Magnetic therapy is an ever-growing industry worth an estimated $1b each year, and has particularly gathered support within the equine community over the past few years.
From magnetic horse boots to magnetic horse rugs, there are a variety of options available to horse owners. In this article we investigate some of the differing kinds of magnetic technologies used within the equine 'magnetic therapy' market and highlight some of their key differences, whilst debunking myths around traditional neodymium magnetic devices.
Equine Therapy Accessories
Equine therapy accessories are specialised products designed to support the health, comfort, and performance of horses by delivering targeted therapeutic benefits. These accessories include items such as magnetic bands, compression wraps, therapeutic boots, cooling boots or warming infra-red leg supports, massage devices, and vibration-based equipment. Many are developed to aid circulation, support joint and tendon health, reduce inflammation, assist recovery after exercise, and promote overall wellbeing. In this article we investigate the "magnetic therapy" industry.
The Magnetic Therapy Industry
Not so long ago, magnetic therapy in it's entirety was shunned by mainstream medicine, dismissed as ineffective and, even worse, condemned as 'quackery' or 'snake oil'. As scientists discover new techniques and how to apply science, this is set to change, including a greater understanding of quantum physics and how every molecule in existence reacts naturally to magnetic fields.
There are a plethora of different magnetic products developed for use on horses, the most commonly used are 'magnetic boots' or 'magnetic leg wraps'. As many commonly found equine health conditions directly relate to the horses legs; this is of no surprise.
Manufacturers in this sector appear to have limited understanding of the science behind 'magnetic therapy' and simply fit low-cost magnets into their horse boot design. In our opinion, this is the reason that 'magnetic therapy' has such a mixed reputation within the equine community. Why do none of these established manufacturers share any study or trial data and why have they never pursued full clinical publication? Why do they also make claims already debunked by science.
✔ Repair when something goes wrong.
✔ Prevent problems before they occur.
✔ Perfect their daily routines.
Magnetic Device Claims
Manufacturers claim that magnetic therapy (traditionally involving the use of static magnets) influence physiological processes within the body. Their primary goal is to improve blood circulation, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote healing.
In horses, this therapy is applied through various magnetic devices, with 'magnetic boots' being a prevalent option.
Magnetic Boots for Horses: Enhancing Equine Health and Performance using Magnets
Our daily approach to equine care involves maintaining our beloved horses health on a continuous and ongoing basis. Spotting equine lameness early can be key to avoiding long term and serious issues.
As equestrians look to support their horses using a holistic approach, magnetic boots have emerged as a popular choice among horse owners and trainers.
The term "Magnetic boots" is rather vague; so in this article we look at the variety of products on the market and how they should (and should not!) be used on your horse.
Types of Magnetic Boots for Horses
Several types of 'magnetic boots' are available, each designed to target specific areas. Let's take a closer look:
1. Magnetic Tendon Boots
Designed to cover the horse's shins and tendons, 'Magnetic Tendon Boots' apply magnetic fields to areas prone to stress and injury - in this case, the horses tendons in their legs. Many magnetic tendon boots are constructed with durable nylon and a soft cotton lining, featuring strategically placed neodymium magnets positioned over the tendons and shins of the horse.
Most magnetic tendon boots are suitable for use on both the front and hind legs and provide localised effects to the horse. Many of these products use extremely low cost magnets.
2. Magnetic Hock Boots
"Magnetic Hock Boots" focus on the hock joint (the hind legs), an area highly susceptible to arthritis and other leg issues. As with Magnetic tendon boots, The majority of "Magnetic Hock Boots" incorporate a number of "powerful" magnets embedded within a unique inner- no different to above but specifically developed to be on the hind/back legs and target the hocks. This design is said to distribute a series of magnetic fields into the hock joint and marketed at aiding a reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
3. Magnetic Bell Boots
"Magnetic bell boots" are marketed to apply magnetic therapy to the hoof area, potentially benefiting horses with hoof-related issues. Many manufacturers offers magnetic bell boots that contain a number of magnets per boot, designed for therapeutic use to aid in the treatment of conditions affecting the hooves of a horse. These boots are often constructed from durable materials due to the nature of wear they are placed and are intended for use during rest periods rather than active work; as they'll fall off or get too muddy if used in turnout.
