It is a well known fact that infrared light therapy can be used on injuries that a horse can sustain while competing or even while just being a horse. But, did you know that is also a great way to enhance your horse’s performance? Infrared light therapy provides healthy maintenance of your equine athlete, enhancing peak performance condition, while preventing costly veterinary ailments before they arise.
Polychromatic infrared diode therapy, or light therapy, has shown itself to be beneficial in treating a vast and diverse amount of problems. Visible and infrared light have been shown to produce positive effects at a cellular level. This is how it works: The photons from the light are absorbed by the cells of the body that need it. The light therapy stimulates new capillary formation, which in turn takes much needed oxygen and nutrients to damaged cells. Collagen repairs muscles stressed and torn from work, and endorphins manage pain. Infrared light therapy increases the metabolic process which removes the waste materials and reduces swelling, while increasing the blood supply to areas that are suffering from injury or lactic acid build up after a workout. Muscles repair more rapidly and a horse can get back to work more quickly. It also increases vascularity (circulation), stimulates the production of collagen, a protein needed in the repair of damaged tissue, activates acupuncture points, relaxes muscles and relieves pain from many symptoms, including arthritis.
Keep in mind that it is important not to treat just one spot, but in fact, treat the whole horse. Work closely with your vet so that you know what minerals are deficient on the land that you are grazing your horse on. Knowing the protein and mineral content of the hay that you are feeding is also important. Too much protein can create a calcium deficiency, and if a horse is not working hard it can create all sorts of other health issues as well.
Another important point is to allow your competitive horse to be a horse whenever possible. A turnout in a large paddock or pasture every day rather than having him or her stand in a box stall is important.
Doing the same routine day after day can create stagnation in your horses mind and body. Diversify your activities as much as feasibly possible. Many riders take their top horses on trail rides and work in other disciplines just to keep the active athletic mind and body of their horse tuned up and happy.
Most of all remember that using infrared light therapy on your horse to enhance performance is like tuning the motor of a car. Your horse will run more smoothly because of it, and you will get much better performance over all.
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