The Equine Water Treadmill
Why Water Treadmill?
It is quite simply, the only way to exercise your horse in a truly controlled environment, working them in a continual straight line, without the weight of a rider, where they can learn to balance and build muscle. By utilising the depth of the water for resistance work, we can tailor make each session according the individual requirements of the horse. The viewing platform also helps us learn how the horse is using itself which will give key insights into potential areas of pain and compensatory patterns.
What can it help?
The latest research shows that the water treadmill improves muscle development in sports horses (especially in the hind quarters) when compared with those that are exercised using more traditional overland methods.
Horses returning to work require gentle controlled exercise to slowly develop their core strength and proprioception.
Fit horses benefit from the high intensity of resistance work from the deeper water, the increased range of motion work, and demanding cardiovascular workout.
Older horses love the support that the water gives, and the lack of concussion on their joints.
Or simply, it brings some variety. It helps keep the kids ponies fit and its fabulous for preseason fitness.
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Core strength and balance
Every human athlete spends hours working on their core.
Every human post injury rehab program will include core workouts.
Balance and proprioception is fundamental to the health of the neuromusculoskeletal system.
Why should the equine fitness/rehabilitation health paradigm be any different?
Treating the symptoms is only one part of the journey. Functional movement and balance is essential. Without it you are risking the viscous injury cycle. The water treadmill is a fabulous tool to help work the horse's core muscle groups and develop vital proprioceptive feedback.
What to expect
Building fitness, core strength and balance doesn't happen over night. When making the decision to use the water treadmill, you're effectively signing up for a course of sessions. One or two appointments sadly won't make much difference, consistency and frequency is key.
As with any fitness routine, the more you time you can commit to make the changes, the better the results.
Your initial appointment is all about the horse - expectations need to be realistic towards what we're asking them to do. The horse needs to be relaxed and comfortable, after all it doesn't know the floor is about to move, let alone the fact that water is going to be added to the container!!
Based on what we see on the first few sessions and what we're helping you with, will determine how many sessions you will be recommended.