Red Light Therapy for Horses: Equine Devices

Horses are elite athletes with bodies that take enormous physical stress. Tendons that absorb tonnes of force at the gallop. Joints that flex through extreme ranges of motion. Muscles that power 500 kg of body mass at speeds exceeding 60 km/h. When these structures are injured — and they frequently are — recovery can take months.

Red light therapy has become one of the most widely adopted complementary treatments in equine sports medicine. From racing yards to dressage barns, from eventing stables to veterinary hospitals, photobiomodulation is used daily on horses across the UK and beyond. This guide covers the evidence, the best devices, and practical treatment protocols for equine PBM.

The Evidence for Red Light Therapy in Horses

Tendon and Ligament Injuries

Tendon injuries are the most common cause of lost training days in performance horses. Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injuries alone account for up to 46% of limb injuries in racehorses (Ely et al., Equine Veterinary Journal, 2009).

PBM has shown consistent benefits for tendon healing in equine studies:

• Pluhar et al. (2004) demonstrated that 810 nm laser therapy improved collagen fibre alignment and tensile strength in surgically created tendon lesions in horses, resulting in stronger repair tissue compared to untreated controls.
• Petrov et al. (2005) found that PBM at 635 nm and 904 nm accelerated the early stages of tendon healing and reduced peritendinous adhesion formation.
• A 2019 review by Zielinska et al. in Animals (DOI: 10.3390/ani9121007) concluded that PBM is a “promising adjunctive treatment” for equine tendon and ligament injuries, though the authors noted that standardised protocols are needed.

The mechanism is consistent with human PBM research: red and near-infrared light stimulates fibroblast activity, increases collagen synthesis, modulates inflammation, and promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) in damaged tissue.

Wound Healing

Horses are prone to wounds — particularly lower limb wounds that heal slowly due to poor blood supply and the horse’s tendency to develop exuberant granulation tissue (“proud flesh”).

Jann et al. (2012) published a controlled study in Equine Veterinary Journal showing that PBM at 635 nm significantly accelerated wound contraction and epithelialisation in horses with experimentally created wounds. The treated group showed 45% faster healing at the 14-day mark compared to controls.

Petersen et al. (2019) found that PBM reduced the formation of exuberant granulation tissue in equine lower limb wounds — a particularly valuable finding, as proud flesh is a major clinical challenge in equine wound management.

Back Pain and Muscle Soreness

Performance horses frequently develop dorsal (back) muscle pain from saddle pressure, rider asymmetry, and repetitive exercise. PBM is increasingly used by equine physiotherapists and chiropractors for back pain management.

While controlled studies specifically on equine back pain and PBM are limited, the large body of evidence on PBM for musculoskeletal pain in humans and other species supports its use. Anecdotal reports from equine practitioners are consistently positive, with many describing visible muscle relaxation during treatment and improved resting heart rate variability.

Joint Disease

Osteoarthritis and joint inflammation affect horses at all levels of competition. Hock, fetlock, and coffin joint arthritis are among the most common performance-limiting conditions.

Kawcak et al. (2012) investigated PBM for equine joint inflammation and found reduced synovial membrane inflammation markers in treated joints. Ryan et al. (2013) reported improved lameness scores in horses with naturally occurring fetlock osteoarthritis treated with 810 nm PBM over 4 weeks.

Hoof Conditions

Some equine practitioners use PBM for:

• Laminitis — to promote blood flow to compromised laminar tissue. This is a high-stakes application where PBM should only be used under veterinary supervision.
• Navicular disease — targeting the navicular bone and associated soft tissues through the frog and heel region
• Abscess recovery — accelerating healing after drainage

Key Considerations for Equine PBM Devices

Horses present unique challenges compared to small animal or human PBM:

Size and Treatment Area

A horse’s body is vast. Treating the entire back requires covering over 1 m² of surface area. Individual tendons, while small in cross-section, are embedded beneath thick skin, fascia, and hair coat. Devices designed for human use or small animals are often impractically small for equine application.

Coat and Skin

Horse hair coats vary from 1 mm (clipped coat) to 5 cm+ (winter coat). Dark coats absorb more light at the surface, reducing transmission to deeper tissues. The skin itself is thicker than human skin, particularly on the limbs.

These factors mean equine PBM generally requires:

• Higher irradiance than human treatments
• Longer treatment times per area
• Consideration of whether to clip the treatment area
• NIR wavelengths (810–850 nm) for deep tissue work, as these penetrate better through skin and coat

Temperament and Cooperation

Most horses tolerate PBM well — many appear to relax during treatment. However, some horses are restless, particularly when treated on sensitive areas (lower limbs, head). Device design must account for the possibility of the horse moving, kicking, or stepping on equipment.

Environment

Equine PBM often takes place in a stable, field, or yard rather than a controlled clinic environment. Devices need to be robust, weather-resistant (or at least splash-proof), and portable.

Best Red Light Therapy Devices for Horses

1. Photizo Vetcare (Equine Use)

Best handheld device for targeted treatment

The same Photizo Vetcare recommended for dogs is widely used in equine practice. Its pre-programmed dosing and dual-wavelength output make it suitable for targeted treatment of equine tendons, joints, and wounds.

