Safety Protocols & Operating Standards

The Red Mare Equine Recovery follows established safety procedures designed to support safe cryotherapy application for the horse, owner or handler, technician, surrounding property, and equipment during all localized CO2 cryotherapy sessions.

Services are performed using professional equine CO2 cryotherapy equipment by a certified equipment operator. The equipment is intended for non-invasive wellness, maintenance, and recovery support only. Cryotherapy services do not replace veterinary care, diagnosis, treatment, or prescribed rehabilitation plans.

When appropriate, The Red Mare Equine Recovery may work with the client’s veterinarian to support an existing care plan; however, veterinary involvement is not required for general wellness or maintenance services.

Horse Preparation & Handling

Clients are responsible for preparing and safely handling their horse before and during the appointment.

Before treatment:

  • Horses must be reasonably clean and completely dry

  • Mud, sweat, oils, topical products, and debris should be removed from treatment areas

  • Horses should be safely secured using cross-ties, wash racks, or another controlled setup

  • The owner or a capable designated handler age 18 or older must remain present if the horse cannot safely stand unattended.

Appointments may be delayed, modified, or refused if preparation or handling conditions are considered unsafe.

Medical & Behavioral Disclosure

Clients must disclose any known:

  • Behavioral concerns

  • Handling sensitivities

  • Recent injuries

  • Medications

  • Veterinary restrictions

  • Prior reactions to cold therapy

  • Sensitive or reactive areas

Any incident, injury, unsafe behavior, unusual horse reaction, or safety concern observed during services may be documented through written notes, photographs, or video for safety, training, and liability purposes.

Sedation & Acclimation Procedures

The Red Mare Equine Recovery does not provide or administer sedation. If a client chooses to use a veterinarian-prescribed sedative (ex: Dormosedan Gel) for a nervous or difficult-to-handle horse, it must be administered by the owner, handler, or veterinarian before the session. Whenever possible, sedation is avoided through gradual acclimation techniques. The cryotherapy system includes a specialized nozzle designed to be quieter and less intimidating for sensitive horses, allowing the technician to slowly introduce the sound, airflow, and cooling sensation before full treatment begins. Treatment approach, timing, and exposure may be adjusted based on the horse’s comfort level and behavioral response during the session.

Restricted Treatment Areas

Cryotherapy services are not performed on:

  • Eyes

  • Face

  • Poll

  • Ear area

  • Mucous membranes

  • Open wounds

  • Unsafe or medically restricted areas

Treatment areas are determined at technician discretion based on safety and equipment suitability.

Exercise & Environmental Safety

Clients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise within 45 minutes before and after treatment. Services are performed only in environments considered reasonably safe for horse restraint, technician movement, ventilation, footing, equipment operation, and normal equine behavior. Because horses are inherently unpredictable animals, services may be delayed, modified, or discontinued due to unsafe horse behavior, weather, footing, ventilation, or environmental conditions.

Equipment & CO2 Safety

All cryotherapy equipment and CO2 tanks are transported securely, kept upright when required, visually inspected before use, and operated only by trained personnel. Services are performed in open-air or properly ventilated environments. Equipment use is limited to its intended equine cryotherapy application, and services may be paused or discontinued if equipment condition, ventilation, horse behavior, or the working environment creates a safety concern.