Red Light Therapy vs. Laser Therapy for Horses: Which Is Right for Your Horse?
- Tayla Howerton
- Jul 9
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 11
Red light therapy blankets, cold lasers, Class IV lasers, photobiomodulation... it's easy to assume these are completely different therapies. In reality, they all work through the same basic biological process. The biggest differences are how the light is delivered, how much tissue is treated at once, and what each tool is best suited for.
Quick Answer
Neither therapy is universally better. They are different tools that excel in different situations, and many veterinarians and equine practitioners use both. Laser therapy and LED red light therapy both use photobiomodulation to support tissue repair and comfort. Laser therapy excels at delivering energy to a precise treatment area, while wearable LED devices are better suited for treating larger muscle groups and routine maintenance. The best choice depends on your horse's condition and your treatment goals.
What is Photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation (PBM) refers to the application of specific wavelengths of light, typically within the red and near-infrared spectrum, to stimulate a therapeutic biological response in living tissues.
The mechanism behind photobiomodulation involves the absorption of photons by chromophores within cells, which are light-sensitive molecules that play a central role in cellular processes. When these chromophores absorb light at the appropriate wavelengths, a series of biochemical reactions are initiated. These reactions can lead to increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, enhanced mitochondrial function, and improved cellular metabolism. As a result, cells become more efficient in repairing themselves and responding to injury or stress.
Since photobiomodulation works therapeutically at the cellular level, it can offer advantages in numerous situations commonly affecting horses. These biological effects are why photobiomodulation has been studied across a wide variety of musculoskeletal and soft tissue applications. Equine practitioners and horse owners often use light therapy to support horses with joint discomfort, soft tissue soreness or injuries, skin conditions, and circulation problems.
Red Light Therapy vs. Laser Therapy At A Glance
Red Light Therapy (LED) | Laser Therapy |
Treats large areas | Treats small, specific areas |
Hands-free | Handheld |
Excellent for routine maintenance | Excellent for targeted injuries & acute inflammation |
Lower power density | Higher power density |
Can treat multiple muscle groups simultaneously | Best for precise treatment |
When LED Therapy Makes The Most Sense
Treating large muscles and muscle groups (e.g. back soreness, neck stiffness)
Routine, everyday maintenance
For older horses with generalized stiffness
Bodywork sessions
For horses that benefit from frequent treatments
This is exactly why products like the GlowLine Core, GlowLine+ XL Blanket, and Happy Hat are designed as wearable devices. They allow large regions to be treated comfortably while the horse relaxes in the stall or cross ties.
When Laser Therapy Makes The Most Sense
Suspensory injury
Bowed tendon
Focal ligament injury
Bursitis
Scar tissue
Localized swelling
Wound edges
SI attachments
Moderate to advanced joint disease
When I need to concentrate more energy into a small treatment area, I reach for a handheld laser such as the TheraLine. Often, during a session, I will notice stiffness or soreness in a specific area that doesn't completely resolve with massage. Laser therapy helps to provide more focused treatment.
Can You Use Both Together?
Yes, you can absolutely use both red light therapy (LED) and laser therapy together because they are different delivery methods of the same general modality: photobiomodulation.
Wearable LED devices are designed to cover larger areas, making them useful for supporting broad regions like the topline, back, pelvis, or large muscle groups. Laser therapy delivers a concentrated beam of light to a smaller treatment area, making it more useful when targeting a specific structure, injury site, or area of localized soreness or tension.
Because of these differences, many horse owners and equine practitioners use them as complementary tools rather than choosing one over the other.
For example:
A horse with general topline tension may benefit from a GlowLine therapy pad or blanket to support larger areas of muscle and connective tissue, while a laser is used on localized trigger points.
A horse recovering from a localized soft tissue injury may benefit from the precision of laser therapy while also using broader LED treatments to support surrounding tissues.
Using both does not necessarily mean "doubling" the effect or that every horse requires multiple devices. The most appropriate approach depends on the horse, the tissues involved, the goals of treatment, and the overall management plan.
At Northeast EquiWellness, we view LED therapy and laser therapy as different tools in the same toolbox. The right choice is the one that best matches your horse's needs and how you realistically plan to use it.
Which One Should You Buy First?
If you're a horse owner...