Specification	Detail
Wavelengths	633 nm + 850 nm
LEDs	6 × high-power
Irradiance	55 mW/cm²
Treatment area	4.5 cm² per application
Power source	Rechargeable battery
Weight	300 g
Price	£350–£450

Pros: Clinically validated dosing, portable, dual wavelength, robust construction. Widely used and trusted by equine physiotherapists in the UK. The pre-programmed dose-per-press system ensures consistency.

Cons: The 4.5 cm² treatment area is very small for equine work. Treating a full tendon injury (10–20 cm of affected tissue) requires 10–20+ individual applications. Treating the back is impractical. Limited to targeted, point-by-point treatment.

Best for: Tendon and ligament injuries, small wound areas, joint treatment. Most practical as a complement to a larger device.

2. Omega Equine Pro

Best equine-specific pad

The Omega Equine Pro is a large, flexible LED pad designed specifically for horses. It wraps around the limb or drapes over the back, providing coverage that handheld devices cannot match.

Specification	Detail
Wavelengths	660 nm + 850 nm (dual)
LEDs	360 per pad
Treatment area	45 × 30 cm
Timer	Programmable, 5–30 minutes
Power source	Rechargeable battery pack
Weight	800 g
Price	£700–£1,100

Pros: Large treatment area eliminates the point-by-point tedium of handheld devices. The flexible design wraps around limbs (ideal for tendon boots) or lies flat on the back. Battery-powered for yard use. 360 LEDs at dual wavelengths provide good coverage.

Cons: The pad must be secured in place — restless horses may dislodge it. The flexible construction is durable but not indestructible if stepped on. Battery life is adequate for 3–4 full sessions before recharging.

Best for: Tendon and ligament injuries where broad coverage is needed, back and hindquarter muscle treatment, post-exercise recovery. The most practical device for daily stable use.

3. Actinovo Equine Phototherapy Blanket

Best for full-body coverage

Actinovo produces a full-body blanket embedded with LED arrays, designed to cover the horse’s entire back, loin, and hindquarter region.

Specification	Detail
Wavelengths	660 nm + 850 nm
LEDs	1,200+
Coverage	Full back, loin, croup, hindquarters
Timer	20, 30, 40 minute presets
Power source	Mains-powered controller
Weight	3.5 kg
Price	£2,500–£4,000

Pros: Unmatched coverage area — treats the entire topline in a single session. Over 1,200 LEDs provide extensive treatment. The blanket format is familiar to horses and easy to apply. Timer presets simplify protocols. Dual wavelength.

Cons: Expensive. Mains-powered (requires a power supply in the stable — extension lead length is a consideration). Not suitable for limb treatment. The blanket must be sized correctly for the horse. Not portable beyond the stable yard.

Best for: Racing and competition yards treating multiple horses daily. Particularly valuable for back pain, sacroiliac dysfunction, and full-body recovery after hard exercise.

4. Multi Radiance ACTIVet PRO LaserStim

Best veterinary laser for equine professionals

The professional-grade ACTIVet PRO (also listed in our canine guide) is used extensively in equine veterinary practice, particularly by equine sports medicine specialists.

Specification	Detail
Technology	Super-pulsed laser (905 nm) + LED (660 nm, 850 nm, 470 nm)
Peak power	25W (super-pulsed)
Treatment area	20 cm² per application
Pre-set protocols	Equine-specific programmes
Power source	Rechargeable battery
Weight	450 g
Price	£2,500–£4,000

Pros: Four wavelengths including 905 nm super-pulsed laser for maximum penetration depth — important for reaching deep equine structures. Equine-specific protocols programmed in (categorised by body region and condition). Clinical-grade output.

Cons: Requires training for safe and effective use. The price reflects professional equipment. Handheld format means point-by-point treatment (though the 20 cm² treatment head is larger than most handheld devices).

Best for: Equine veterinary surgeons, qualified equine physiotherapists, and professional sports medicine practitioners.

5. DIY Panel Setup (Mito Red Light or Similar)

Best budget option for yards with multiple horses

Some yards mount large LED panels (designed for human use) in treatment stalls. The horse stands in front of or beside the panels during treatment.

Setup	Detail
Device	2 × Mito Red Light MitoPRO 1500 (or equivalent)
Wavelengths	660 nm + 850 nm
Combined LEDs	600
Treatment area	60 × 90 cm per panel
Total cost	£1,600–£2,400

Pros: Very large treatment area. High irradiance (100+ mW/cm² at 15 cm). Dual purpose — use on horses and humans. Cost-effective for yards treating multiple horses.

Cons: Requires a safe mounting system — panels must be secured where horses cannot knock them down, step on them, or chew the cables. Not portable. The horse must stand calmly for 10–20 minutes. No equine-specific protocols. Panel placement may not reach all body areas (ventral surfaces, medial limbs).

Best for: Budget-conscious competition yards with a dedicated treatment area and calm, well-handled horses.