4. Magnetic Horse Wraps
Due to the nature of so many injuries in the equine world relating to the horses legs; "wraps" or "bands" are often used to describe the product which wraps around the horses legs. These traditional-approached technologies contain the same technology as above - but stitched into equine products which wrap around the legs.
Types of Magnets used in Horse Boots
1. Neodymium Magnets used in Magnetic Products
Neodymium magnets are rare-earth magnets that and are widely used in magnetic horse boots and by the majority of horse boot manufacturers and are non-propriatory.
Manufacturers claim that neodymium magnets "generate a powerful magnetic field that penetrates into the horses muscles and tissues, helping to stimulate localised blood flow and thus impacting health." As we discuss above - this is factually incorrect.
Neodymium magnets are often positioned against pressure points in the horses body.
Neodymium magnets are by far the 'strongest' static magnets available in science and have shown to avoid demagnetisation better than other magnetic materials, with this, many magnetic therapy manufacturers are attracted (excuse the pun) to using neodymium magnetics in their therapeutic devices. The majority of 'premium' manufacturers openly use Neodymium magnets in their products.
Neodymium magnets create a static and consistent magnetic field and are incredibly low cost to manufacturer. They are used in a huge variety of products including magnetic toys, fridge magnets, the motor industry, latches and fasteners for doors and cupboards and most commonly for use in electronics in things like speakers and microphones. They were not developed for health purposes.
600 Gauss neodymium magnets (as seen in the majority of magnetic horse boots and rugs) can be purchased online - direct from manufacturers across the globe - for very low cost! The most popular 'magnetic therapy boots' on the market use these magnets, some with 6 or 12 stitched into their products.
They are "powerful", stick them to your fridge door and you'll see - but 'developed for therapeutic purposes' they are not.
This really indicates the vast difference in technologies between StreamZ bio-resonance therapy and traditional low cost magnetic devices.
2. Ceramic (Ferrite) or Rubber Magnets used in Magnetic Products
There are then Ceramic magnets and Flexible/rubber magnets which historically hold less charge and are often overlooked by magnetic therapy companies in the equine industry as they are normally heavier than neodymium magnets.
Many magnetic horse rugs will use ceramic rubber pads which are magnetised. These, like neodymium magnets, are widely available within therapeutic products and are extremely low cost to manufacturer.
Rubber magnets, often used in fridge magnets or toys, contain a mix of rubber and ferrite which produce a static magnetic field.
NOTE: Some ceramic therapy products are now seen within the pet community. These are different to ceramic magnets; instead they have woven ceramic within the material itself which is developed to reflect heat - ideal for when you are looking to increase heat within the horses leg.
3. Bio-Resonance Silicone Magnets (New)
Advancements in quantum physics has seen birth of the worlds-first fully siliconised magnet, a material manufactured using a mix of natural silicones and ferrites which are then subjected to an electromagnetic field.
Bio-resonance Magnetism - or Advanced Magnetism - works on the principles of resonance and how every molecule reacts to magnetic fields. Bio-resonance magnetism is not measure in gauss, it creates a series of 360º magnetic fields which produce an entirely non-invasive form of magnetism to the horse which results in no thermal increase and an effect throughout the living system (not just localised areas).
resonance therapy has gathered substantial credibility in the past few years due to it's unrivalled results on many horse related conditions, across many disciplines - and are widely used and endorsed by leading vets and therapists, endorsements by top equine professionals and equine influencers.
Fact Checking/Debunking Magnetic Device Claims
This section evaluates the claims made about magnetic devices, comparing them with scientific evidence and reliable research. There is a lot of nonsense out there!
