Acupressure blanket for horses from Accuhorsemat

Acupressure has long since found its way into equestrian sports. It is therefore no wonder that the Accuhorsemat acupressure blanket for horses is currently sold out almost everywhere. You can read here exactly what this massage blanket without electricity is all about. Kim and Sandpink by @kimsandros_ have tested the acupressure blanket extensively and explain why they no longer want to do without it.

What it is: The Accuhorsemat brand | Explanation of the acupressure blanket | review

Accuhorsemat - the brand from Sweden conquers the equestrian sport

Hardly any other brand for horse therapy products was as hyped as this year Accuhorsemat. The Swedish-based company began to develop a product in 2011 that would make the amazing results of acupressure available to horses as well. And the whole thing without electricity or heavy equipment. The idea of ​​the acupressure blanket for horses was born. After more than a year of development and testing, the blanket came on the market and took equestrian sport by storm. Because so far only heavy massage blankets with batteries or cables were known, which hardly any recreational rider could afford due to the high price.

Of course, the first results were delivered by professional riders in Europe and the USA - the horses reacted almost consistently well after a short period of getting used to them. However, the fastest growing market at the moment is Germany - according to CEO Max Hoffmann (About Us - Accuhorsemat.com).

The aim of the acupressure blanket for horses is to improve the performance and well-being of the horses. Be it in competitive sport or with leisure horses.

What can the acupressure blanket for horses do?

As in humans, the acupressure blanket should stimulate blood circulation and release endorphins. Of course, the pointed acupressure points are uncomfortable at first, but the warming effect and thus the muscle relaxation occurs relatively quickly.

A very common reason for "unridden" horses is pain and tension in the muscles. Once the muscles are really tight, it quickly leads to dislocated vertebrae, misalignments due to relieving posture and a generally dissatisfied horse. This chain will gradually worsen if nothing is done about it.

Of course, the seat and the fit of the saddle, as well as the shoeing and the horse's teeth should be checked regularly by a professional in order to rule out these things as a reason for the dissatisfaction of the horse. But this is a matter of course for most riders. Good riding with an appropriate release phase in stretching posture also helps to release the first tensions.

But if you want to do something good for your horse aside from these measures, take a look at the acupressure blanket from Accuhorsemat. Because who doesn't like to enjoy some wellness?

What is acupressure?

Acupressure works similar to acupuncture. But here the setting of needles is avoided. Instead, the acupuncture points and meridians are specifically stimulated by pressure. The muscles are better supplied with nutrients due to the increased blood flow and harmful metabolic products are removed more quickly. The muscles recover and regenerate faster. Tensions, which are often the reason for pain, are released.

However, you should slowly get your horse used to using it. Because the first use can be very uncomfortable for sensitive or very tense horses. You know that from yourself when someone tries to relieve your tension with pressure. First it hurts, then it's good. The treatment with the acupressure horse blanket should of course not be painful, but sensitive horses can sometimes react strongly to it.

Accuhorsemat therefore recommends carrying out the first treatments without a blanket and only putting on the acupressure mats for a short time. Once your horse has got used to the sharp pressure points, you add the blanket. After 4 to 5 treatments you can then increase the pressure with the blanket by adjusting the adjustable shoulder and waist straps. The blanket should then fit snugly so that the full effect is used.

Be careful not to place the acupressure pads on bony areas, such as the hip bones or spine. The pressure points should always be above muscle mass.

By the way: The acupressure blanket does NOT belong on irritated skin, rashes or visible wounds. If your horse is currently undergoing medical treatment, ask your veterinarian if you can use the blanket. The use of the horse blanket is entirely your own responsibility.

You can find detailed instructions on how to use the blanket here: Download PDF instructions for Accuhorsemat acupressure blanket

Acupressure blanket for horses - a field report

Kim and Sandrose from @Kimsandpink_ were so nice and once told us about the experience with the acupressure blanket. You can check out the story on her Instagram profile.

This is what Kim writes:

“The acupressure blanket cannot be compared to a massage blanket. You can't mesh much wrong, but please inform yourself a little beforehand. Especially if you have a pregnant mare. The blanket can also cover points for labor, which can lead to premature delivery. Our physiotherapist recommended, for example, not to use the blanket at 30 ° C. This is too stressful for the body.

The acupressure blanket covers so-called meridians. For example, the horse has 12 of these: lung, spleen, heart, kidney, liver, pericardium, large intestine, stomach, small intestine, bladder, triple heater, and (although the horse has no gallbladder) gallbladder. Some points also run along the legs, chest or head. Of course, the Accuhorsemat does not cover this.”

This is how the ceiling is constructed:

“The Accuhorsemat consists of three mats that can be attached to the ceiling using Velcro. The mats have a total of 11.000 so-called spikes, which run along the horse's energy pathways.

A large mat covers the hindquarters (hip bones or parts of the spine are left out), two smaller mats can be attached to the shoulders. And watch out here if necessary! The point "Gb21", which runs in the middle of the neck-shoulder line, could be covered by the shoulder mat (depending on how you have attached the mat and how the blanket sits). However, this point promotes labor in pregnant mares, which may lead to a lead birth.

And in addition to stimulating some irritation points, the Accuhorsemat also simply relaxes the muscles, can have a pain-relieving effect, promote blood circulation and general well-being.

I use the blanket Sandros at most 3-4 times a week, usually before riding. The blanket increases blood circulation and thus the supply of oxygen and optimally prepares the muscles for training.

The blanket can also be used after training. Any waste products are removed more quickly and the muscles recover much faster.

For horses with hypermobility, the blanket could have a rather disadvantageous effect. Please note that!

Kim's notes on application

Please do not put the entire blanket directly on the horse at the beginning, but only the individual mat for the hindquarters. See how your horse reacts. After a few uses only with the HH mat, simply put a sweat blanket over the mat to increase the pressure. Slowly get your horse used to the prickling feeling and only put the complete Accuhorsemat on it after a while!

An application time of 20 - 40 minutes is recommended. To get used to it, of course, shorter.

I would like to add that I only informed myself on various pages and with my physio. I haven't taken a course or anything like that.

Sandros always relaxes a lot under the Accuhorsemat. He lowers his head, his eyes close, he begins to chew and yawn. Perfect signs of a relaxed and easygoing horse.”

Kim by @kimsandpink_

Update December 2020

There is one now new, improved version of the Accuhorsemat acupressure blanket for horses. The company reacted and attached Velcro strips to the back next to the spine. The back muscles can also be treated in this way. The narrow acupressure mats can easily be attached with Velcro. Make sure, however, that the pointed points do not press on the spine, as this can be very painful.

Thanks to Kim and Sandros for the detailed report on your experience and of course we look forward to hearing about your experiences. Just leave us a comment here or on our other channels there.