Three different disciplines, each with different athletic requirements, are performed over a three day period of time. These three days consist of: dressage, cross-country and stadium jumping. Therefore, these horses undergo grueling training in all three disciplines at the same time. They are required to exhibit power, endurance, courage, intelligence, agility and strength. Both the horse and rider must have a high level of fitness and competence to compete successfully within this discipline. The breeds one is likely to find in this sport are mostly Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, such as Hanoverians and Trakehners, and crosses.

During the strenuous training of these equine athletes, there isn't a single anatomical area that would not benefit from the use of infrared therapeutic heat. All of the muscle groups, tendons, ligaments and joints experience a great deal of stress that results in inflammation and soreness.

Pre-Event Warm-Up of the Eventer:

Each animal competing at this level will have its own unique preparation schedule. Several modalities and techniques will be used to ensure that these athletes perform at the highest level they are capable of. The general guidelines are as follows:

• The animal should receive a therapy session several hours before competition that should include at least 45 to 60 minutes in the therapy blanket, 30 to 45 minutes in the hood and neck appliance and 45 to 60 minutes using the leggings on both the hind and forelimbs. After this therapy session, other modalities such as massage and complete range of motion stretching should be used to prepare these athletes.
• After the first day of competition, the animal is cooled out and allowed to relax. In the evening, before the next day's event, another therapy session is beneficial to relieve any soreness and inflammation incurred on the first day.

• Several hours before the commencement of the second days event, another therapy session is conducted in the same fashion as the first. This is tailored to fit any unique requirements that the individual athlete may have.
• After the second day of competition, the animal is rested and made comfortable. Six to eight hours later, another therapy session is initiated to prepare for the third day's event. This would generally last an hour but can be increased as needed.
• Before the third day of competition, another therapy session, with all of the appliances, will allow these animals to perform at the peak of their ability.
• After the last day, it is important to treat the animal again to allow a faster recovery from the stress incurred from the last few days of competition.

Maintenance of the Eventer:

Each one of these animals is so unique that it is difficult to generalize a routine maintenance program. Daily applications of all of the Thermotex™ Infrared Therapy System appliances would be ideal before and after a training session. Often these animals are shipped great distances and compete again after only a brief rest. These situations require a more aggressive maintenance treatment protocol than those with long periods of rest between competitions. Remember, there is a large safety margin with the Thermotex™ Infrared Therapy System appliances so overheating and dehydration are not a concern. Therefore, the more applications of the equipment, the better the therapy especially when it is combined with other modalities such as massage.

These animals are subjected to so much stress and training that treatment of an injury with the Thermotex™ Infrared Therapy System appliances should only be conducted under the supervision of a veterinarian or equine physical therapist who has a unique relationship with this particular animal. In all cases an accurate diagnosis should be obtained before any treatment program is started.

There isn't a single discipline that would not benefit from therapy sessions with the Thermotex™ Infrared Therapy System appliances. Each discipline has its own unique characteristics and stresses but all can benefit from infrared heat therapy. The important fact to remember is:

These appliances provide a safe efficacious infrared heat therapy to the equine athlete. They should be used as often as practical and in as many situations as possible. They only work when they are on the horse and the only time they doen't work is when they are hanging in the tack room.