"Magnets improve blood flow"
That is factually incorrect; there remains no clinical evidence which provides evidence that magnets increase blood flow. With ultrasound and other diagnosis technologies available, this would be very easy to run and provide unequivocal evidence for.
So, claims that standard magnets improve blood flow are not supported by scientific evidence.
"The iron in our blood is attracted to magnets"
That is also factually incorrect.
Now, the physics behind magnetism can feel a little daunting, but here’s the key idea: haemoglobin — the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen — contains four iron atoms. Each iron atom can bind with an oxygen molecule, and that bond changes the iron’s electronic state.
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Arterial blood (bright red, fresh from the lungs) is rich in oxygen. The iron here is paired with oxygen and has no unpaired electrons, making it diamagnetic — it produces a tiny repelling force in a magnetic field.
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Venous blood (darker, after delivering oxygen to tissues) carries iron with unpaired electrons. Those electrons don’t interact strongly, so the blood is paramagnetic — it produces a very weak attraction to a magnetic field.
It’s important to note that haemoglobin iron is never ferromagnetic — the type of magnetism we see in iron alloys or steel. In both oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, the forces involved are extremely subtle, far too weak to behave like a “magnet” in any everyday sense.
Published studies on horses, such as the 'Effect of a static magnetic field on blood flow to the metacarpus in horses, carried out on just 6 horses (!, how was that peer-reviewed?!) showed that higher gauss or longer wear did not yield measurable change.
In short:
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Deoxygenated blood = weakly paramagnetic (slightly attracted).
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Oxygenated blood = weakly diamagnetic (slightly repelled).
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Neither form is strongly magnetic and unable to interact with external magnets.
"Our magnets are stronger than their magnets"
There’s a widespread belief that stronger magnetic field strength (higher gauss or tesla) automatically leads to better therapeutic effects. Many manufacturers use "high gauss" as a selling point on why you should chose their product over others.
That is also factually incorrect.
Apple, the technology giants, launched their Smart watch which has a 1000G neodymium magnet in it for the speaker and to aid charging. It was vitally important that their watches did not create a magnetic field which would interfere with medical applications such as pacemakers. They have no impact whatsoever. Read more about this study and the '10mm rule' by reading our article "The 10mm Myth: Why Traditional Magnetic Therapy Often Falls Short"
A number of high-quality studies and reviews have found little or no correlation between simply increasing field strength and better clinical outcomes. For example, a review of 17 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of static magnetic fields for pain relief found on average no significant difference between treatment groups using magnets and those using placebo, even in studies that varied field strengths. PubMed In another critical review of over 50 human studies, many failed even to clearly describe field strength, magnet dimensions, or distance from tissue—making it impossible to establish a reliable “dose-response” relationship. PubMed
In one randomized, double-blind pilot study using 500 gauss magnets worn continuously over several weeks for chronic pelvic pain, there was some benefit compared to lower field magnets—but the effect was linked more to duration of wear than simply “stronger magnet.” PubMed
Another recent study in orthodontics showed that a relatively low-intensity static magnetic field (~414 millitesla) accelerated tooth movement vs. control, but the authors noted that lower field strengths used in animal models (around 100-170 gauss) did not produce consistent effects. BioMed Central
So, the pattern we see is:
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Stronger fields do not guarantee better results.
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Many studies with high field strengths show no extra benefit compared to moderate or even low ones.
"Using Unipolar Magnets"
Some manufacturers claim to use "unipolar magnets" which provide an improved method of targeting the magnetic fields into the body.
Unipolar magnets do not exist in science, all magnets are bipolar.
Why the Switch to Bio-Resonance Makes Sense
The industry is rapidly changing due to the introduction of bio-resonance magnetic therapy - a new approach to magnetism which works on a molecular level and results in creating no heat and provides full body coverage.
