Show or stadium jumping requires a horse to jump over a challenging course usually in the shortest time possible with the fewest faults. A single rail or a few tenths of a second often determine the final standings within this discipline. Horses that compete successfully in the event require agility, balance, control and an incredible mount of power from the musculoskeletal system.

The application of infrared therapeutic heat is beneficial as a part of the pre-event warm-up, maintenance of peak performance and as a treatment upon a clinical disorder. Each unique situation has to be evaluated upon its own merits and addressed on an individual basis.

There are several areas of stress within these athletes that would benefit from infrared therapeutic heat. The take-off or initiation of the jump places a great deal of strain upon the flexor muscles, tendons and ligaments of the forelimb, the shoulder, chest and back. The impact even causes a tension within the neck.

Pre-event warm-up of the Jumper:

• Application of the therapy blanket for at least 30 to 45 minutes before exercise or other pre-event procedures.
• Application of the neck appliance for 30 minutes before the event.
• Application of a set of leggings to both the front and hind legs for 30 minutes before exercise.
• Following the application of infrared heat, massage or any other modality can be utilized to further prepare this horse for competition.

General maintenance of the Jumper:

• Application of the therapy blanket for at least 30 to 60 minutes on a daily basis before exercise.
• Application of the therapy blanket for a second treatment in the late afternoon or evening after a particularly hard training session.
• Application of the leggings for at least 30 minutes to both the front and hind limbs on a daily basis.

• Before any treatment regime is initiated, an accurate diagnosis of the problem is essential.
• Generalized muscle soreness responds well to several lengthy treatments in a 24 hour period. These therapy sessions should last a minimum of 30 minutes each and can continue for as long as an hour in duration.
• Most tendon and ligament injuries respond well to a therapy program consisting of alternating heat and cold treatments. This speeds the healing processes tremendously. After cold therapy is applied, wait a period of time before initiating heat treatments. Infrared heat treatments can last up to an hour in duration, several times within a 24 hour period.
• The versatility of the Thermotex™ Infrared Therapy System appliances allows the use of even a single pad upon a specific anatomical area for treatment. A single pad can be placed upon an area such as the chest and held in place by using Velcro or bandages using the infrared therapy blanket as the supporting structure.

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.