Product Spotlight: Back on Track

    After the overwhelming response to my first blog post yesterday, I decided to try another topic area that I have been pondering.  This will be the first of what I am going to call, Product Spotlights.  As many of you know my family is in the tack business.  I find that our customers are always looking for more information about our products.  I will try to address the most commonly asked questions about some of our products.  Any of the products that I post about are available through Stoops Tack Shop.  We can be contacted by email at stoopstackshop@gmail.com or online at www.facebook.com/stoopstack Thank You!

                                                 

I hope you find this information educational and useful.

What is it?

Back on track is a therapy product for horses, dogs and humans.  This unique product works on all horses and shows drastic improvements after only a couple hours of use.  The product uses the animals body heat to loosen muscles, reduce swelling and improve circulation.

How does it work?

By combining modern textile technology and traditional Chinese medicine which is supported by scientific studies, Back on Track creates products that help people, horses and dogs achieve a more active and comfortable life.


Back on Track's joint and muscle support are all made of functional textiles with heat reflective properties. The textile is a synergy of ancient Chinese experience and modern scientific textile technology. During the manufacturing of polyester- or polyester fibers, the ceramic particles are fused into the fibers. When heated, the ceramic particles radiate a heat back towards the body. This reflected heat is long-wave heat radiation, which is also known as long wave infrared radiation.

Before using the Back on Track Blanket



After using the Back on Track Blanket




Heat Radiation
It is well established and documented that long wave infrared heat radiation increases the blood circulation. The increased blood circulation in the tissues helps to relieve muscle tension and improves performance. One important property is the injury prevention effect, which you get when the protections are used for training and competition.




Heat energy can be transported in three ways: conduction (transfer), convection or radiation.
When heat transfer or conduction occurs, the heat in a material spreads from one part of the material to another.

Convection is the loss of heat when a heated liquid or gas (e.g. air) is displaced, carrying the heat with it. The insulating material in ordinary clothing and joint supports, for example cotton, wool and neoprene, is designed to prevent convection and thus retains body heat in the air outside the skin.
Radiation occurs when a heat source emits heat radiation, where upon it collides with another surface and heats it. Back on Track's products work with radiant heat, the purpose of which is to avoid trapping the heat through insulation. This is so that the protection has a respiratory function, while heat energy in the body tissues increases.

People and animals radiate body heat, both at rest and in activity, however less heat is radiated when at rest.  When a material is hit with heat rays, three things can occur.















The rays can pass straight through the material, which is called transmittance. An example of this is when the sun's heat rays hit a glass plate. The majority of the heat radiation passes through the glass. You would feel this effect if you were to stand in a room with the sun shining through the window.



The second thing that can happen is that the rays bounce on the material's surface and are reflected away, called reflectance. If all the heat is reflected the material will not be heated as none of the rays radiate through the material.


The third that can happen is the material absorbs the heat rays, which is called absorbance. Radiated heat can have different wavelengths depending on the temperature of the heat source and the material. Radiant heat is usually within the range of what is called infrared radiation, which means wavelengths between 0.7 microns and 1 mm. A material absorbs different amounts of heat radiation depending on the wavelength of the radiation. This is called the material's absorption spectrum. The radiant heat absorbed increases the heat content of the material.



A material has not only an absorption spectrum but also an emission spectrum. An emission spectrum essentially means that different materials radiate heat of various wavelengths within different temperatures. The amount of radiation and the radiation wavelength varies depending on the heat source temperature and the emission spectrum of the heat source materials. Generally, one can say that the lower the temperature heat source is the longer the wavelength of the heat radiation.



When manufacturing the polyester and polypropylene fibers that Back on Track products are made of, ceramic particles are fused into the textile fibers. The selection of these ceramic particles is based on which absorption and emission spectrum they contain. The result is that when the ceramic particles absorb the body's heat radiation, they expel heat of a specific wavelength, which is based in the long-wave infrared zone of the thermal radiation spectrum. It is well established and documented that long wave infrared heat radiation has a pain reducing effect and increases blood circulation.



Just like other materials, the body's tissues have their own absorption spectrum. The wavelength that the ceramic particles issue is absorbed in the cells. A signal is sent to the brain telling it that heat energy has increased, to which the brain opens up the veins. The absorption happens not only in the skin but also deeper down the tissue, which makes the veins wider not only superficially but also in the muscles and around the joints. The increased blood circulation in the tissues relieves muscle tension and strengthens the body's own ability to reduce inflammations and heal injuries. The products are therefore often used in cases where inflammation is part of the problem. Another important application is injury prevention, which you get when the protections are used for training and competition.

