The best magnetic rugs for horses have been popular for many years now, as have massage and other therapy rugs, and the best magnetic boots, chaps and wraps. There are a range of therapeutic benefits that come with each type of rug and some combine two types of therapy. They all have a slightly different function and some require power to work, which leads to a wide range of price points. They’re all designed to be used by normal horse owners, and the best magnetic rugs for horses will come with instructions so you can be sure you’re using it correctly.
Best therapy and magnetic rugs for horses
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Bucas Therapy Cooler Rug
Type: Natural magnetic field reflection
Sizes: 5ft 6in – 7ft
RRP: £192
Made of extremely fine stainless steel mesh lining, the Bucas Therapy material reflects the magnetic fields within your horse’s body, which stimulates blood circulation and oxygen flow. This helps to reduce swelling and inflammation, so are ideal for use pre- and post-exercise. It can be used on a sweaty or wet horse as the “Stay-Dry” qualities will dry the horse, while enjoying the soothing relief of the therapeutic fabric.
This rug from Horseware incorporates ceramic minerals during the yarn extrusion process, resulting in superior far infrared emissivity that won’t wash out. This technology produces gentle radiant heat that has been shown to penetrate beneath the skin to help increase circulation, activating the body’s natural healing process.
The breathable scrim mesh outer allows for maximum airflow, while the ceramic-infused liner reflects body heat back as far infrared rays. Neck cover fixings allow for extended coverage. Neck cover sold separately. Comes with a two-year warranty. The Horseware Iconic collection also includes a stable rug and turnout rug.
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LeMieux Conductive Magno Rug
Type: Magnetic
Sizes: M or L
RRP: £299.95
This LeMieux rug has inner liners that are made with a woven layer of steel fibres that conduct magnetic waves around the lining. The 2,600 Gauss twin magnets that are strategically placed over the shoulder, elbow, hip, stifle and gaskin. The breathable 3D mesh top side releases any heat build up from the magnets, while the lightweight mesh of the lower section encourages the air flow up. The three-way adjustable belly straps ensure a close, secure fit for maximum effect.
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Veredus Magnetik Rug
Type: Magnetic
Sizes: S, M or L
RRP: £453
This breathable rug from Veredus is equipped with 32 neodymium magnets that develop a power of 2,400 Gauss each. The magnets are distributed across the shoulders, back and hind end, and are designed to stimulate circulation and prepare muscles and tendons for exercise. It is designed to be used alone or under another rug if it’s cold.
(Image credit: Harry Archer)
Protechmasta Infrared Fixed-Neck Rug
Type: Infrared
Sizes: 4ft 6in – 7ft 6in
RRP: £189
This Mastacare rug uses far infrared radiation to gently increase blood flow, remove toxins and promote healing. It can be used before work to prepare the muscles for exercise, but most importantly after work to help reduce lactic acid build up and aid the repair process. You can leave your horse to wear this rug unattended.
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Premier Equine Magni-Teque Rug
Type: Magnetic
Sizes: 5ft 6in – 7ft
RRP: £185
This mesh rug from Premier Equine has 238 600 Gauss magnets stitched into it around the main muscle groups – 164 magnets in the rug and 74 in the neck. You can gradually build up to using it for four hours a day – before exercise to help warm your horse up and after exercise to ensure they cool down slowly. It has antibacterial nylon lining at the wither and shoulders, and comes in a reusable zip-fastened storage bag to keep your tack room tidy.
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Felix Bühler Ceramic Rehab Liner and Stable Rug
Type: Ceramic fabric
Sizes: 5ft 6in – 7ft
RRP: £89.90
This therapeutic stable rug from Kramer can be used pre- and post-exercise or while your horse is resting in the stable. It has a coat-friendly lining, which reflects the horses’ own body heat in the form of infrared radiation, thus providing a comfortable climate and preventing and relieving muscle tension. The rug has a 100g polyfill, extra-high side gussets for freedom of movement, and a t-hook front closure. This rug can also be used as a regular stable rug with an elasticated surcingle and a fillet string.
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Equine Magnetix Magnetic rug and neck set
Type: Magnetic
Colours: Blue or navy
Sizes: 5ft – 7ft 3in
RRP: £343
This rug from Equine Magnetix is made from lightweight mesh material with more than 100 2,000 Gauss neodymium magnets – 80 magnets in the rug and 32 in the neck. It covers all major muscle groups and can be used for long periods of time and overnight. It can be used on its own or under another rug. You can also purchase the rug and neck cover separately.
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FMBs Combi Pro II rug
Type: Magnetic and massage
Sizes: Pony, standard or extra large
RRP: £4,400
This dual therapy rug from FMBs combines pulsed electromagnetic therapy and deep massage, which can be used simultaneously. It covers the main muscle groups and can be used daily to support performance as part of your warm up and cool down routine. It can be used as part of a rehabilitation or general maintenance program.
The rug is battery operated and incorporates 14 massage modules and 14 pulsed electromagnetic copper coils. It is operated via a control box – the magnetic field can reach 80 Gauss, while the degree of vibration massage can be chosen to offer an individual solution. Comes with a two-year warranty.
What does a magnetic rug do?
All cells in your horse’s body have electromagnetic properties, which means they can be energised by a magnetic field. When a powerful magnet is placed against the body, cellular activity is increased, which can increase the rate at which cells regenerate and repair. It can help to encourage blood flow and increases cellular activity in the body but it’s important to understand that the magnets themselves do not heal.
Magnetic therapy is reported to help…
maintain circulation
reduce muscle tension
aid recovery of muscle fatigue
improve oxygen supply to tissues
How long can you leave a magnetic rug on a horse?
Every rug is different. Some rugs require that your horse be supervised while he’s wearing it, while with others you’ll need to build up the time gradually. The best magnetic rugs for horses should come with instructions and guidance.
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Franchesca is Horse & Hound’s Products Editor. She produces all of our buying guides and gift guides, as well as organising product testing and bringing you news about the latest products to hit the market. If there’s a new launch, Franchesca is the first person to hear about it. She brings you the best deals and is passionate about arming Horse & Hound’s readers with honest, unbiased product reviews. Franchesca loves letting riders and horse owners know what products are coming out, how to make their lives easier and how to spend their money wisely.
