Red Light Therapy for Horses: Benefits, Best Practices & How to Use It
- Tayla Howerton
- Dec 12, 2024
- 11 min read
Updated: Jul 23
Key Takeaways
Red light therapy for horses is a form of photobiomodulation that uses specific wavelengths of red and/or near-infrared light as a complementary modality for equine wellness, recovery, and rehabilitation.
Red and near-infrared light have different properties, with red light generally optimal for more superficial tissue exposure and near-infrared wavelengths usually selected when deeper tissue penetration is desired.
The most powerful device isn't necessarily the best device. Wavelength, irradiance, treatment dose, treatment area, and practicality all matter when choosing an equine light therapy device.
Proper treatment parameters matter. Irradiance, treatment duration, and energy density work together to determine the amount of light energy delivered to the treatment area.
A clean, dry coat and proper device positioning can help optimize treatment, particularly when working with a thick or dense equine coat.
Red light therapy may be incorporated into programs supporting muscle recovery, the back and topline, tendons and ligaments, joints, and tissue healing.
Light therapy is a complementary modality—not a replacement for veterinary care. Persistent pain, lameness, swelling, or injury should be evaluated by a veterinarian to identify and address the underlying cause.
Red light therapy has become increasingly popular among horse owners, trainers, veterinarians, and equine rehabilitation professionals. From supporting muscle recovery and managing areas of soreness to complementing rehabilitation programs, light-based therapies are being incorporated into equine care in a variety of ways.
But with so many devices, wavelengths, treatment recommendations, and technical specifications available, it can be difficult to know what actually matters when choosing or using red light therapy for your horse.
How do red and near-infrared light differ? What do wavelength and irradiance mean? How close should a device be to the horse? How long should a treatment last? And how do you choose a device that is appropriate for your intended application?
This guide breaks down the basics of red light therapy for horses, explains some of the science behind photobiomodulation, and provides practical best practices for incorporating light therapy into an equine wellness or rehabilitation program.
Disclaimer: Red light therapy and photobiomodulation should be considered complementary modalities and are not intended to replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse is experiencing pain, lameness, injury, or another medical concern, consult your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment plan.
What Is Red Light Therapy for Horses?
Red light therapy is a form of light-based therapy that uses specific wavelengths of non-ionizing light to interact with biological tissues. It is often discussed within the broader field of photobiomodulation (PBM).
Photobiomodulation may involve either visible red light or invisible near-infrared (NIR) light delivered through devices such as LEDs or low-level lasers. Research into PBM has explored its potential effects on cellular processes, circulation, inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue repair.
In equine applications, red and near-infrared light therapy may be used as a complementary modality alongside veterinary care, rehabilitation, manual therapies, exercise, and other forms of supportive care.
Potential applications may include areas such as:
Muscle recovery and relaxation
Back and topline support
Tendons and ligaments
Joints
Wound and tissue healing
General rehabilitation
Supporting recovery following exercise
How Does Photobiomodulation Work?
The biological effects of photobiomodulation are thought to occur when specific wavelengths of light are absorbed by chromophores within cells, potentially influencing cellular signaling and energy production.
One of the mechanisms most often discussed in PBM research involves the mitochondria, the structures within cells responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP. Light exposure at certain wavelengths can influence mitochondrial activity and downstream cellular processes.
Research has also explored potential effects involving:
Cellular energy production
Blood flow and microcirculation
Oxidative stress
Inflammatory signaling
Cell proliferation
Tissue repair
The exact biological response depends on many factors, including wavelength, irradiance, treatment duration, energy density, tissue characteristics, and the specific condition being studied.
While research into photobiomodulation continues to grow, it is important to distinguish between potential mechanisms, results demonstrated in laboratory or animal studies, and clinical outcomes demonstrated in equine patients. Not every proposed application has the same level of evidence.
Red Light vs. Near-Infrared Light for Horses
Red and near-infrared light are both used in photobiomodulation, but they differ in wavelength and how they interact with tissue.
Red Light
Visible red light generally falls within the approximate range of 620–700 nm, although specific devices may use a narrower range.
Because red wavelengths are more strongly absorbed by superficial tissues, they are often used when targeting areas closer to the surface of the body, such as the skin and superficial fascia.
Near-Infrared Light
Near-infrared light is invisible to the human eye and generally begins around 700 nm, with many therapeutic devices using wavelengths in the approximately 800–900 nm range.
Longer wavelengths in the near-infrared range are ideal when the goal is to deliver light to deeper tissues.
It is important, however, not to think of red light as being exclusively "superficial" and near-infrared light as being exclusively "deep." Tissue penetration is affected by device output, treatment distance, and anything blocking the light (such as thick fur or tack). These factors all impact how much light is actually delivered.
Many equine light therapy devices use red light alone, while some combine red and near-infrared wavelengths to provide broader coverage across different tissue depths.
