable, is that he gets a little warm while wearing it. 4.5 starsValue for money?This is not a cheap rug, and unaffordable for many. However, I did feel that my horse benefits from wearing it. 4 starsRRP 299.95 (US$479.95)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereWeatherbeeta Therapy-Tec Fleece Standard NeckAccording to Weatherbeeta, this rug includes ceramic fabric technology to reflect the horses own body heat. It is said to assist in recovery after exercise by reducing lactic acid build up. It is a versatile, breathable and wickable fleece cooler with ceramic lining over the horses shoulders, back and quarters for targeted therapy.Does it fit?I have been using this rug in my horses usual size and it has proved to be a great fit. The fleece material isnt very stretchy which helps it to keep its shape. Ive had no problems with it slipping, even when worn by horse for longer periods. 5 starsDoes it do the job?This is a very smart rug and I like using it for travelling. It seems to regulate my horses temperature really well. How effective it is as a therapy rug is a little difficult to judge. The manufacturer states that the ceramic fibre technology helps to prepare the muscles for exercise and assists in recovery. I cant say I noticed a huge difference in my horses way of going, but Im not sure that youre meant to? Using a rug like this is more for peace of mind that youre doing something for your horses all-round wellbeing and comfort. 4 starsValue for money?I think this a good price for a smart rug, especially if it helps the horse feel more comfortable before and after exercise. 4 starsRRP 94.99 (US$149.95)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereFelix Bhler Walker Rug Ceramic RehabAccording to Kramer, this is a therapeutic, waterproof and windproof rug with integrated ceramic fibre in the inner fleece material, which is thought to reflect body heat and promotes blood circulation. It is said to promote relaxation and rehabilitation, and is ideally suited for using on the horse walker, lunging a horse or leading them out in hand. walks or lungeing. It offers a wide range of movement thanks to the cut-out area at the front.Does it fit?This rug fits well and the cross surcingles have plenty of adjustment to ensure that it stays in place. It is cut out in front of the shoulders to allow complete freedom of movement while it still covers the horses back to keep them warm. 4.5 starsDoes it do the job?This is a versatile rug that can be used during lunging, in-hand work, or if your horse is on a walker. Ive used it on both my horses and it has kept them dry (the outer material is waterproof) and warm. It features integrated ceramic fibres in the fleece lining, which reflect body heat and promote blood circulation, helping to aid relaxation and rehabilitation. I cant say that I noticed a big difference in either of the horses who used this rug, but Im not sure if a 20-minute lungeing session or in-hand work is long enough for it to have any effect. It is very handy to use on cooler days, though. 4 starsValue for money?This is a fair price and good value. Its a particularly useful therapy blanket to own for your horse to use during the cooler months. 4 starsRRP 119Buying in the UK? Purchase hereShop for therapy horse blanketsWe havent tested the following therapy horse rugs and blankets yet, but we want to keep you fully informed, so here is a round up of several others available on the market:Back On Track Rug Mesh Mia This therapy horse blanket can be used as a cooler, stable rug, or extra layer under other rugs. It is made using Welltex ceramic infused polypropylene fabric, with a thin mesh outer layer that aids breathability.RRP 206.01Buying in the UK?Purchase hereCatago Fir-Tech Walker RugThe rug is lined with woven ceramic particles covering the major muscle groups. It aims to provide increased comfort and warming of the horses muscles, tendons and joints. The rug has a secure fit with detachable cross surcingles and extra lining on the chest, which gives improved comfort.RRP 175.95 (US$224.63)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereWeatherbeeta Therapy-Tec Fleece Combo NeckOur tester reviewed the standard neck (above), but there is also this full neck option available too. The rug aims to increase your horses muscle function and reduce the risk of injury, as well as reducing lactic acid build up in the muscles to aid with recovery after exercise or injury. Ceramic fabric is designed to reflect the horses own body heat via infrared waves, boosting the blood circulation to key muscle groups.RRP 104.99Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereRambo Ionic Stable SheetThe Rambo Ionic Stable Sheet is made from ring spun polyester with moisture management technology and Rambo Ionic Technology. The fabric is highly wicking and durable and the rug features double front closures, cross surcingles, a fillet string. According to its manufacturer, Houseware, the benefits of this therapy horse blanket are offering increased blood circulation, metabolism stimulation, increased oxygen delivery to blood cells, immune system strengthening, PH balance restoration and reduced blood pressure.RRP 75 (sale price) (US$259.95)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereSportz-vibe Horse RugThe Sportz-Vibe ZX Wireless Massage Rug from Horseware houses massage panels which are removable, allowing you to target specific areas. Across the rug and neck cover are 15 pockets for the panels to go in, with the option to treat the neck, shoulders, back, and hind quarters. The panels feature built-in batteries, with a battery life indicator.RRP 629.95Buying in the UK? Purchase hereWhen to use a therapy horse blanketA therapy horse rug can be useful for a number of different occasions. You might choose to use one when a horse is cooling down after being worked, helping to alleviate sore muscles, or it could be handy for your horse to wear a therapy rug before they are ridden, especially if they have been standing in a stable for some time or are prone to stiffness. Your horse could wear a therapy blanket when travelling in a horsebox, or as an extra layer overnight.Related articlesMagnetic therapy for horses: does it work?Does your horse really need to wear a rug when it rains?How to take care of a horseEssential tack every ridden horse needs to haveHow to tell if a horse is lameThe post Therapy horse blankets and rugs: tried and tested to find which really work appeared first on Your Horse.