HAND HELD INFRARED THERMOMETER

This device is a commercial or industrial temperature unit. You place the end of the 'gun' on the horse's leg or back. Hold the trigger and scan the area. You should have a scan made before you go looking for problems.

I scan all legs and the back a number of times a month. The unit I use has a resolution of about 1/2 inch, quite good for finding hot sports.

This type of device is NOT very useful for use when riding. If you want to obtain under the saddle / working temps- see our V-MAX TEMPO, based on a Radioshack indoor outdoor digital thermometer.

There are a number of sources for these hand held devices. I got mine from COLE-PARMER 800 323 4340. It cost about $200. www.coleparmer.com

However there are other companies that sell these devices for allot less.

I found a model from RAYTEK -sold by FARMTEK 800 327 6835  www.farmteck.com  for $79 and $99. They have other devices with laser pointer beams, but I don't think that is needed.

I press the head against the leg as shown in the picture- hold the trigger and scan very slow. I make notes on a picture.

As with any tool it takes time to baseline you horse and find the normal temps.

A digital IR camera would be best - but who can afford one of those.

I had a chance to use this along with a $25K real time IR camera. I found the same sports or areas that were hot. It took a while since I had to do comparison readings on both sides of the horse. I think every rider can now afford one of these since prices are under $100. This will help find the hot sports causing the lameness or muscle related issues.

WE DO NOT SELL THEM.

Look for a good price- check the WEB -ebay

These are sold many places now for as low as $50. This is a tool I carry with me to all the rides. I use it at home to find if there is a problem when I 'feel' something is not right.