Potential Applications of Red Light Therapy for Horses
Photobiomodulation has been studied in a variety of biological and clinical applications. In horses, light therapy may be incorporated into a broader wellness, performance, or rehabilitation program.
Muscle Recovery and Relaxation
Light therapy is frequently used as part of equine post-exercise recovery routines. Depending on the individual horse and the circumstances, it may be incorporated alongside stretching, massage, appropriate exercise, and other recovery strategies.
Back and Topline
The back and topline are common areas of interest for equestrians, particularly in horses engaged in regular athletic work under saddle.
A horse's back may experience muscular tension or soreness for many reasons, including training demands, conformation, saddle fit, compensatory movement patterns, or underlying musculoskeletal conditions.
Red and near-infrared light therapy may be used as a complementary modality for supporting the muscles and tissues of the back and topline.
However, persistent or significant back pain should always be investigated to identify and address the underlying cause.
Tendons and Ligaments
Tendon and ligament injuries can require extensive rehabilitation and careful management.
Photobiomodulation has been investigated for its potential effects on tissue repair and inflammation, including in tendon-related applications. Many equine health professionals and horse owners incorporate light therapy into their rehabilitation plans for tendon and ligament injuries.
Joints
Light therapy can also be used as a complementary modality around areas affected by joint stiffness, degenerative changes, or chronic inflammation. It may be used on the horse's:
hocks and knees
stifles
fetlocks
temporalmandibular joints (TMJs)
articular facet joints of the spine
Wounds and Tissue Repair
Photobiomodulation has been studied in relation to wound healing and tissue repair. Some research suggests that specific light parameters may influence cellular activity involved in the healing process.
The use of any light therapy device around an open wound should be guided by appropriate veterinary advice and the manufacturer's instructions.
How to Choose a Red Light Therapy Device for Your Horse
Not all red light therapy devices are designed for the same purpose. When comparing products, it is useful to look beyond the marketing claims and consider the actual specifications and practical design of the device.
1. Wavelength
Look for clearly stated wavelengths.
Red and near-infrared light have different properties, and a device's wavelength(s) should be appropriate for the intended application.
If a manufacturer does not disclose the wavelengths used by a device, it can be difficult to evaluate its intended use or compare it with other products.
2. Irradiance
Irradiance describes the amount of optical power delivered to a given area, generally expressed in milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm²).
Irradiance is an important specification, but a higher number does not automatically mean a device is better.
The amount of energy delivered also depends on treatment duration.
For example, a device delivering 50 mW/cm² for one period of time will deliver a lower energy density than a device delivering 100 mW/cm² for the same amount of time.
3. Treatment Area
Consider whether you want to treat a small, targeted area or cover a larger region of the horse's body.
Targeted devices may be useful for areas such as the poll, hocks, lower limbs, or hooves. Larger therapy pads and blankets may be more practical for covering areas such as the back, topline, shoulders, or hindquarters.
4. Device Design and Fit
A technically impressive device is only useful if it can be used consistently and positioned appropriately.
Consider:
How easily it can be positioned
Whether it stays in place
Whether it is portable
Whether it requires a power source (like a portable battery)
Whether the horse tolerates it
How easy it is to clean
Practicality matters. A device that fits naturally into you and your horse's routine is more likely to be used consistently.
5. Manufacturer Transparency
When comparing devices, look for manufacturers who clearly disclose technical specifications such as:
Wavelength
Irradiance
Treatment area
LED count, when applicable
Recommended treatment parameters
Safety information & contraindications
Transparent specifications make it easier for consumers and practitioners to make informed decisions.
How to Use Red Light Therapy on Horses: Best Practices
Once you've selected a device, proper application is just as important as the device itself.
The following considerations can help you get the most consistent results from your light therapy sessions.
Prepare the Treatment Area
For light therapy to reach the intended tissue, the light must be able to travel through the horse's coat.
A thick, dense, wet, or muddy coat can interfere with the amount of light reaching the skin.
Whenever practical:
Brush away dirt, debris, and excessive dust
Make sure the coat is reasonably clean
Ensure the area is dry
You generally do not need to clip the horse for routine red light therapy unless they have a very thick winter coat.
For enhanced transmission of light, you may clean the treatment area with an alcohol wipe prior to use.
One study found that clipping the legs and wiping the area with alcohol resulted in significantly better transmission of light through the superficial flexor tendon.
Position the Device Correctly
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for positioning and distance.
Some devices are designed to be placed directly against the coat, while others may be intended to operate at a specific distance.
Consistent positioning helps ensure that the intended amount of light reaches the treatment area.
Generally, if the skin is not broken, it's ideal to make direct contact between the diodes and skin/fur of the horse. This ensures maximum penetration. If your device is an LED, this is especially important, as LED light diffuses more the further away it travels.
For sensitive skin or abrasions, it's best to position the device 1-3 inches away and avoid physical contact between the LEDs and the skin.
