Magnetic therapy for horses has become a familiar sight in yards across the UK, with magnetic rugs, stable boots, wraps and pads widely available to horse owners. Alongside traditional magnetic products, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy, commonly known as PEMF, is also used within equine sport, rehabilitation and general horse management.

But does magnetic therapy actually work on horses, and what is the difference between a magnetic rug and a PEMF treatment?

Although the two are often grouped together under the term “magnetic therapy”, static magnetic therapy and PEMF are different technologies. There are also significant differences in the scientific evidence supporting the claims made about them.

Here we look at how magnetic therapy for horses works, why owners use it, the products available and what current research tells us about its effectiveness.

Please note: This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Magnetic and PEMF products should not be used as a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment, and Everything Horse does not make or endorse claims that these products prevent, treat or cure disease or injury. If your horse is showing signs of pain, lameness, swelling, injury or ill health, always seek advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Article contains affiliate links.

What is magnetic therapy for horses?

Magnetic therapy generally refers to the use of either static magnets or electromagnetic fields with the aim of supporting physical wellbeing or recovery. For horses, there are two main types:

Static magnetic therapy uses permanent magnets incorporated into products such as rugs, boots, wraps and pads. The magnets continuously produce a magnetic field and require no electrical power.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy (PEMF) uses an electrical current to produce a changing or pulsed electromagnetic field. PEMF equipment therefore requires a power source and may allow the frequency, intensity or duration of treatment to be adjusted.

The distinction is important because research into one form of magnetic therapy cannot automatically be applied to the other.

How It Works

How do static magnets work?

Static magnetic products contain permanent magnets positioned close to the horse’s body.

Manufacturers commonly claim that magnetic rugs and boots can support circulation, relaxation, recovery and muscle function. However, the proposed mechanisms behind many of these claims have not been conclusively demonstrated in horses.

One commonly repeated claim is that static magnets increase blood circulation beneath the magnet.

Research does not currently provide convincing evidence for this.

A randomised controlled study involving six healthy horses investigated whether commercially available magnetic wraps affected blood flow in the lower limb. After 48 hours, researchers found no significant increase in blood flow compared with control wraps.

Another randomised, blinded study investigated magnetic blankets in ten healthy horses. Researchers measured muscle blood flow, skin temperature, sensitivity to pressure and behaviour. The magnetic blanket produced no significant additional effect compared with the placebo blanket.

This does not necessarily mean that owners will never observe their horse relaxing while wearing a magnetic rug or boots. It does mean that claims about increased circulation should be treated cautiously.

How does PEMF therapy work?

PEMF is different because it produces a time-varying electromagnetic field, rather than the constant field generated by a permanent magnet.

The electromagnetic pulses interact with tissues and biological processes, and different PEMF devices use different frequencies, intensities and treatment protocols.

PEMF has been investigated for applications including pain, inflammation, tissue repair and bone healing. Veterinary research has produced some encouraging findings, but protocols vary considerably and the evidence specifically relating to horses remains limited.

A 2026 study involving horses with distal tarsal osteoarthritis, for example, found an improvement in subjective flexion-associated lameness one hour after PEMF treatment. However, objective gait asymmetry was not significantly changed and the subjective improvement was not demonstrated at one day or one week. The study involved only six horses, so larger studies are required.

This is a good example of why PEMF research needs to be interpreted carefully rather than assuming that every electromagnetic therapy has a proven clinical benefit.

Common Uses of Magnetic Therapy for Horses

Horse owners commonly use magnetic products as part of their everyday management routine, particularly around exercise, competition and periods of stable rest.

Common reasons for using magnetic therapy include:

• supporting horses before or after exercise
• general relaxation
• managing horses that feel stiff after work
• use during periods of stable rest
• supporting recovery after strenuous exercise
• incorporating magnetic products into an established rehabilitation programme
• providing additional support for older horses
• use while travelling or following competition.

It is important to distinguish between what a product is commonly used for and a clinically proven treatment effect.

A magnetic rug, for example, should not be considered a treatment for unexplained back pain. Likewise, persistent stiffness, swelling or lameness requires veterinary investigation rather than simply adding magnetic boots or a magnetic rug to the horse’s routine.

Magnetic Therapy Products for Horses

There is now a large range of magnetic horse products available, from relatively inexpensive boots to sophisticated electronic PEMF systems.

Magnetic rugs

Magnetic rugs usually contain a series of permanent magnets positioned across areas such as the horse’s back, shoulders and quarters.

They are generally designed to be worn while the horse is resting rather than during exercise.

Premier Equine Magni-Teque Magnetic Horse Rug with Neck Cover Black

Magnetic boots

Magnetic boots and wraps place static magnets around the horse’s lower limbs. They are commonly marketed for horses in regular work, older horses and horses that spend extended periods stabled.

Fit remains important. A poorly fitted magnetic boot can cause the same problems as any incorrectly fitted stable boot, including rubbing, pressure and overheating.

Premier Equine Magni-Teque Magnetic Boot Wraps Inc. Liners Black

Magnetic pads and wraps

Smaller magnetic pads allow magnets to be positioned over a more specific area of the horse.

Owners should be particularly cautious about using these products over an unexplained swelling or injury without first establishing the cause.

PEMF rugs

PEMF rugs contain coils capable of producing pulsed electromagnetic fields across larger areas of the horse’s body.

Unlike an ordinary magnetic rug, they require an electronic control unit or power source.

Veredus Magnetik Magneticotherapy Rug – Black/Blue

PEMF boots and applicators

PEMF equipment can also be designed to target specific areas rather than treating a large proportion of the horse’s body.

