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Ice Spas Remain the Gold Standard in Cryotherapy |
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Hi,
As spring conditions change, many horse owners are on high alert for laminitis. Early, consistent intervention can make a meaningful difference in outcomes—and one of the most studied and recommended approaches is continuous cryotherapy using an ice water immersion system.
In this issue, we’re focusing on how Soft Ride Ice Spas support effective laminitis care and why they continue to be a trusted standard in clinical and field settings.
The Soft Ride Team |
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How Soft Ride Ice Spas Work to Counteract Laminitis |
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Soft Ride Ice Spas are designed to deliver continuous cold therapy through full hoof and lower limb immersion in ice water. This method supports laminitis management in several key ways: Maintains consistent, therapeutic cooling across the hoof capsule Helps reduce metabolic activity within the laminae during inflammatory phases Supports vasoconstriction, which may help limit inflammatory processes Enables prolonged application times critical to effective cryotherapy protocols
The design allows for practical, sustained treatment without constant resetting, making it easier to follow veterinary-recommended cooling durations. |
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Graph C represents Soft Ride Ice Spa. This High Volume Immersion cooling has the lowest temperature for the longer duration of time
HW = Exterior Hoof Wall HS = Interior Hoof Sensor LAM = Embedded Lamellae AMB = Ambient Temperature |
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Why Wet Cold Is the Only Proven Cryotherapy Method for Laminitis |
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Research consistently supports ice water immersion as the most effective form of cryotherapy for laminitis care. The reason is straightforward: Water conducts cold far more efficiently than air or dry materials Ice water immersion achieves and maintains the target internal hoof temperatures needed for therapeutic effect Surface cooling methods alone do not reliably lower internal lamellar temperatures
Veterinary protocols emphasize continuous immersion—often for extended periods—as the only method shown to consistently reach therapeutic thresholds within the hoof. |
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The 72-Hour Continuous Cryotherapy Protocol: Why Consistency Matters |
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One of the most important aspects of laminitis cryotherapy is duration and consistency. Research-based protocols often call for continuous cooling for up to 72 hours during the acute phase. This extended timeframe matters because: Laminitis is a dynamic inflammatory process that evolves over time Continuous vasoconstriction helps limit inflammatory cascade effects within the laminae Interruptions in cooling allow the hoof to rewarm, potentially reactivating damaging processes Maintaining a consistently low internal hoof temperature is essential to protecting lamellar tissue
In practical terms, this means cryotherapy must remain uninterrupted. Systems designed for continuous immersion make it feasible to maintain this level of consistency in real-world conditions. |
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Why the Channeled Deep Gel Orthotic Matters During Cryotherapy |
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While cooling is critical, proper sole support during treatment is equally important. The Soft Ride channeled deep gel orthotic is specifically designed to work in conjunction with ice water immersion: Integrated channels allow cold water to make direct contact with the sole, where vascular structures are closest to the surface This direct contact improves temperature transfer to internal hoof tissues The channel design prevents ice cubes or debris from becoming trapped under the sole, reducing the risk of pressure points or bruising The deep gel material supports the hoof, helping distribute load more evenly during extended standing periods
This design ensures that cryotherapy remains both effective and safe over prolonged use. |
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Pink line represents Soft Ride Ice Spa (HV-Immersion) |
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Research Spotlight: Why Immersion Matters |
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Recent research published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research reinforces what veterinarians have relied on for years—ice water immersion is the most effective method for cooling the lamellae under real-world conditions.
In this study, multiple cooling methods were compared, including ice packs, sleeves, and both low- and high-volume ice water immersion. The findings were clear: Ice water immersion was the only method to consistently significantly reduced lamellar tissue temperature Alternative methods, such as ice packs and sleeve-style systems, did not produce meaningful decreases in lamellar temperature High-volume immersion produced the greatest temperature reduction over the longest period of time
The study concluded that distal limb immersion in ice and water is the most effective way to cool the equine hoof lamellae in clinically relevant conditions.
This distinction is critical—because successful laminitis management depends on lowering internal hoof temperature, not just cooling the surface.
*Soft Ride Ice Spas were utilized in this study and are referenced under the designation “High Volume Immersion Boots.” The study was conducted independently and the results were not influenced in any way by our, or any other company.
Distal limb immersion in ice and water is the most effective means of cooling the equine hoof lamellae under clinically relevant conditions by Dr Andrew Van Eps. The full peer reviewed paper can be read here: https://share.google/GuM7CUk4TJIW43AHH |
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A representative photograph (A) and radiograph (B) of a foot instrumented with 3 thermocouple probes for simultaneous measurement of temperature in experiment 1. The 3 thermocouple probes are visible in the magnified radiograph (C) at the HS (HS; blue arrow), embedded in the hoof wall (HW; orange arrow), and within the middorsal lamellar tissue (red arrow). |
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Understanding Thermography: Internal vs. External Temperature |
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There is an important distinction between measuring surface hoof wall temperature and assessing internal hoof temperature.
External thermography: Measures surface heat patterns Can be influenced by environmental conditions Does not reliably reflect internal lamellar temperature
Internal temperature monitoring (as demonstrated in controlled research): Directly measures temperature within the hoof capsule Provides accurate data on whether therapeutic cooling levels are being achieved Is essential for validating the effectiveness of a cryotherapy method
Research comparing cooling methods highlights that only immersion-based systems consistently achieve meaningful internal temperature reduction. |
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Why This Matters for Your Horse |
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Effective laminitis care depends on two key factors: Achieving and maintaining therapeutic internal hoof temperatures Supporting the hoof safely during extended treatment
The Ice Spa is designed for continuous immersion—paired with purpose-built orthotic support—help make these evidence-based protocols achievable, giving you confidence that you’re providing the level of care your horse needs during a critical time. |
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Disclaimer: This content is for education and is not medical advice. If you suspect medical illness or injury contact your veterinarian for medical advise. |
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Rood & Riddle International Podiatry Conference |
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The 2026 Rood & Riddle International Podiatry Conference is a premier biennial gathering that unites equine veterinarians and farriers from around the globe to share knowledge, techniques, and research that shape the future of equine podiatry. This immersive three-day program includes lectures, demonstrations, and networking opportunities that deepen expertise in equine hoof care, applied biomechanics, and performance enhancement.
Event InformationLocation: Rood & Riddle Conference Center, Lexington, Kentucky Dates: April 26–28, 2026 Contact / Registration: Rood & Riddle CE portal online (registration links available on roodandriddle.com/ce)
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We LOVE hearing from our customers and getting updates on how your horses are doing! Please send us your story and a photo of your horse in their Soft Ride products for a chance to be featured on our social media, in an upcoming issue of our newsletter, and to be entered in a Soft Ride giveaway!
Email us here: socialmedia@srboots.com Tag us on Facebook: Soft Ride Equine Comfort Boots Instagram: @soft.ride |
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As we continue our drive to keep your horse on his feet, we've received more than 15 patents, ship to over 50 countries, and work with more than 6,000 veterinarians around the world, as well as every veterinarian school in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. And with horse owners from every discipline using our products, we can safely and proudly say, "The best in the world rely on Soft Ride." |
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