What's On the Inside: The Science Behind the Fabric
When looking at different recovery tools, riders often focus on the main function of a product; cooling, compression, or magnetic therapy for example. However, this often means that the material of the tool and how it interacts with your horse’s body is overlooked.
The Velocity Sheet was designed to support the horse as a whole in many different ways, not just utilizing the benefits of magnetic therapy. By combining bioceramic fabric technology with the strategically placed magnets, the Velocity Sheet can help to support circulation, recovery, and overall cellular function without greatly increasing the chance of your horse overheating.
Recovery Starts With Oxygen
Each and every function that occurs in the body depends on oxygen. In particular, muscles require oxygen to produce ATP, the primary cellular energy source which powers movement, recovery, and metabolic function.
With horses, this process is especially important due to their large size and muscle mass. The larger the muscle group, the harder the body has to work to efficiently deliver oxygen and nutrients while also removing waste products created during exercise.
After training or competition, muscles experience stress, inflammation, and fatigue. Supporting circulation and oxygen delivery during recovery may help horses feel more comfortable and recover more efficiently between rides.
How Our Bioceramic Fabric Works
The foundation of the Velocity Sheet is its bioceramic-infused mesh fabric. Bioceramics interact with the horse’s body to reflect Far Infrared Radiation (FIR), a portion of the infrared spectrum associated with tissue support and circulation.
Unlike modalities that rely solely on heat, FIR technology may support circulation and tissue oxygenation without significantly increasing body temperature. This is especially important for horses, where overheating during recovery can become counterproductive.
Research published in the Journal of Textile Science & Engineering examined far-infrared emitting ceramic garments and found measurable physiological effects related to tissue oxygenation and circulation. The study suggested ceramic-infused fabrics may help support tissue perfusion and blood flow.
In simpler terms, this means the fabric itself may help support the body’s natural recovery processes by encouraging oxygen delivery to tissues.
What This Means for Your Horse
Recovery is a cellular process, so supporting circulation is of the utmost importance. Muscles need oxygen and nutrients to recover from exercise, and metabolic waste products need to be cleared from the tissues.
Research suggests far-infrared therapy may help:
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Support circulation and oxygen delivery
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Encourage cellular metabolic activity
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Support tissue recovery processes
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Assist with overall comfort and mobility
When used in horses, this can translate into horses feeling less stiff after work, noticing improved overall comfort, support during travelling or periods of stall rest, and support general recovery. Additionally, because the Velocity Sheet utilizes breathable mesh material, horses can receive these potential benefits without trapping unnecessary body heat under a heavy blanket. The best part about Velocity is the ability to utilize it without hands-on intervention, allowing for continued recovery without continuous effort.
The Role of Bioceramics in Recovery Support
Bioceramic materials have also been studied for their potential effects on inflammation and oxidative stress. In a study published in the Chinese Journal of Physiology, researchers examined bioceramic materials in relation to inflammatory responses and cellular stress.
The study found evidence suggesting bioceramics may help:
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Modulate inflammatory activity
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Support antioxidant processes
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Support cellular function under oxidative stress
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Assist in maintaining tissue health
Inflammation and oxidative stress are natural parts of exercise and recovery, particularly in equine athletes that are in consistent work. Supporting these processes may help horses recover more comfortably following strenuous work.
What do the magnets do?
Magnetic therapy has been used in many ways to support the body’s natural processes. By strategically placing magnets at common points of soreness, but also on acupressure points, the benefits of stimulating these points may be achieved in a passive manner. Some of the points we chose may have been used to correspond to gut function, kidney function, and, perhaps most desirably, relaxation.
Why We Designed the Velocity Sheet This Way
Recovery is rarely about one isolated system. Circulation, oxygen delivery, inflammation management, and cellular recovery all work together.
That’s why the Velocity Sheet was designed to combine bioceramic fabric technology, far-infrared support, breathable mesh construction, and strategically oriented magnetic therapy.
Rather than functioning as a traditional heavy therapy blanket, the Velocity Sheet was built to support ongoing recovery and wellness in a practical, horse-friendly way.
References
Washington K, Wason J, Thein MS, et al. “Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Effects of Far-Infrared Emitting Ceramic Fabric Shirts and Control Polyester Shirts on Transcutaneous PO2.” Journal of Textile Science & Engineering. 2018;8(2).
Leung TK, Chen CH, Lai CH, Lee CM, Chen CC, Yang JC, Chen KC, Chao JS. “Bone and joint protection ability of ceramic material with biological effects.” Chinese Journal of Physiology. 2012;55(1):47–54.