How long do the Back on Track products work? 

Since the ceramic particles are melted into the threads they can never wash out, and our products will always be effective.  Some of the first horse wraps we made are still going strong after daily use for over 10 years.  If you have been using our products for a while, and feel you don’t see the same results as at the beginning, simply take a break for a couple of weeks and try again.  While using our products the body can get used to feeling better, so you may no longer see an increased difference.  After taking a break you will most likely see that difference again.



Instructions for Use

Back on Track blankets should be introduced gradually. We recommend you start by using them for 2-4 hours for the first 3-4 days and then leave them on overnight for best results.   After 3-4 weeks use them for 3-6 days a week and you will see what a difference it makes for your horse.
Please note that physical responses can be variable.
Often you will notice a reduction of muscular stiffness within a few hours or days. Occasionally, however, you will need to persevere for 10 days to 30 days, particularly with established long-term injuries.
For best results, leave sheet on overnight after introductory period or let your horse wear it prior to exercise to help muscles warm up. Not recommended for turnout.

What products are available and what areas do they target?

Blankets

There are 3 types of blankets available; Mesh Sheet, Fleece and Turn-Out.  Each of these has their place and  purpose the most versatile is the mesh sheet.  The mesh sheet can be used year around, it works well in the winter by simply placing another blanket over it.

Mesh Sheet: MSRP $249.00 for sizes 72-90


Fleece Blanket: MSRP $249.00 for sizes 72-90

Fleece blankets are good for chilling fall days and throughout the cold winter months.


Turnout Sheet:  MSRP $289.00 for sizes 72-90

It is waterproof  and is 1680 denier, so extremely strong to use for turnout and keeping your horse dry and warm. This unique sheet comes with a tail flap, adjustable surcingles and elastic leg ties to ensure it stays in place during rolling and playing.



Once you are equipped with a therapy blanket the next products to look at are the leg wraps.  My personal favorite are the quick wraps.  They are easy to put on and provide excellent hauling protection.


MSRP:  $93.00 for a pair, 2 wraps

The quick wraps are available in 10"-18" sizes.

Back on Track therapeutic horse leg wraps are designed to reflect the horse's own body-warmth,  creating a soothing infrared thermal heat which can help alleviate pain associated with inflamed muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. Used for both injury prevention as well as injury recovery. No liniment is needed. You can also replace poultice with these leg wraps. Back on Track bandages take down swelling in the horse's legs in just a few days and can also reduce wind puffs.

In addition to the quick wraps there are a couple other options for standing wraps.  The other options are the no-bow leg wraps and polo wraps.  Back on track comes in enough varieties that there is something to suit everyone's preference.

      

I will continue to work my way up from the ground the next two products to take a look at are the hock and knee boots.



MSRP:  $79.00

Hock Boots with Holes give you another choice for dealing with arthritic or capped hocks. Consisting of a neoprene exterior, we infused the interior of the boot with our state-of-the-art Welltex fabric containing ceramic powder which reflects your horse’s natural body warmth and creates a soothing infrared thermal warmth. This is a well-recognized method used to help relieve and heal injured muscles, joints, and tendons. The boot fastens around the hock but leaves the hock point uncovered. Attached straps allow you to adjust the boots’ fit. When you use these boots it helps to use standing wraps to prevent them from sliding down.


MSRP:  $79.00

Knee Boots are ideal for injury recovery or prevention in the tough to wrap knee area. Consisting of a neoprene exterior, we infused the interior of the boot with our state-of-the-art Welltex fabric, which contains ceramic powder. The ceramic reflects your horse’s natural body warmth and creates a soothing far infrared thermal warmth. Warmth therapy is a well-recognized method used to help relieve and heal injured muscles, joints, and tendons. Contoured to the shape of the knee, the boot fastens with straps allowing you to adjust the fit. When using these boots it helps to use standing wraps to prevent them from sliding down.

Moving on up here are a few more pre-competition products to take a look at!

BRAND NEW PRODUCT!!

Shoulder Guard: MSRP $109.00



This unique product is made of stretchable spandex and simply slips over the horses head and Velcro's around the girth area.  This is an excellent option for horses who have shoulder pain and tension.  The shoulder guard will help relieve pain in the shoulders, withers and front rib cage areas.  These are hard to manage areas using other products do to the amount of movement in the area.

