NHA Reminds Trainers About Therapy Restrictions On Race Days

By August 14, 2026SA Racing

The NHA have sent out a reminder  to  trainers that certain physical therapies and therapeutic modalities are prohibited from being administered to a horse on the day of a race.

The reason, for example, an electric blanket can’t be used on race day is:

Electromagnetic blankets are banned on race days because racing authorities classify them as therapeutic devices that can mask pain, reduce inflammation, or alter an equine athlete’s physical state shortly before competing. Banning their use close to race day ensures veterinarians can accurately assess a horse’s soundness before high-speed competition.

 

NHA Press Release

PHYSICAL THERAPIES, THERAPEUTIC DEVICES, AND CLAIMS OF NHA APPROVAL

The National Horseracing Authority (NHA) reminds all licensed Trainers that certain physical therapies and therapeutic modalities are prohibited from being administered to a horse on the day of a race.

The following treatments and therapies may not be used at any time prior to racing on the day of a race:

  • Acupuncture
  • Laser therapy and infra-red treatments
  • Chiropractic manipulations
  • Magnetic field therapy and magnetic therapeutic devices
  • Therapeutic ultrasound
  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
  • Any other form of electrical stimulation therapy
  • Extra-Corporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)

For the avoidance of doubt, the prohibition applies regardless of whether the therapy, treatment, or device is marketed as therapeutic, preventative, recovery-enhancing, performance-enhancing, non-invasive, drug-free, or by any similar description.

Vibratory massage systems may be used in the stable on the morning of the race but are not permitted on the racecourse.

Trainers are advised that the NHA does not approve, endorse, certify, recommend, validate, or otherwise support any commercial product, medication, supplement, therapy, therapeutic device, equipment, treatment protocol, or service offered by any manufacturer, distributor, veterinarian, trainer, or other third party.

The fact that a product, medication, treatment, or device is not specifically prohibited under the Rules of the NHA, does not constitute approval, endorsement, certification, or recommendation by the NHA, nor should it be interpreted as confirmation of its efficacy, safety, or suitability for use in racehorses.

Any person seeking clarification regarding the permissibility of a particular treatment, therapy, or device should contact the NHA Veterinary Department directly.

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