For wearable devices, make sure the light-emitting surface is appropriately positioned over the area being treated.
Consider the Wavelength
Different wavelengths may be used for different intended applications.
Red light is generally associated with more superficial tissue exposure, while near-infrared wavelengths are commonly selected when deeper tissue penetration is desired.
Many devices combine both red and near-infrared wavelengths.
The ideal wavelength depends on the intended application and the characteristics of the device.
Consider Irradiance, Dose, and Treatment Time
Treatment duration should not be considered separately from irradiance.
The amount of energy (the total dose) delivered to tissue depends on both the power density and the length of exposure.
More is not always better with photobiomodulation. Light therapy follows a biphasic dose response, meaning low-to-moderate doses stimulate cellular healing while overexposure inhibits benefits.
For this reason, it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommended treatment parameters rather than assuming that longer or more intense treatments will necessarily produce better results.
Pulsed vs. Continuous Light
Some light therapy devices operate continuously, while others use pulsed or modulated light.
Research into pulsed and continuous photobiomodulation has explored a variety of potential biological effects, but the optimal parameters can vary depending on the wavelength, condition, dose, and device.
Some evidence suggests that continuous light may induce an inhibitory response in some tissues, making it more ideal for inflammation and pain control, while pulsed light may be more effective at encouraging cellular repair. This may not always apply in every situation. Light therapy research is still evolving.
How Often Should Red Light Therapy Be Used on a Horse?
There is no single treatment schedule that is appropriate for every horse or every light therapy device.
Frequency may depend on factors such as:
The intended application
The device's irradiance and wavelength
Treatment duration
The area being treated
Whether the horse is being treated for general wellness or as part of rehabilitation
Veterinary or rehabilitation recommendations
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific device.
If you are using light therapy as part of a rehabilitation program, treatment frequency should be considered alongside the horse's overall workload and any other therapies.
For a starting point, most equine light therapy devices are intended to be used 3-5x a week for general maintenance. Horses in rehabilitation or intense work may benefit from daily sessions.
Red Light Therapy Before or After Exercise
Some horse owners incorporate light therapy into both pre- and post-exercise routines.
Before exercise, light therapy may be used as part of a broader preparation routine that can also include appropriate warm-up, mobility work, and stretching.
After exercise, it may be incorporated into a recovery routine alongside appropriate cooldown and recovery strategies.
Red Light Therapy Safety and Contraindications
Although red and near-infrared light therapy is generally considered non-invasive and safe, there are situations where additional caution is appropriate.
Always follow the safety instructions provided by the device manufacturer.
Consult your veterinarian before using light therapy on a horse with a diagnosed medical condition or injury, particularly when the underlying cause has not yet been fully evaluated.
Additional caution may be appropriate when treating:
Areas with suspected tumors or cancer
Pregnant mares
Areas with acute infection
Horses with photosensitivity
Horses taking medications that may increase photosensitivity
Areas where sensation is impaired
Areas of active bleeding
Some higher powered light therapy devices, specifically lasers, may necessitate eye protection.
If you are uncertain whether light therapy is appropriate for your horse, consult your veterinarian or a qualified rehabilitation professional.
Cleaning and Biosecurity
If a light therapy device is used on multiple horses, appropriate cleaning and biosecurity practices are important.
Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions and use products that are compatible with the device.
Depending on the design of the equipment, this may include:
Wiping surfaces between horses
Removing visible dirt and hair
Allowing equipment to dry appropriately
Avoiding cross-contamination between horses with infectious conditions
Wearable devices that contact multiple horses or travel between barns should receive particular attention to cleaning between uses.
At Northeast EquiWellness, we recommend that our products be cleaned with a 0.5% hydrogen peroxide veterinary disinfectant wipe to ensure biosecurity between horses and barns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is red light therapy for horses used for?
Red light therapy may be used as a complementary modality in equine wellness, performance, recovery, and rehabilitation programs. Potential applications include supporting muscle recovery, the back and topline, tendons and ligaments, joints, and tissue healing.
The appropriate application depends on the individual horse and should not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment.
What is the difference between red light and near-infrared light?
Red light is visible to the human eye and is generally associated with more superficial tissue exposure. Near-infrared light is invisible and is commonly selected when deeper tissue penetration is desired.
Some equine light therapy devices use red light only, while other devices combine both wavelengths.
Is red light therapy the same as laser therapy?
No. Although both may be used within the broader field of photobiomodulation, LED-based red light therapy and laser therapy are different technologies.
Lasers produce coherent, collimated light, while LEDs produce non-coherent light over a broader area.
The appropriate technology depends on the intended application, treatment area, and device specifications.
How do I choose the best red light therapy device for my horse?
Consider the intended treatment area, wavelength, irradiance, treatment area, treatment time, device design, and manufacturer transparency.
A targeted device may be useful for specific areas such as the poll or hock, while a larger therapy pad or blanket may be better suited to covering the back and topline.
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