Mesh Neck Cover: MSRP $99.00 for sizes 72-90



Tight, stiff neck muscles are a thing of the past with our therapeutic Horse Neck Cover. Designed with breathable mesh and Back on Track’s unique Welltex fabric containing ceramic powder, it reflects your horse’s own body warmth and creates a soothing far infrared thermal heat. Tired muscles find immediate relief after a hard workout or use prior to exercise to help muscles warm up and loosen. For total body heat therapy for your horse, combine with Back on Track’s Mesh Horse Sheet.

Equine Head Cap:  MSRP $39.00

For the horse that is sore and sensitive in the poll area.  The head cap can be called the thinking cap, users report a more quiet and responsive horse.  The Head Cap covers both the atlas and the axis. It has closures around the ears for optimal adjustability. Laces on each side to fasten under the throat, with re-enforcement made on the exterior where the halter rests.



This completes my summary of the pre-competition products.  Next lets take a look at some of the great products made specifically for use during training and competition time.

Western Saddle Pad: MSRP $69.00



Of all the competition products this is my favorite thus far!  This product in combination with the mesh sheet works wanders.  I simply put this pad under my normal saddle pad and go, best of all it does not slip or move around at all!!  This pad does a great job of maintaining the warm and limber muscles that are gained by using the therapy blankets.  The pad produces a nice even sweat leaves your horses back feeling soft and supple.

Split Boots/Exercise Boots:  MSRP $69.00 for front or rears


The Exercise Boots are made of highly durable neoprene. They offer an excellent fit and superior protection as they easily form close contact with the tendons and bones in the lower leg. The neoprene hinders dirt and gravel from penetrating the boots. These are just some of the reasons Exercise Boots are so popular.  The Exercise Boots are an excellent choice for having the Back on Track effect during the entire workout, and to save time.  The Exercise Boots are used for prevention by reducing the risk of ligament damage and attach with straps.

Royal Bell Boots:  MSRP $45.00


Everyone is aware of the protection offered with a good set of bell boots, however these ones take that further.  They are awesome for the horse that has previous injuries to the foot area and may be somewhat tender.  They also offer a good fit and full protection from over-reaching strides.

Poll Cover:  MSRP  $27.00


Here is another product that is worth taking a look at.  This product simply attaches to your brindle and offers the same great effects to the poll.  It helps to keep the poll sensitive horse relaxed and ready to listen.

Please visit http://www.backontrackproducts.com/, to learn more about these products and the rest of the product line!  There are also an overwhelming number of great testimonials on their page as well, certainly worth the read!

From the Author:

As with all our products, I will not sell a product that I will not use.  Why?  We are not in business to simply make money, I want to provide the best products available at the most competitive prices!

I began using the Back on Track mesh sheet and it was recommended to me by Dave Fries Equine therapy.  As with all new products, I was skeptical.  That was a little over a year ago now, since then I have accumulated a few other various products.  I have been incredibly happy with the results.  I see significant improvements in the movement and carriage of my OTTB barrel mares.  Having been former race horses these girls tend to be sorer and hold more tension in their bodies.  The Back on Track products have relieved that tension and drastically reduced the amount of time needed to get them to relax and carry themselves in the proper frame.

However, the greatest surprise came when I put the blanket and leg wraps on my 19 yr old quarter horse mare.  Let me give you a little background, this mare has been the best horse I have ever had the privilege to own and ride.  She has taken me further and taught me more than any other horse.  However, I retired her 2 years ago due to arthritis and wind puffs on her hind ankles.  She had given me more than I could ever repay her for, but she wasn't happy.  She ran the fence and carried on terribly every time I left for a show.  My son had been driving me crazy wanting to ride her, so I finally gave in and let him.  She loved it, she was so good to him and he was finally enjoying riding.  A few weeks ago my rodeo mare came up lame and I thought, I may have to run my old girl.  I wrapped her up in every piece of Back on Track I owned.  I didn't end up running her but I left it on her because my son had a show the next day.  I was in total shock when I removed it, she felt amazing and was acting like she was 10 again.  It was a complete transformation!  I was happy with the products before that experience however, that made me a true believer and is what made me decide to start selling these wonderful products.

Thank You for reading and I hope you learned something!