Dubai Uses Extreme Cold Cryotherapy to Treat Racehorses in World First
DUBAI (Reuters) - In the searing summer heat of Dubai, some of the world's top racehorses are being swathed in freezing nitrogen mist to boost their performance.
Cryotherapy, which surrounds the body in a mist as cold as -140°C, has been used for decades on athletes to aid recovery and in medicine. A Dubai-based company, Revive Cryotherapy, says it is now offering the first whole body cryotherapy chamber for horses.
"As far as recovery goes we are learning, but it is positive so far," said Satish Seemar, head trainer at Zabeel Racing Stables which trains about 125 horses.
"The horses start hopping quicker after their hard work and racing than without cryotherapy," he added.
Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates, is known for its connections to elite horse racing. Its ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, is an avid sponsor, owner and rider of horses. The emirate gives out multi-million dollar prizes at prestigious competitions.
"Horse racing is a big business with prizes worth millions of dollars. With cryotherapy we have seen that you can train harder, recover quicker and you can race more often," said Luka Jurkovic, general manager of Revive Cryotherapy.
Cryotherapy, which surrounds the body in a mist as cold as -140°C, has been used for decades on athletes to aid recovery and in medicine. A Dubai-based company, Revive Cryotherapy, says it is now offering the first whole body cryotherapy chamber for horses.
"As far as recovery goes we are learning, but it is positive so far," said Satish Seemar, head trainer at Zabeel Racing Stables which trains about 125 horses.
"The horses start hopping quicker after their hard work and racing than without cryotherapy," he added.
Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates, is known for its connections to elite horse racing. Its ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, is an avid sponsor, owner and rider of horses. The emirate gives out multi-million dollar prizes at prestigious competitions.
"Horse racing is a big business with prizes worth millions of dollars. With cryotherapy we have seen that you can train harder, recover quicker and you can race more often," said Luka Jurkovic, general manager of Revive Cryotherapy.