Why Every Horse Owner Should Consider It for Their Horse's Care.
As riders, we know how hard our horses work for us. I think I speak for all riders when I say “Thank you dear horses for hauling our butts around and putting up with us riding on your backs, we know, it is no easy task”
As compassionate riders, we know how hard our horses work for us. We feel them give us their all whether we’re riding in a lesson, or flying around a jumping course or set of barrels. There’s no doubt, it’s hard athletic work for them and it can definitely take its toll on their body.
Muscles, tendons, even bones all feel the strain of being ridden and can get sore and start to deteriorate over time, becoming painful. As a rider and professional equine sports therapist, I care deeply about how my horses and my clients' horses are feeling every time they're being ridden. If they’re starting to experience pain, we need to do our best to notice and help alleviate it. The first step is ALWAYS consulting with your veterinarian and then with your team of equine professionals such as farrier, equine massage therapist, chiropractor, osteopath etc. But I also always encourage horse owners to educate themselves (with the advice and help of their veterinarian) and learn how to take their horse’s care into their own hands when possible if they are able to do so. One of the most effective and safe tools I’ve found for supporting their health and well-being is Red Light Therapy.
If you’ve never heard of it—or if you’re curious about how it can benefit your horse—this post is for you. I’ll share why I’m such a big advocate for red light therapy, how I use it in my daily practice, and how anyone can incorporate it into their horse care routine to promote recovery, relieve soreness, and support overall wellness.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy (RLT) is a simple, non-invasive treatment tool that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared (NIR) light to stimulate cellular function. Many high-quality red light therapy pads (like the ones I use) combine both wavelengths, making them incredibly effective for a wide range of equine issues.
Red and NIR light emitted from LED lights, penetrate safely into the skin and deeper tissues, triggering beneficial biological processes, unlike topical treatments or medications, and promote natural healing at a cellular level.
How Does It Work In The Body?
When red and near-infrared light is absorbed by the body, it stimulates the mitochondria, which are the energy centers of cells. This process Boosts ATP production (cellular energy), speeding up repair and regeneration. For horses, this means faster healing, improved muscle recovery, and better overall performance.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Horses
Whether you’re managing an injury, supporting an aging horse, or helping a performance horse recover after training, red light therapy can be a game-changer. Here are some of the benefits your horse can feel from RLT:
Increases blood circulation- delivering more oxygen and nutrients to tissues
Reduces inflammation and swelling- making it ideal for injury recovery.
Stimulates collagen production- helping with wound healing, skin conditions, joints
Helps muscles recover faster- reducing post-workout stiffness.
Calms & relaxes Horses- reducing tension, especially in high-strung or anxious horses.
My Experience with Red Light Therapy Tools
I’ve been using the According to Gospel red light pads, along with their handheld device and full therapy kit for almost a year now in my equine therapy practice (and on my own personal horse), and I really love them! These tools are not only well-designed but also incredibly effective.
Horses are incredibly receptive to red light therapy, I’ve yet to meet a horse that doesn’t love their RLT sessions. The pads provide a gentle warmth (not heat) and stimulates an endorphin release after about 5 mins of treatment. I can always tell when they feel the warmth and endorphins hit as most horses will close their eyes or lower their heads, lick and chew and you’ll see them relax and start soaking in the benefits. It’s so nice to see them feeling good from these tools.
In my practice, I work with horses recovering from injuries, managing chronic conditions, or simply needing a little extra care after intense training or competition. Here are a few ways you can use red light therapy to make a difference:
Injury Recovery: For soft tissue injuries or muscle strains, red light therapy helps accelerate healing by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation.
Soreness and Muscle Tension: After a long ride or a competition, many horses benefit from a session to relieve tension in their back, neck, and shoulders.
Preventative Care: Even healthy horses can benefit from red light therapy. Regular sessions can help maintain flexibility, improve circulation, and prevent minor issues from becoming major ones.
How You Can Use Red Light Therapy for Your Horse
The great thing about RLT is that it is safe for anyone to use on their horse. You don’t need to be a professional to use these pads. The tools I use are easy to handle, portable, and safe for daily use. I recommend starting with the areas your horse seems most sensitive—common spots include the back, shoulders, and legs. If your horse has a known injury that you are working with your veterinarian to heal, Red Light Therapy can be a great supplemental tool to help stimulate healing.
The kit I use includes:
Pads: Great for larger areas like the back or shoulders.
Handheld Device: Perfect for targeting smaller areas or hard-to-reach spots.
If your horse has specific issues, you can tailor your sessions to focus on those areas. The beauty of red light therapy is its versatility—it can be as simple or as comprehensive as you want it to be.
These Red Light tools can also be used on on dogs! And even though these products aren't specifically made for humans..... they use the same technology and light wavelengths as human red light products... so hint hint.....you can use them on your own sore muscles after a long day of riding and working at the barn 😉 I use them ALLL the time!
Here are some ways you can incorporate RLT into your daily routine to help your horse:
🟢 Before a Ride: Warm up muscles and improve circulation before exercise.
🔴 After a Ride: Reduce soreness and aid in faster muscle recovery.
💙 On Injuries: Apply light therapy to targeted areas for faster healing.
💆♀️ For General Wellness: Use it as maintenance on a day off just to keep your horse feeling their best.
Why I Recommend Red Light Therapy to My Clients
As horse owners and riders, we’re always looking for ways to give our horses the best care possible. I’ve seen the difference it makes firsthand and think it’s a great tool for horse owners to be able to take their horse’s health into their own hands. I always recommend red light therapy to my clients and friends. It’s such a versatile and user-friendly tool, and it allows owners to extend the benefits in between professional therapy sessions. If you’re looking to care for your performance horse or simply want to provide extra TLC, these pads are a worthwhile addition to any equine care routine.
Whether you’re dealing with a specific issue or just want to support your horse’s long-term health, I highly recommend giving it a try. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about how I use it—I’d love to help you get started. Your horse will thank you for it! 🐴❤️
If you’re ready to give Red Light Therapy a try to help take care of your horse, I highly recommend the pads i’ve been using, they’ve been excellent and I can’t say enough good things about both the pads and handheld unit.
👉 Check out the Red Light Pads and handheld unit I recommend here:
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