Professional systems may allow treatment parameters to be adjusted according to the device and intended application.

Does magnetic therapy help horses?

There isn’t a straightforward yes or no answer because “magnetic therapy” covers several different technologies.

For static magnets, the scientific evidence supporting many commonly advertised benefits is weak.

Studies in healthy horses have failed to demonstrate the frequently claimed increase in blood flow from magnetic blankets and wraps.

PEMF has a larger research base and there are areas of promising research, but this should not be interpreted as proof that every PEMF device or treatment protocol will benefit every horse.

A systematic review examining electrotherapies in horses, dogs and cats found that the available evidence was insufficient to support clinical effects for specific indications. The authors nevertheless identified PEMF as one of several therapies where promising results warranted further high-quality research.

So, magnetic products may form part of a horse’s management programme, but they should not replace veterinary diagnosis, appropriate rehabilitation or established treatment.

Does magnetotherapy actually work?

The answer depends heavily on what is meant by magnetotherapy.

If referring to static magnets, there is currently limited evidence that magnetic rugs, boots or wraps produce the physiological effects frequently claimed for them.

For example, the controlled study of magnetic blankets in healthy horses found no additional effect on muscle blood flow, skin temperature, pressure sensitivity or behaviour compared with placebo blankets.

PEMF is more complex. Research has investigated its effects on inflammation, osteoarthritis, and bone and tissue healing, but equine studies remain relatively limited, and results have not always been consistent.

An equine rehabilitation review identified a randomised trial involving 20 polo ponies with back pain in which a PEMF blanket did not produce significant differences compared with placebo treatment.

More recent studies continue to investigate the technology, meaning our understanding of PEMF in horses is still developing.

Does MagnaWave work on horses?

MagnaWave is a commercial brand of PEMF equipment, so it should be considered within the broader discussion surrounding PEMF therapy rather than static magnetic therapy.

PEMF has been researched in horses, including studies investigating osteoarthritis, lameness and physiological responses. Some findings are encouraging, but there is not currently enough high-quality equine evidence to conclude that PEMF will successfully treat every condition for which it may be marketed or used.

A 2026 study of horses with distal tarsal osteoarthritis found a short-term improvement in subjective lameness following PEMF treatment, but no corresponding improvement in objective gait asymmetry.

Owners considering MagnaWave or another PEMF system for an injured or lame horse should discuss its use with their vet and regard it as a possible complementary management tool rather than a substitute for diagnosis or veterinary treatment.

What are the disadvantages of magnetic therapy?

One of the main disadvantages is the lack of strong clinical evidence for many of the claims surrounding static magnetic products.

Other considerations include cost, particularly with electronic PEMF equipment, and the possibility of owners relying on complementary therapies when a horse actually requires veterinary investigation.

There is also considerable variation between products. Magnet strength, positioning, PEMF frequency, intensity and treatment duration can differ significantly, making it difficult to assume that research involving one product or protocol applies to another.

Another potential problem is attribution. A horse wearing a magnetic rug may appear more comfortable after exercise, but that improvement could also relate to rest, warmth, changes in workload or numerous other factors.

This is why controlled studies using placebo treatments are particularly valuable when assessing complementary therapies.

Safety and Usage Tips

Magnetic rugs and boots are generally straightforward to incorporate into horse management, but they should still be used sensibly.

Always follow the individual manufacturer’s instructions, particularly regarding treatment duration and whether a product can be left on unattended.

Check rugs, boots and wraps regularly for rubbing, excessive heat, pressure points or damage.

PEMF equipment should be operated according to the manufacturer’s recommended settings and safety guidance. Different machines can produce different electromagnetic fields, so settings from one system should not automatically be applied to another.

If your horse has persistent swelling, heat, pain, stiffness, altered performance or lameness, arrange veterinary assessment before attempting to manage the problem with magnetic products.

Owners should also seek veterinary advice before introducing PEMF during rehabilitation from a diagnosed injury or following surgery.

Most importantly, magnetic therapy should be viewed as a complementary management option, not as a replacement for veterinary diagnosis and evidence-based treatment.

Static Magnets vs PEMF: What’s the Difference?

Although both involve magnetic fields, they should not be considered interchangeable.

Static magnetic rugs and boots contain permanent magnets and generate a continuous magnetic field without electricity. They are inexpensive, widely available and simple for horse owners to use.

PEMF devices generate changing electromagnetic fields using powered coils and can operate at specific frequencies and intensities.

The research base is also different. Controlled equine studies have challenged some of the most common claims made about static magnets, particularly claims that they increase local blood flow. PEMF has produced some promising research findings, but evidence for specific clinical applications in horses remains limited.

The Bottom Line

Magnetic therapy remains popular with horse owners because products such as magnetic rugs and boots are convenient, non-invasive and easy to incorporate into everyday routines.

However, popularity should not be confused with proof of effectiveness.

Current research does not provide convincing evidence that static magnetic rugs or wraps increase blood flow in healthy horses, despite this being one of the most frequently repeated claims surrounding magnetic products.

PEMF is a separate technology with a more substantial and developing research base. Some studies have reported potentially useful effects, while others have found little or no significant difference compared with placebo treatment. A systematic review concluded that stronger clinical evidence is still required.

For horse owners, the sensible approach is to regard magnetic and PEMF products as potential additions to a wider management or rehabilitation programme rather than treatments in their own right.

Where pain, injury, swelling or lameness is involved, veterinary diagnosis should always come first.