Ice Compression Suits and Socks: How the Ice Pocket Range Works

An ice compression garment is a normal Hidez compression suit or sock with pockets sewn in to hold ice packs against the body, so cooling and graduated compression are applied together instead of with separate wraps. There are four in the range: an ice suit for horses, one- and three-pocket ice socks for horses, and an ice suit for greyhounds. Which to choose depends on the animal and on how much of it you want to cool.

What is the difference between an ice suit and a standard compression suit?

The ice version adds pockets that hold ice packs; the compression is the same patented graduated design. Pressure is greatest at the extremities and eases towards the heart, as it is on every Hidez garment. A standard suit gives you that pressure alone. An ice suit gives you that pressure with the option of cold held against the body, and because the pockets are optional to fill, the same garment can be worn with or without ice.

That option matters, because cold is not wanted every time. After a hot, hard session you may want it; on a cold evening you may want the compression only. The pockets let you decide on the day.

What does the horse ice suit cover?

The Hidez Ice Compression Suit for horses is a full-body suit with integrated ice pockets, built for horses after intense exercise, competition or travel. It is sold in ten sizes by height, from 14 hands to 18.2 hands in half-hand steps, and in black, blue or red. Sizing follows the same rule as every Hidez suit: correct fit means correct pressure, so measure before ordering and check the sizing guide.

How do the one-pocket and three-pocket ice socks differ?

The difference is the number of ice pockets on each sock: one, or three. The 1 pocket ice socks carry a single ice pocket per sock, a lighter option for the lower limb. The 3 pocket ice socks carry three, spreading ice over more of the lower leg. Both are sold as a pair, with separate front and hind options, in sizes by height from 14 hands to 19.2 hands in half-hand steps. Choose the front or hind option for the legs you are fitting; they are shaped differently.

If you are choosing between ice socks and the non-ice ones, our guide to compression socks for horses covers single thick, double thick and expander inserts alongside the ice versions.

What is different about the greyhound ice suit?

The Ice Greyhound Suit has fourteen ice pockets in total, and the layout is the point. Twelve pockets are spread across all four legs, and normally only a few are needed at any one time; you can fill all twelve for a full "ice bath" effect. Two further core pockets sit near the belly. It is sized by weight rather than height: small up to 20 to 25 kg, medium up to 25 to 30 kg, large up to 30 to 35 kg and extra large up to 35 to 40 kg, in red, black or blue.

Our guide to greyhound recovery after a race sets out where cooling fits in the first hour, and where drying and walking matter more.

How do you use the ice pockets?

Fill only the pockets you need, and fit the garment before the animal is standing in a cold wind. Use ice packs rather than loose ice, put them in the pockets before or just after fitting, and keep an eye on the animal the whole time. Take the packs out when the session is over. There is no single timing that suits every animal and conditions, so watch the animal rather than a clock: a horse or dog that is shivering, restless, or trying to get the garment off should have the packs removed.

In cold or wet weather, a compression-only garment is often the better choice, and a hard-worked animal may simply need drying and covering. Ice is a tool for a warm animal, not a default.

How do you wash an ice compression garment?

Remove every ice pack first, then machine wash cold on a delicate cycle with mild detergent, and air dry only. Tumble drying damages the compression fibres. The general rules are in our guide to washing and caring for a compression suit.

Which ice garment suits which situation?

Start from the animal and the area you want to work on. A horse that has done fast work and where you want cooling over the whole body suits the full ice suit. A horse where the legs are the concern suits ice socks, one pocket for less ice and three for more. A hard-running greyhound suits the greyhound ice suit, with legs and core covered separately. If you are unsure whether cooling is wanted at all, the standard suit is the lower-commitment choice.

When should you speak to a vet?

If the animal is unwell, shows heat or swelling in a limb, is lame, or has a wound or a skin problem, speak to your vet before using any cooling or compression product. Ice compression garments are a recovery and comfort aid for a sound animal. They do not diagnose or treat anything and are never a substitute for veterinary care. If a vet has told you what to use and for how long, follow that advice.

The short version

An ice garment is a Hidez compression suit or sock with pockets for ice packs, so you can cool and compress together or compress alone. Pick the horse suit for the whole body, one- or three-pocket socks for the lower legs, or the greyhound suit for legs and core. Size carefully, fill only the pockets you need, remove packs before washing, and ask your vet about anything that looks like a problem.