OFF THE RECORD #65

The Ozone Therapy Revolution
Former jockey Thompson’s innovative breakthrough

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.

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.

Above: Zaan's original blanket design (pic: supplied)

The former jockey’s blanket and delivery system is now actively employed in seven countries. He established ‘Alexander Sports and Equine Services’, offering alternative injury treatments like Ozone technology and acupressure alongside services like barefoot trimming and advanced thermal imaging. His business is booming.

Thompson commented: “Dr. Juaquim is doing incredible work with ozone therapy. He’s a humble figure who doesn’t speak a word of English, but his results are nothing short of miraculous. I believe his genius will be recognised by the rest of the world in the coming years. I consult him often, with the help of an interpreter.”

Dr. Juaquim utilises invasive ozone treatments, where ozone gas is directly introduced into the body through a needle or catheter. While these procedures deliver faster results, they must be performed by veterinary professionals. This requirement has contributed to the growing popularity of the ozone blanket in Dubai, offering a non-invasive alternative with similar benefits.

Thompson explained: “I use exactly the same gas, ozone (O₃), which is a highly reactive molecule naturally occurring in the Earth’s atmosphere. I think veterinarians have been reluctant to adopt it because the procedure works faster, potentially reducing the number of treatments they can charge for.”

Thompson credits the late Freddie Cavé for introducing him to the Ozone Blanket more than 14 years ago, and said: “Freddie used a drape in those early days and had some success. I experimented with the drape in Dubai and, during Covid, I finally had time to sit down and design a blanket of my own. What I have now is a product that works exceptionally well. Through trial and error, I’ve perfected a delivery system that has been well received by the market.

Above: 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.

Above: Ozone treatment: ‘Before and after’ example (photo: supplied)

Caullery’s wife, Marine Henry, bought a number of blankets from Thompson and, in their agreed partnership, has built her own franchise at Chantilly. Henry said that she, too, is doing incredibly well. She treated every French horse that came to the Dubai Carnival this season, including Caullery’s grey galloper King Gold, who defeated the star, Laurel River, in January’s Group 3 Firebreak Stakes. She also handled Dylan Cunha’s UK visitors, King’s Call and Silver Sword, and one from Joseph O’Brien’s yard.

Above: King Gold, 2025 Carnival winner (pic: supplied)

Tarry reported: “The ozone blanket is an important element in the rehabilitation process of injured horses. I have found it to be especially effective in the treatment of ligaments and tendons, those are always difficult to deal with. We’ve had success with horses including, most recently, Litigation, who finished third in the recent Grade 2 Premiers Trophy at HWB Kenilworth.”

In Dubai, Thompson now ‘blankets’ five or six horses per day, seven days a week. In between, he has a growing base of clients who request barefoot trimming for their horses. Barefoot trimming is focused on healing hooves, not on applying artificial structures. It uses boots, pads, physical therapy and specific diets and exercise to stimulate better hoof growth. Thompson acquired his knowledge and honed his skills working with Irish farrier Declan Cronin, himself at the forefront of groundbreaking programmes improving the health of the foot and the racing performance of horses.

Above: Zaan outriding in Meydan(pic: supplied)

Thompson said he feels "blessed and fortunate" to have worked with some of the world's best horses in Dubai and to have met many of the top horsemen globally. His early roles as a work rider and later as an outrider for the Dubai Racing Club contributed to his growth, paving the way for his now-thriving business. A graduate of the SA Jockeys Academy, Thompson exemplifies how dedication and innovation can forge a successful career in the equine industry.