Comparison Table

Device	Type	Wavelengths	Coverage	Price	Best For
Photizo Vetcare	Handheld LED	633 + 850 nm	4.5 cm²	£350–£450	Targeted tendon/joint work
Omega Equine Pro	Flexible pad	660 + 850 nm	45 × 30 cm	£700–£1,100	Limb and back treatment
Actinovo Blanket	Full-body blanket	660 + 850 nm	Full topline	£2,500–£4,000	Full-body recovery
ACTIVet PRO	Laser + LED	660/850/905/470 nm	20 cm²	£2,500–£4,000	Professional veterinary use
DIY panel setup	Wall-mounted panels	660 + 850 nm	60 × 90 cm each	£1,600–£2,400	Budget yards, multiple horses

Treatment Protocols for Horses

Tendon Injury (Acute, Days 1–14)

• Device: Photizo Vetcare or ACTIVet PRO
• Wavelength: 850 nm primary (deep tissue)
• Dose: 4–8 J/cm² per treatment point
• Application: 4–6 points along the affected tendon, medial and lateral aspects
• Frequency: Daily
• Notes: Coordinate with veterinary treatment plan. PBM complements box rest, controlled exercise, and any other prescribed therapy. Do not replace veterinary management.

Tendon Injury (Chronic/Rehabilitation, Day 14+)

• Device: Omega Equine Pro pad wrapped around the limb
• Wavelength: 660 nm + 850 nm
• Duration: 20 minutes per session
• Frequency: Daily during box rest, then 3–4 times weekly during rehabilitation
• Notes: Continue throughout the rehabilitation period (typically 6–12 months for SDFT injuries)

Back Pain / Muscle Soreness

• Device: Actinovo blanket or panel setup
• Wavelength: 660 nm + 850 nm
• Duration: 20–30 minutes
• Frequency: After exercise (within 2 hours) or daily for chronic conditions
• Notes: Combine with appropriate physiotherapy, saddle fitting review, and rider assessment

Post-Competition Recovery

• Device: Actinovo blanket (full body) + Omega pad (limbs)
• Wavelength: Dual
• Duration: 30 minutes blanket, 15 minutes per limb
• Frequency: Evening of competition day and following morning
• Notes: Part of a comprehensive recovery protocol including cooling, hydration, and nutrition

Wound Management

• Device: Photizo Vetcare or Omega pad
• Wavelength: 660 nm primary (superficial tissue)
• Dose: 1–4 J/cm²
• Frequency: Daily until wound closure, then every other day
• Notes: Clean wound before treatment. Do not use on actively infected wounds without veterinary guidance. Particularly useful for lower limb wounds prone to proud flesh.

Safety and Regulatory Considerations

Eye Safety

Horses are sensitive to bright light. When treating the head or face:

• Cover the eyes with a fly mask or soft cloth
• Never direct the light beam into the horse’s eyes
• Work from the side, not directly in front

Regulatory Status in the UK

Equine PBM devices fall under veterinary equipment regulations. Key points:

• LED-based devices are generally classified as Class I or II and can be used by trained lay people (grooms, riders, owners)
• Laser devices (Class IIIb and IV) should only be used by or under the supervision of a qualified veterinary professional or accredited equine physiotherapist
• RCVS guidelines — the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons considers PBM an act of veterinary surgery when used to treat a diagnosed condition. In practice, this means a veterinary surgeon should diagnose the condition, and treatment can then be delegated to a qualified paraprofessional (e.g., registered equine physiotherapist or veterinary nurse)
• Insurance — if you are a professional treating horses with PBM, ensure your professional indemnity insurance covers photobiomodulation. Bodies like the ACPAT (Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy) and IRVAP (Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists) can advise on appropriate coverage.

Certification and Training

For professionals using PBM on horses, relevant qualifications include:

• Certified Veterinary Physiotherapist — ACPAT Category A or B membership
• Equine Sports Massage Therapist — various accredited courses include PBM modules
• Specific PBM training — companies like Photizo, Multi Radiance, and THOR Photomedicine offer device-specific training courses
• Veterinary nursing qualifications — with additional PBM CPD

For horse owners using consumer-grade LED devices, formal training is not required but understanding basic dosing principles, contraindications, and safety protocols is essential.

The Bottom Line

Red light therapy for horses is supported by a meaningful body of veterinary research and decades of clinical practice. It is not a miracle cure — it will not fix a bowed tendon overnight or reverse advanced osteoarthritis — but it is a genuinely useful tool for accelerating healing, managing pain, and supporting recovery.

For most horse owners, the Omega Equine Pro pad (£700–£1,100) offers the best balance of coverage, portability, and effectiveness. For targeted tendon and joint work, add a Photizo Vetcare (£350–£450). Racing and competition yards treating multiple horses daily should consider the Actinovo blanket (£2,500–£4,000) or a DIY panel setup (£1,600–£2,400) for whole-body recovery.

Work with your vet, treat consistently, and track outcomes. The evidence says this works. Your horse’s improved comfort and performance will confirm it.