In 40 seconds
Pre-event PEMF is used to prepare horses for peak performance — reducing accumulated training stress, supporting muscle suppleness, and calming the nervous system before the lorry leaves the yard. Typical protocol: intensive daily PEMF in the 7–10 days before a target event, lighter on travel days. Used across dressage, showjumping, eventing, and racing at international level.
Quick facts
- Protocol: Daily for 7–10 days pre-event
- Used for: Suppleness, recovery, NS calming, peak prep
- Disciplines: Dressage, showjumping, eventing, racing
- Travel days: Lighter or skip
- On event day: Optional brief session as primer
Practical guidance
See FAQ below for specific scenarios.
Contraindications
Hard exclusions — do not have PEMF if any apply:
- Pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), or any cardiac electronic device
- Cochlear implant or other implanted electronic hearing device
- Spinal cord stimulator, deep-brain stimulator, vagus nerve stimulator
- Intrathecal pump or implanted drug pump
- Insulin pump (continuous glucose monitors are usually fine — confirm with the clinic)
- Active infection at the treatment site
- Pregnancy — when treatment would be over the abdomen, lumbar spine, or pelvis
Discuss with your GP or specialist before booking if any apply:
- Active malignancy or recent cancer history (oncologist clearance required)
- History of seizures or epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis or other neurological condition under specialist care
- Anticoagulant therapy (PEMF itself does not thin blood, but bruising risk if local circulation is already compromised)
- Children under 14 (most UK clinics will not treat under-18s without paediatric specialist input)
- Recent surgery within the last 14 days at the treatment site (confirm with surgeon)
NOT contraindications — these are commonly misunderstood:
- Plates, rods, screws and other passive metal orthopaedic hardware
- Dental implants and dental crowns
- Joint replacements (hip, knee, shoulder)
- IUDs (copper or hormonal)
- Tattoos and piercings (jewellery should be removed for the session)
Specific to this condition: pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear implants, insulin pumps, electronic implants; active malignancy without specialist clearance; pregnancy (over the abdomen); active infection; epilepsy without GP clearance.
Frequently asked questions
How early to start the pre-event protocol?
Typically 7–10 days before the event for full benefit.
Use on the day?
Some yards do a brief 15-minute session on the morning of competition as a primer.
Risk of over-prep?
At standard PEMF intensities, no — over-prep is more about over-training.
Looking for a PEMF clinic near you?
We list every credible PEMF therapy provider in the UK so you can find one near home.