Many horse owners are aware of the many holistic options and treatments on the market but less are aware of the benefits of a new technology making waves in the equine community - 360º bio resonance therapy. We take a closer look at this further on within this article.
The 'Strength' of Magnets and their Effects on Horses
At StreamZ we are asked this question regularly, a result of other manufacturers wanting to distinguish themselves over their competitors.
"Hi, I am interested in learning more about what 'strength' of magnets are used in your magnetic horse boots? What Gauss are they?"
This is irrelevant.
The magnetic gauss level of Planet Earth is 0.5 gauss yet the gauss level of a magnetic alphabet toy stuck to your fridge is likely to be around 600-1000 gauss. Does that mean the earths magnetic field is weaker than your fridge magnet?
The reality is that the gauss level of a magnet can vary as one individual magnet does not have one specific measurement of gauss within it. Equally the distance in which magnet fields travel can be seen by reviewing Apple's study on their smart watches and applying the 10mm rule.
Claiming the gauss level is stronger than others is misleading consumers into believing that the higher the gauss the better it's effects. This is simply not true.
Understanding Magnetic Gauss levels
Gauss is a complicated mathematical equation which directly refers to the intensity of the magnetic field. For the purpose of sanity we won’t be going into this within this article; feel free to ‘Google it’ and see what we mean.
Gauss readings are different to the ‘pull strength’ of the magnet and the 'gauss level’ of the magnet being used should not be used to establish “the strength” of the magnetic fields within the magnet itself.
As we say, it’s complicated and in our opinion manufactures use this complicated science to 'bamboozle' customers with how their product claims to work better than others.
How to Select the Best Magnetic Therapy for your Horse
With so many varieties of magnetic devices out there, we take a quick look at the options on the market.
Traditional magnetic products create localised benefits; in other words; the magnetic device must be placed against the area of the horses body which requires support. So, if your horse has an injury to their fetlock then a magnetic fetlock band is an option. If they need help within their tarsal joint (hock) then a Magnetic Hock Boot is another option.
Advanced magnetism, unlike traditional static magnets, can be placed on the legs and provide effects across the whole body, ie, full body coverage.
Equine manufacturers stitch small magnets into their products, at carefully positioned pressure points. A large variety of products are available on the market which specifically target locations in the body.
Do Magnetic Devices Create Heat?
This is a topic much debated within the magnetic therapy market and a subject which many manufacturers disagree on.
The reality is that traditional magnets themselves do not create heat; if they did we could simply fit magnets within water tanks to increase the temperature of the water.
This is not what we refer to in the industry when we say "magnetic therapy creates heat".
Applying traditional magnets to a horses legs, for whatever reason, creates a thermal reaction in the body, ie. heat.
Simply attach a static magnetic device - such as Magnetic horse boots - to a horses legs and see what the impact is. The first thing you'll notice is how warm the leg becomes after 10-15 minutes. This can be shown using thermology (thermal imaging).
A varying magnetic field (not a constant magnetic field) will induce an electric current in a conductor, and an electric current can produce heat - so there are certain processes and technologies which can (and do) use magnetism to create heat.
Heat can also be created from magnets by putting magnetised materials into a high-frequency oscillating magnetic field which makes the magnet's polarity switch back and forth at a high-enough rate to produce a level of friction - which in turn creates heat.
You see, it’s complicated!
What we do know in the equine community; applying heat to our horses legs is not ideal; and it is this reason that magnetic therapy over the years has developed a mixed reputation. In many cases, they are used at the wrong time and for the wrong purpose.
Magnets themselves do not have heating properties, the action they create on the living system produces a reaction which can lead to an increase in thermal activity. This is an important point.
Thermal Imaging Evidence
Whether products do or do not create heat leads to a lot of misunderstanding within the therapy market. It would be easily proved by these manufacturers if they really wanted to prove it!
