Is the duration of icing different if you ice horses legs after injury versus after exercise?

Applying ice boots for horses’ legs after exercise or injury is a regularly done in the horse world, the question of how long to ice for is explored in this blog.

Is 30mins too long to ice horses legs?

Icing horses’ legs for anywhere between 10-30mins, is commonly discussed on social media and there is little evidential timelines for cold therapy in the equine world. Optimal duration for icing an injury can vary depending on several factors, including the type and severity of the injury, the horse’s tolerance to cold, and the advice of a veterinary professional. Icing horses’ legs after exercise, is generally done to bring leg temperatures down quickly as they can get to very high temperatures during extreme exercise. Is the time any different from icing after injury? Here are some reasons why icing for 10-15 minutes may be the best application time, plus there is more evidence in human trials to say less time and repeated applications is more beneficial:

How long should you ice horses’ legs for optimum tissue cooling:

The primary goal of icing an injury with horse ice boots is to reduce inflammation and minimize tissue damage. Applying ice wraps for about 10-15 minutes is typically sufficient to lower the temperature of the injured area and achieve the desired therapeutic effect without causing frostbite or skin damage. In humans the internal temperatures need to reach between 15-19 degrees to have a therapeutically optimum effect. It is logical to think that internal temperatures will be higher than the skin temperature. Kaneps published a study, comparing hot and cold therapy on horses legs and hypothesised that skin temperatures had to be below 10 degrees to have deep tissue temperatures in the optimal range. It is also noted in scientific trials using ice boots after exercise, that after 10 mins the internal leg temperatures do not get any colder and plateau. This highlights that you may not be getting any more benefit from longer periods of icing as the body starts trying to warm the legs if you ice for too long, as it is not natural for the leg to be that cold for long periods.

What is the best time to ice horses’ legs to avoid cold injury:

Leaving ice leg wraps on for a too long means prolonged exposure to very cold temperatures and this can lead to cold-related injuries, such as frostbite or tissue damage. By limiting the duration of icing to around 10-15 minutes, you reduce the risk of these adverse effects. It is recommended to use a cloth under ice boots if your horses legs are finely clipped or there is broken skin.

Is icing horses legs comfortable and do horses tolerate it?

Many horses take a while to get used to having ice boots applied so they must be monitored during the first few applications. Some may find it challenging to tolerate having their legs iced for extended periods due to the discomfort associated with extreme cold, plus having to stand still for longer periods may be troubling for some horses. Limiting the icing session to 10 minutes makes it more manageable for most and stops the horse becoming agitated.

Are repeated sessions of icing horses legs better than one long application?

In many cases for using ice wraps for horses legs after injury, it’s more effective to apply ice for shorter durations (e.g., 10-15 minutes) multiple times throughout the day rather than using a single, longer icing session with injury. This approach allows you to maintain the therapeutic benefits of cold therapy while minimizing the risk of cold-related injuries. For acute injuries it may be beneficial to do a double hit of icing. By this we mean apply ice boots for horses for 10-15mins, remove, allow the leg to warm and repeat. Using ice wraps for horses after a particularly hard competition or training session, it is common practice. Ice boots can be applied for 10-15mins, straight after exercise. If there is a particular worry or there is localised swelling repeat later that day and the next.

Will icing horses legs cause nerve damage:

Prolonged exposure to cold can potentially damage nerves, which is another reason to limit the duration of icing a horses leg. Nerve damage can be caused after only short periods of icing so limiting to 10-15mins could be beneficial.

Is 10-15mins the correct time to ice horses legs?

It’s crucial to remember that the 10-15 minute guideline is a general recommendation, and the specific duration for icing an injury may vary. Always follow the guidance provided by your veterinary provider or physical therapist, as they can tailor the icing protocol to your horses’ individual needs and the nature of your injury. Additionally, if your horse is finely clipped or has sensitive skin be sure to use a barrier, such as a thin cloth or towel, between the ice boots such as Cryochaps and your skin to prevent direct contact, which can help avoid skin damage during the icing process.