The Standardbred breed is the foundation of harness racing. These animals are bred for speed, endurance and stamina. These animals are either trotters or pacers. The trot is exemplified by the opposite front and rear feet propelling and landing at the same time whereas, in the pace, the front and hind feet on the same side propel and land simultaneously.

Characteristically, these animals develop soreness in the hindquarters, along the musculature of the back, throughout the shoulders, neck and at the base of the skull. These animals place stress throughout their bodies due to the harness that they wear and the repetitive gait they are required to perform each day. These animals train hard, over many miles, and often race on a weekly basis. Foundation miles, before time is a factor, often number in the 1000's. It is also not unusual to train an animal two trips at speed on a Tuesday, jog Webnesday, Thursday and Friday and then race on Saturday. They will have Sunday off and jog again on Monday before the entire process is repeated.

Using the hypothetical training program outlined above, the following therapy sessions would allow a more efficient training time, a sounder and more comfortable athlete and ultimately an animal that would have an edge over others in the same race.

Monday

A therapy session of at least 30 minutes in duration before the animal is taken out to jog. This can be with any of the applicable Thermotex™ Infrared Therapy System appliances but at least with the therapy blanket.

Tuesday

A therapy session of at least 30 to 60 minutes with and of the applicable Thermotex™ Infrared Therapy System appliances before the animal is taken out to train. After training, when the animal is cooled down (evening), another therapy session is initiated for at least 30 to 45 minutes to aid in the recovery.

Wednesday

Training would call for a light jog at slow speed. The athlete is given a therapy session that lasts approximately 30 minutes before exercise.

Thursday

A pre-exercise session is given to the animal right before jogging. A second session may be beneficial in the evening if the animal is exhibiting soreness throughout the musculature.

Friday

Light training with some speed work. Again a pre-exercise therapy session is utilized before exercise with a second session later in the day if needed.

Saturday

Race Day. Before taking the animal out on the track to warm up, a therapy session is given for at least 30 minutes. The animal is then taken out to warm up for the race a little while before the actual start. Upon return to the paddock, the animal is placed in the therapy blanket and kept warm at the low setting before final preparations are made for its race.

Sunday

A therapy session may be offered to allow the animal a faster recovery from the previous day's racing.

Throughout the training program, these general principles can be applied even before the animal is training anywhere close to racing speed. Therapy sessions given on a daily basis allow a faster recovery from the rigors of training and ultimately lead to a more efficient athlete.

Because of the "over check" portion of the harness, stress is placed on the head and neck musculature. The harness can be adjusted if a problem exists, but this is typically an area of constant concern yet often overlooked by the trainer. Therapy sessions using the Thermotex™ Infrared Therapy System neck and hood appliances provide a relief of stress to these areas. Therapy sessions should last at least 30 minutes with the first 10 minutes on the high temperature setting and the remainder of the time on the low setting.

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.