Racing on a flat surface requires exceptional speed and stamina. Although the distances vary and the footing is of different types, the Thoroughbred breed dominates this discipline.

As speed is paramount, these animals are large with very long legs and long bodies. The race starts with a quick dash to establish position and then becomes an intense battle to cross the finish line. These factors predispose these animals to a great deal of stress upon the long muscles of the back, the musculature of the hindquarters, the neck, chest and all of the tendons and ligaments within the limbs. In additions, this intense workout leads to a lactic acid buildup within the musculature that leads to other problems within these heavily used muscles.

The goals of therapy with the Thermotex™ Infrared Therapy System appliances differ very little from other disciplines. They are:

• Increase the circulation to provide more nutrients to the muscle tissues and remove wastes such as lactic acid.
• Provide an increased flexibility so that these muscles can work with more efficiency and stamina.
• Alleviate soreness within the muscle tissue and stiffness within the joints to allow the animal to perform at its peak.

As close to post time as possible, provide a therapy session with the Thermotex™ Infrared Therapy System therapy blanket, neck appliance and leggings. This should last at least 30 minutes but can last up to one hour in duration. This allows the animal to already be warmed up before it even hits the track. Some animals exhibit nervousness the day of the race and a therapy session often has a relaxing effect upon the animal so that it can run a smart race.

Maintenance Protocols for the Thoroughbred Racehorse:

The Thermotex™ Infrared Therapy System appliances can be used in two ways to maintain a sound comfortable animal in training. Each day, the appliances can be used to warm up the athlete before any exercise begins. This allows a more flexible agile athlete that will get the most out of a training session. After a particularly hard workout or a day of long slow distance, the therapy appliances can be used to help the animal recover. This quicker recovery time maximizes the training time and allows a more efficient training program. Therapy sessions should never be less than 30 minutes and can be longer as the situation dictates.

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.