Ozone therapy is increasingly recognised worldwide for its powerful healing properties in animals.
In horses, it accelerates wound healing, reduces inflammation, boosts immunity, and combats infections.
Zaan’s original blanket design (Pic – Supplied)
In Brazil, Dr. Jean Juaquim has been a passionate proponent of ozone therapy for over 20 years. He has dedicated his expertise to advancing its use in both human and veterinary medicine. His pioneering work in the field has been a driving force in the treatment’s advancement and, in the last decade, his success has led to recognition among a wider audience.
Interestingly, in the world of equestrian sports and horse racing, South African Alexander ‘Zaan’ Thompson has played a key role in the development and promotion of the ‘Ozone Blanket’ for horses in Dubai and now also in South Africa.
While the concept has been used globally in different forms for several years, Thompson’s innovative design and delivery method are unique, earning him widespread support and praise for their effectiveness.
SA-bred Celtic Voyager, a 2023 Carnival winner (Pic – Supplied)
“One cannot patent a gas, and patenting my delivery system would cost around US$100,000. That isn’t worth pursuing because the system is relatively easy to replicate. In fact, several copycats are already using my methods—some have even copied the exact wording from my promotional leaflets. There’s nothing I can do about this, but I’m not concerned. I have 14 years of hands-on experience, I’ve refined my methods and protocols through trial and error and I have a growing, satisfied client base that includes trainers and showjumpers in Dubai, France, the UK, and the US. That speaks for itself—my blankets are delivering exactly what the market wants.”
Thompson’s blanket, designed with a latex layer and an array of nozzles, is wrapped and fastened around the horse’s body. The nozzles connect to an ozone generator, which dispenses the gas for transthermal absorption. As the horse warms inside the blanket, its pores open, enhancing absorption. The ozone then enters the bloodstream and begins its therapeutic effects.
There are specific programmes for healthy horses, happy hackers, competition horses (showjumping and dressage) and racehorses who, as athletes in daily training, receive treatment once or sometimes twice a week. Each treatment is divided into segments of time, depending on the injury or condition.
Thompson’s clients include French trainer Nicolas Caullery, Doug O’Neil in the US, Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi’s RRR Racing in Dubai and the entire Dutch Olympic Showjumping Team.
In South Africa, Sean Tarry has used the blanket with good results in the last year.
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