Start with wearable LED therapy if:
your horse has diffuse muscle soreness
you want routine maintenance
you prefer hands-free treatment
multiple people will use the device
If you're an equine health professional or bodyworker...
A laser may become your most versatile tool because you can:
work around tendons
follow myofascial chains
address localized injuries
include laser as a new modality in your toolkit
If your budget allows both, they complement one another exceptionally well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is laser therapy stronger than red light therapy?
Not necessarily. Laser therapy delivers a concentrated beam of light to a small treatment area, allowing higher energy density and greater precision. Wearable LED red light therapy devices spread light over a much larger area, making them better suited for treating broad muscle groups and routine maintenance. Neither is inherently better; they simply serve different purposes.
Can red light therapy reach muscles in horses?
Yes, when appropriate wavelengths and sufficient irradiance are used. Near-infrared light (typically around 850nm) penetrates more deeply than visible red light and can reach underlying muscle and connective tissue. Factors such as coat thickness, dirt/debris, and the device's power output all influence how much light reaches the target tissue.
Can my horse receive red light therapy every day?
In many cases, yes. Red light therapy is often used daily during the early stages of recovery or as part of a rehabilitation program, then reduced to a maintenance schedule as the horse improves. Follow the manufacturer's treatment guidelines and consult your veterinarian when treating a diagnosed injury or medical condition.
Is laser therapy safe for horses?
When used correctly, laser therapy is generally considered safe and well tolerated by horses. Appropriate eye protection should always be worn by anyone present during treatment, and the laser should be operated according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some lasers produce a small amount of heat, so skin temperature should be monitored regularly during treatment. As with any therapeutic modality, laser therapy should be used as part of an overall veterinary care and management plan rather than as a replacement for professional diagnosis or treatment.
Do I have to clip my horse for light or laser therapy?
In most situations, clipping is unnecessary. Red and near-infrared light can pass through a typical horse's coat, although thick or dark hair might reduce the light reaching the tissues. For horses with very dense and wooly winter coats, clipping the treatment area can greatly enhance light penetration and help maximize the effectiveness of each session. If clipping isn't feasible, extending the treatment time may help offset some of the light lost through the coat, but clipping is generally the preferred approach when dealing with a heavy winter coat.
What wavelength should I use?
There is no single best wavelength for every situation. Red light (around 660nm) is best suited for superficial tissues and supporting circulation near the skin, while near-infrared light (around 850nm) penetrates more deeply into muscles and connective tissues. For this reason, many modern equine photobiomodulation devices combine both wavelengths to provide support for tissues at multiple depths.
Looking for an Equine Light Therapy Device?
Final Thoughts
Not every horse owner needs every therapy device. The best tool is the one that matches your horse's needs, your budget, and how you'll realistically use it. Whether that's a wearable LED device, a handheld laser, or a combination of both, understanding the strengths of each helps you make an informed decision.
This article was written by Tayla Howerton, ESMT, owner of Northeast EquiWellness. Tayla has laid hands on hundreds of horses throughout New Jersey and the Hudson Valley, with experience working with horses and riders of every discipline and level -- from Grand Prix jumpers, to pasture pets, FEI dressage horses, barrel racers, miniatures, and everything in between! She has a passion for educating owners on evidence-based equine sports therapy modalities.
References and Further Reading
Zielińska, Paulina, et al. “Effects of High Intensity Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Tendon and Ligament Injuries in Performance Horses.” Animals, vol. 10, no. 8, MDPI AG, July 2020, p. 1327, https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10081327.
Pluim, Mathilde, et al. “High-Power Laser Therapy Improves Healing of the Equine Suspensory Branch in a Standardized Lesion Model.” Frontiers in Veterinary Science, vol. 7, Frontiers Media SA, Sept. 2020, https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00600.
Jann, Henry W, et al. “Equine Wound Healing: Influence of Low Level Laser Therapy on an Equine Metacarpal Wound Healing Model.” Photonics and Lasers in Medicine, vol. 1, no. 2, De Gruyter Brill, Jan. 2012, https://doi.org/10.1515/plm-2012-0004.
de Freitas, Lucas Freitas, and Michael R Hamblin. “Proposed Mechanisms of Photobiomodulation or Low-Level Light Therapy.” IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, vol. 22, no. 3, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), May 2016, pp. 348–64, https://doi.org/10.1109/jstqe.2016.2561201.