Everything You Need to Know About Horse Solariums: Benefits, Costs, and FAQs

Horse Solarium Light Therapy is a wonderful addition to any private or boarding barn. Just a short treatment under the Infrared and UV lamps warms up the horse’s top line before training, making muscles and soft tissue less prone to strains and tears, ensuring safer and more efficient movement. The equine solarium is a versatile tool for optimizing a horse’s health and performance.

But if you’re considering purchasing one for your barn, you probably have questions. In this guide, we’ll explore common questions about horse solariums, including their components,  benefits, costs, and how they work, so you can make the best decision for your horses.

Which components Does a Horse Solarium consists of?

Understanding the different lights and components of a quality horse solarium

1/ Short-wave InfraRed lights  

2/ UV lights 

3/ Drying Fans

The Infrared lamps generate short-wave heat like the sun but without the harmful UV rays. They increase circulation for muscle relaxation in the horse’s back and neck and supports the healing of inflammation.  This type of light therapy speeds up healing of fractures, bruising and equine arthritis.

The UV lights help enhance bone mineralization, kills bacteria and speeds up wound healing.

The infrared heat lamps combined with UV lights provide warmth beyond the surface of the skin to heat deeper tissues. This heat directly impacts the muscles and circulatory system, offering numerous benefits for horses, including:

• Enhanced Circulation: Infrared light improves blood flow, allowing for faster removal of lactic acid and other metabolic waste products from muscles.
• Increased Tissue Oxygenation: Improved circulation aids in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to working muscles and healing tissues.
• Improved Flexibility: By increasing muscle pliability, infrared heat can reduce the risk of soft tissue injuries, particularly during intensive training or competition.

How Much Infrared and UV light Output Does a Horse Solarium Need to be Effective?

When it comes to horse solariums, not all models are created equal. The infrared output of a solarium significantly impacts its effectiveness in delivering therapeutic benefits. A high-quality solarium with a power output of 5,000 Watts or more is necessary to penetrate deep into the horse’s muscle groups, promoting improved blood flow, reducing stiffness, and aiding in recovery. Models with lower power outputs often fall short of providing the consistent, therapeutic-level infrared radiation needed for real benefits and performance enhancement.

The strongest model in the Warendorf Solarium Series has a power output of 7,800 Watts, and is designed to target key muscle groups effectively, ensuring maximum benefits. In contrast, solariums that are cheaper also have minimal infrared radiation output and may only be sufficient for superficial effects for horses. Investing in a high-power solarium ensures your horse receives the best care possible, especially if they are in rigorous training or competition.

Does Infrared Therapy Really Work for Horses?

Infrared therapy has shown promising benefits for horses. Scientific studies and practical applications support its effectiveness in several key areas. For instance, infrared therapy helps to stimulate circulation, which in turn accelerates the removal of metabolic waste from muscles, leading to faster recovery. Additionally, infrared therapy can play a role in injury prevention, as pre-workout sessions help warm up muscles, reducing the risk of strains, while post-workout sessions alleviate stiffness, a common precursor to overuse injuries.

When to Use an Equine Solarium?

One of the key benefits of using a horse solarium is its ability to warm up muscles effectively before exercise. It can be used before and after exercise and for drying your horse.  Therapy Solarium treatment may particularly benefit older, stiffer horses as well as horses with a sensitive back by providing infrared heat that penetrates deeply into muscles, it enhances blood circulation, reduces stiffness, and accelerates recovery after intense exercise.

After exercise, the therapy solarium plays an important role in post-workout recovery. It promotes vasodilation, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to fatigued muscles, speeding up recovery and alleviating soreness.  In addition, the horse solariums are useful for thermoregulation, particularly in colder climates. Drying Fans help maintain a horse’s core body temperature by quickly drying the horse after exercise or bathing, reducing the risk of muscle stiffness or chilling. With its multiple benefits, an equine solarium is an essential tool for keeping horses in optimal condition.

How Long Should a Horse Be Under a Solarium?

The duration of solarium sessions varies based on the intended use:

• Pre-Exercise Warm-Up: 10–15 minutes is typically sufficient to prepare muscles for activity.
• Post-Exercise Recovery: Sessions can last 15–30 minutes, depending on the horse’s level of exertion and the ambient temperature. Monitoring the horse’s comfort during use is essential, as overheating can cause discomfort or dehydration.

How Much Does a Therapy Solarium Cost to Install and Operate?

The cost of an equine solarium can vary depending on the model and features selected. The Warendorf Series of equine solariums, available from Footing Solutions USA, starts at $3,450. This price reflects the base model, which already includes advanced infrared technology for improving blood circulation, promoting muscle recovery, and enhancing relaxation.

For those seeking additional functionality, optional upgrades include options like a Motorized Lift, Air Heat Shower, and Inclined Neck Element.

These features provide tailored therapy and enhanced ease of use, making the Warendorf series ideal for horses with rigorous training schedules. With customizable options and premium construction, this solarium is a long-term investment in equine health and performance.

Running costs depend on usage and local electricity rates. On average, solariums consume between 3 and 6 kWh per session, equating to approximately $1–$2 per session or $30–$100 per month for frequent use.

When Should a Horse Solarium Not Be Used?

When used correctly, solariums are safe and effective. However, horses with fever, infections, or open wounds may not benefit from infrared therapy. Always consult your veterinarian if in doubt.

Is a Horse Solarium Worth the Investment?

Absolutely, whether you run an Equine rehab facility or  barns managing equine athletes, horse solariums provide a significant return on investment. By improving warm-up efficiency, enhancing recovery, and promoting overall well-being, these Therapy Solariums can reduce downtime and help horses consistently perform at their best. Additionally, solariums can attract boarders or clients seeking state-of-the-art care for their horses.