Thermal imaging techniques are an import study which manufacturers should use to prove or disprove that their products increase the thermal temperature - importantly within the muscle structures themselves and not just on the surface area.
For some reason however the majority of manufacturers who claim their technology "does not create heat" do not carry out or disclose these studies to their audiences. Why is this? It could be argued that they carry out these studies and see an increase in heat or that they simply do not bother. Some manufacturers are well aware of this and clearly advertise the bands to be used for limited periods of time and not on muscle or tendon injuries.
Whether a magnetic product creates heat or not can be shown in thermal imaging, as shown by StreamZ global. If you are unsure then ask the manufacturer if they have carried out these studies and if not, why not.
Applying Heat to Aid Recovery
Applying heat is not what we look for when supporting our horses recovery process. As with a professional athlete, when a muscle is in trauma-state a bag of ice goes on!
Importantly, when a muscle, tendon or ligament is healing it requires limiting heat to the area and in many cases horse owners will apply cold compressing (the opposite effect of traditional magnetic therapy) to the horses injury.
It is this reason that the majority of magnetic therapy manufacturers do not advise that their products are used immediately after exercise and should only be used when the horses pulse rate has returned to normal.
Using Magnetic Therapy Long Term
Many traditional magnetic products, using static neodymium magnets, should only be used for limited and short periods of time. In many cases, up to 4 or 8 hours maximum.
This results in horse owners having to manage the period of time their horse is wearing the product, complicating their ongoing care.
Bio-resonance therapy, alternatively, creates no thermal increase and as such can be used 365 days a year, including 24x7 use through turnout.
Best Magnetic Horse Boots, by StreamZ
Don't just take our word for it. These are the reasons why EQU StreamZ have become quickly established as the best magnetic horse boots available.
1) Proprietary Technology
Advanced Bio-Resonance Magnetism introduced by StreamZ Global, uses an entirely unique approach to magnetic therapy. Unlike the majority of 'Magnetic Boot' manufacturers, StreamZ proprietary technology is designed and manufactured for purpose (not speaker magnets!).
2) Creates no thermal reaction (heat)
The multi-directional fields of magnetism within StreamZ material are wrapped around the horses legs providing a 360º energy field. This process does not lead to a thermal reaction in the horses body (or legs) and thus does not create.
3) Can be used safely 24x7, 365 days a year
EQU StreamZ horse bands can be used 24x7 and on conditions where applying heat should be avoided. They are ideal for supporting muscle, tendon and ligament injuries where applying heat should be avoided.
4) No Ice (or Freezer) required
EQU StreamZ Coolboots are developed for use immediately after exercise for a period of 10-60 minutes, depending on the weather.
They are easy-to-use and do not require the owner to keep track of when the magnetic therapy bands were fitted.
5) Evidence based results
Unlike the vast majority of manufacturers StreamZ provide extensive efficacy evidence using both independent and in-house studies. This includes pre clinical studies with leading animal universities. Although not fully clinically proven StreamZ technology has shown in independent clinically controlled double-blind studies to support claims of improved range of motion (tarsal joint), inflammation reduction (windgalls) and much more.
6) The highest rated on the market
Finally, and most importantly, comes results. Independent reviews (on amazon.co.uk) show how superior Streamz products are, along with reviews on their own websites which exceed 500 5-star reviews. Alongside reviews StreamZ have extensive endorsements directly relating to their product from a range of influencers and top level professionals including world and olympic champions.
Conclusion
Magnetic therapy continues to grow as part of a holistic approach to horse care, with many owners exploring it as a way to support comfort, leg filling and overall wellbeing.
While some claims surrounding magnetic devices are often overstated or not fully supported by scientific evidence, many horse owners report positive experiences when using well-designed products as part of their horse’s routine management.
When choosing magnetic products, it’s important to look beyond marketing claims and focus on practical, well-made solutions that are designed with the horse’s comfort and everyday use in mind. For many owners, magnetic horse boots are a convenient way to apply therapy while also providing protection and support.
