Cold therapy and cryotherapy are among the most evidence-based interventions in equine rehabilitation. Modern cryotherapy systems — from ice boots to whole-limb cooling devices — provide measurable welfare benefits through pain relief and inflammation control.
Cryotherapy is one of the few equine rehabilitation interventions with robust evidence for both pain relief and disease prevention. Its welfare significance is clearest in laminitis prophylaxis: horses with risk factors for laminitis (black walnut shavings, endocrinopathy, carbohydrate overload) who receive continuous digital cooling have dramatically reduced laminitis incidence. Laminitis causes severe, often chronic pain and is a leading cause of equine euthanasia. Prevention through evidence-based cooling protocols represents a meaningful welfare advance. Ensuring access to appropriate cryotherapy equipment and training is a practical priority for equine welfare.