Jackie’s interest in light grew from her work in equine and canine bodywork and her own experience with health challenges. That curiosity eventually led her to create AnimaSol, which develops light therapy products for animals and is the presenting sponsor of The HorseGrooms Podcast from November 2026 through January 2027.
During the conversation, Jackie shares the journey behind the company and how she uses light therapy with animals. For grooms who use these products as part of a horse’s routine, this episode offers an introduction to the technology and some questions to consider.
From Bodywork to an Interest in Light
Jackie grew up loving animals and originally wanted to become a veterinarian. Instead, her path led her to equine and canine bodywork. She earned a bachelor’s degree in equine health and rehabilitation and worked at rehabilitation centers and with performance animals around the United States.
Through that work, she became familiar with laser therapy. But it was her own experience with Lyme disease that prompted her to explore light more closely. In the episode, Jackie describes changes she made to her lighting environment and her experience using red and near-infrared light therapy on herself.
Natural Light and Darkness
Jackie says she learned about circadian biology during her studies, including the importance of daily light and dark cycles. In the conversation, she emphasizes that both natural daylight and nighttime darkness matter for people and animals.
She describes performance horses spending time in dim barns or under bright artificial lights, both day and night. Jackie contrasts artificial lighting with the range of wavelengths in sunlight, including red and near-infrared, and says she wants to draw more attention to horses’ light environments and circadian rhythms.
Why Different Wavelengths Matter
Building on that discussion of sunlight, Jackie explains the distinction between red and near-infrared light.
According to Jackie, red light is used for areas closer to the surface, while near-infrared light reaches deeper into tissue. She also introduces mitochondria, the energy-producing structures inside cells, and explains her understanding of how light interacts with them. Throughout the conversation, she connects this to her interest in healing, recovery, and performance.
Jackie says her own experiences with light therapy led her to develop a wearable, full-body device for animals and start AnimaSol. She explains that AnimaSol’s products use five wavelengths, with a two-to-one ratio of near-infrared to red light.
Before or After Exercise?
When Dinette asks whether light therapy is used before or after exercise, Jackie says both.
She describes using it before work to support circulation and performance, and afterward for recovery. For grooms, she gives the example of applying the leg wraps while preparing a horse for exercise, or incorporating them into the routine after the horse has worked and received its usual care.
Jackie also explains that the wraps can be used on different parts of the body. Although they are called leg wraps, she describes placing them on areas such as the poll, back, and hocks.
Horses Relax During Sessions and Seem More Focused
One response Jackie says has surprised her is how horses react to wearing the full-body blanket. She describes seeing horses relax during sessions, sometimes appearing ready to fall asleep. She also shares feedback from riders who told her their horses seemed more focused afterward.
For Jackie, these experiences have strengthened her interest in how light therapy might support animals beyond an individual area of the body. In the episode, she discusses these observations alongside her perspective on the demands of travel, competition, and performance routines.
Combining Different Therapies
Dinette also asks how light therapy compares with other products commonly seen in barns, including magnetic and massage blankets. Jackie explains that these products use different technologies. While she is particularly enthusiastic about light, she says she also recognizes other approaches.
Her practical point is to pay attention to the individual horse. She cautions against assuming that more input is always better and discusses using different therapies at separate times rather than automatically combining them in one session.
She also encourages listeners to look beyond which rider uses a product. Ask the company to explain its technology, share testing information, and answer questions about how the device works.
Products Designed for Barn Routines
AnimaSol’s equine product range includes a full-body blanket, leg wraps, and bell boots. Jackie also discusses a handheld light device and products for dogs and people.
She describes the leg wraps as a popular starting point because of their versatility. Her aim, she explains, was to create products that could cover different areas without requiring a separate device for every part of the horse.
Learn more about AnimaSol’s products at animasol.com.
Listen to Jackie Jolie on the Power of Light
Hear Jackie explain her approach, discuss different wavelengths, and share her experiences with light therapy in the full episode of the HorseGrooms Podcast about The Power of Light. Our podcast is available on top of this article, on the podcast page on this website, on all major podcast platforms and on the Equus Radio Network.
If you enjoy The HorseGrooms Podcast, please leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps more people discover the stories and knowledge shared by our guests.
More About AnimaSol, Our Presenting Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by AnimaSol, the presenting sponsor of The HorseGrooms Podcast for November, December, and January 2027.
AnimaSol creates red and near-infrared light therapy products for animals, including its EquiSol blanket, leg wraps, and bell boots for horses. At the core of the company is its vision to transform animal well-being through what it describes as the natural and restorative power of light.
AnimaSol sponsors this episode and is the presenting sponsor of The HorseGrooms Podcast from November through January. We are grateful to Jackie and AnimaSol for supporting our work and mission.
Here Is a Discount Code for AnimaSol’s Products
Explore AnimaSol’s products in the online AnimaSol Shop, and use code HGSOL for 10% off your purchase.
Visit animasol.com to learn more about the company and its products, or read our introduction to AnimaSol. And don’t forget to use code HGSOL for 10% discount on any of their products!
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