If you’re curious about trying magnetic therapy for your horse, EQU StreamZ Coolboots offer an easy way to incorporate it into your horse’s daily routine. Designed as practical horse boots with integrated magnetic technology, they provide a simple and premium option for owners looking to combine cooling boots with supportive therapy in one product.
👉 Articles of interest:
If your horse is recovering from injury, read our complete guide to Rehabilitation & Recovery for Equine Injuries (Repair).Prevention is as important as cure. With this in mind, read our guide to How to Prevent Injuries in Horses (Prevent).
To go beyond prevention and optimise long-term soundness, explore Optimising Performance in Horses (Perfect).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are magnetic therapy boots for horses?
Magnetic therapy boots use magnets or magnetic fields designed to influence circulation, support tissue comfort, and aid recovery. They are often used post‑exercise or during rehabilitation to help support soft tissue comfort and overall limb health.
What types of magnets are used in horse therapy boots?
Different magnetic therapy boots can use static magnets, pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF), or bio‑resonance magnetic systems. Each type delivers magnetic energy in a unique way, with varying effects on circulation, tissue stimulation, and comfort.
How do magnetic therapy boots benefit horses?
Magnetic boots may help support circulation, regulate temperature, reduce stiffness, and support recovery when used as part of a broader management and rehabilitation plan. Many owners find they help horses feel more comfortable after intense work.
Do magnetic therapy boots improve healing after injury?
Magnetic therapy boots can complement recovery routines, but they should not replace veterinary treatment or rehabilitation plans. Used alongside veterinary guidance, they may assist in managing post‑exercise heat or tissue stress.
Can magnetic therapy boots be used for all horses?
Yes — when used appropriately, magnetic therapy boots can be beneficial for horses of all types, including leisure, performance, and rehabilitation scenarios. Always consult your veterinarian if your horse has a specific injury or medical condition.
How often should I use magnetic therapy boots on my horse?
Usage depends on the specific device and your horse’s needs. Some owners apply magnetic boots after intense work or competitions, while others use them as part of a daily recovery routine. Follow manufacturer instructions and veterinary guidance for best results.
Why is StreamZ bio-resonance technology better than traditional neodymium magnets?
Traditional magnetic boots often use low-cost, repurposed neodymium magnets—the kind found in speakers or toys—that create a static, pulsing field. StreamZ uses a unique, non-invasive bio-resonance technology that doesn’t rely on aggressive magnetic "pull" or high Gauss ratings. Instead, it creates a 360-degree energy field that interacts with the horse's system on a cellular level, offering a much more advanced and holistic approach to joint care and recovery.
Can I leave EQU StreamZ on my horse 24/7, even in the stable?
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of StreamZ over traditional magnets is that our technology is entirely non-thermal. Traditional magnetic boots typically trap heat and can cause tissue damage if left on for more than 4–8 hours. Because StreamZ creates no thermal increase, the bands can be worn safely 24 hours a day, 365 days a year—whether your horse is in the stable, turned out in the field, or even in hot weather.
Do StreamZ magnets need to be placed directly over the horse's injury?
No. Unlike traditional static magnets that only provide localized benefits—meaning they have to be placed exactly where the pain is—StreamZ provides full-body coverage. Once the 360-degree resonance field is wrapped around the leg, the effects are felt throughout the horse's entire living system. This means you don't have to worry about "dead spots" or perfectly aligning the magnets with a specific tendon or joint.
Is a higher Gauss rating better for my horse's recovery?
Actually, no. Many brands use "high Gauss" as a marketing gimmick to suggest their product is more "powerful." However, high-Gauss static magnets often just generate localized heat, which can be detrimental to healing tendons. StreamZ doesn't use Gauss as a measure of efficacy because our bio-resonance technology works through resonance, not force. This allows for a safer, more effective long-term solution that supports natural healing without the risks associated with high-intensity static fields.