Red light therapy is rapidly gaining ground in the world of equine health, and for good reason. Used for decades in human rehabilitation and sports performance, this safe, non-invasive therapy is now helping horses recover faster, perform better, and manage injuries with less stress and fewer drugs.
But how does red light therapy work for horses, and can it make a difference in performance, pain management, and healing?
In this article, I’ll share the science behind how red and near-infrared light therapy supports equine healing, the specific conditions it can help with, and what to consider when choosing a red light therapy device for your horse. I’ll also share real-world examples from my own experience with performance horses, including the story of how red light therapy helped our show jumper “Javelin” return to competition after a serious injury.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, uses therapeutic wavelengths of red and near-infrared (NIR) light to stimulate cellular repair and reduce inflammation. The two most commonly used wavelengths are:
660nm (red light) – Targets the skin and shallow tissues
830nm (near-infrared light) – Penetrates deeper into muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons
This light energy is absorbed by the mitochondria in the horse’s cells, increasing the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy cells need to function and repair. The result is faster healing, improved circulation, reduced pain, and better overall tissue health.
Why Use Red Light Therapy For Horses
Whether you’re managing a hard-working competition horse or a retired paddock pony, red light therapy offers practical benefits across all stages of equine health and performance.
Horses respond incredibly well to red light therapy. That’s because the same cellular mechanisms that support healing in humans, like increased blood flow, reduced inflammation, and improved cellular energy, are just as effective in animals.
Here are just a few reasons red light therapy is becoming a staple in equine management:
Non-invasive and stress-free
Drug-free and competition-safe
Portable, easy-to-use systems
Suitable for soft tissue, joint, and hoof-related issues
Can be used in the stable, float, or at events
What Conditions Can Red Light Therapy Help With in Horses?
Red light therapy has wide applications in equine physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Including muscle tears, strains, and tendon or ligament injuries. Red light therapy helps reduce swelling, speed up tissue repair, and improve circulation to the affected area.
Laminitis
Laminitis is one of the most painful and challenging hoof conditions in equine health, often leaving horse owners feeling helpless. Whether triggered by metabolic imbalance, diet, or mechanical stress, the consequences can be long-lasting and debilitating.
Joint Pain and Inflammation
For arthritic or older horses, red light therapy can help reduce stiffness and improve joint mobility without relying on anti-inflammatories or injections.
Wound Healing
Used post-surgically or after injury, red light therapy can support faster healing and reduce the formation of scar tissue. It promotes healthy collagen production and reduces inflammation in the surrounding tissue.
Back and Saddle-Related Discomfort
Horses in work often experience soreness through the back and lumbar region. Our high-performance pads are ideal for these larger muscle areas, helping to relax tight muscles and support performance recovery.
Poll, TMJ and Head Tension
The Equine Poll Cap, is designed to target acupuncture points across the forehead, Temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and occipital regions. This is particularly useful for head shyness, bridle sensitivity, and tension from dental or bit-related issues.
Pre and Post Performance Recovery
Used before competition, red light therapy increases blood flow and prepares muscles for work. Post-event, it reduces lactic acid build-up, soreness, and recovery time.
Discover A Range of Red Light Therapy Applications For Horses
Our Story, How Red Light Therapy Helped “Javelin”
Red light therapy became central to our work with horses after our own competition gelding, “Javelin,” suffered a lesion in his medial suspensory ligament following a bad landing during showjumping.
Instead of months on the sideline and invasive treatment, we applied the red light therapy wrap twice daily, targeting the affected area to reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue repair.
The results were exceptional. Our treating veterinarian commented on the remarkable rate of healing. Javelin returned to jumping 1.30m classes and remained sound for the rest of his career.
This hands-on experience was the catalyst for developing our Equine Red Light Therapy Kits, designed for practical, field-ready use by owners, riders, and equine therapists alike.
Is the Equine Poll Cap right for your horse?
Which Red Light Therapy Kit is Right for My Horse?
We’ve designed a range of equine-specific kits to target different needs, areas, and conditions.
Premium Equine Therapy Wrap
Ideal for legs, joints, and tendons. Features a flexible neoprene wrap and powerful red/NIR LEDs with a non-detachable battery for stability. Great for tendon rehab, swelling, or arthritic joints.
Equine Poll Cap
Strategically placed LEDs target the frontal, TMJ, and poll areas. Perfect for reducing head tension, calming nervous horses, or supporting bridle sensitivity.
High-Performance Single Pad System
Best for backs, loins, and large muscle groups. Portable and powerful, this pad is excellent for horses in work and those recovering from muscular soreness or competition.
High-Performance Dual Pad System
Provides the largest coverage, ideal for use across the full back or both legs simultaneously. Suitable for horses in intense training programs or managing multiple chronic issues.
Is Red Light Therapy Safe for Horses?
Yes. Red light therapy is completely safe and well-tolerated by horses of all ages and types. Sessions are non-invasive and do not produce heat or discomfort. Most horses find the treatment calming, and many visibly relax during sessions.
There are no known side effects, and the therapy can be safely combined with other treatments such as massage, chiropractic care, or veterinary guidance.
Always avoid using red light therapy on open wounds in the acute bleeding stage, and consult your vet if you’re unsure whether it’s appropriate for a particular injury.
How to Use Red Light Therapy with Your Horse
Red light therapy is best used consistently for ongoing issues or during recovery from injury. Each session typically last 30 minutes.
Basic protocol:
Apply directly over the injury, sore area, or target muscle group
Use daily for best results
Use pre-ride for warm-up, or post-workout for recovery
Most users see measurable results within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent application, depending on the severity of the condition.
Maintenance Sessions:
3 to 5 times a week for 30 minutes per session.
What Makes Our Kits Different?
At Red Light Therapy Kits, all our products are proudly designed and manufactured in Western Australia. Unlike mass-produced, drop-shipped units from overseas, our devices are built with the needs of Australian riders, trainers, and veterinarians in mind.
We use medical-grade LED arrays, durable neoprene wraps, and field-tested batteries to ensure every product performs under real-world conditions. Our therapy pads are tough, reliable, and built to last, not just for one event, but for years of use.
Backed by my background in exercise physiology and real-world experience with performance horses, every device is tested, refined, and supported by our local team.
Real-World Applications
My own recovery journey began after a skiing accident where I ruptured several ligaments in my knee. After consulting an orthopaedic surgeon, I committed to a non-surgical recovery protocol supported by red light therapy twice a day. Within three months, I was back in the saddle. Within a year, my knee had regained full strength and mobility.
We also successfully used our therapy wraps on our competition horse “Javelin” after a ligament injury. His recovery was so successful that the treating veterinarian called it “remarkable.”
These experiences, combined with my background in exercise physiology and rehabilitation, shaped every product we’ve developed over the last decade.
To Wrap Up
Yes, red light therapy absolutely works for horses. The science is well-established, the results are clear, and the real-world applications are growing every day. Whether you’re managing an injury, supporting performance, or helping an older horse stay comfortable, red light therapy offers a safe, effective tool that puts healing into your hands.
If you’d like help choosing the right equine kit, feel free to get in touch. We’re here to answer your questions, guide you through set-up, and help your horse feel their best, naturally.
Let red light therapy be part of your horse’s health and recovery journey.
Explore our many testimonials and video stories, browse our range or get in touch if you have further questions.