How does a Water Treadmill benefit your horse?
By Claire Dyson from Equine Water Treadmill Rehabilitation Centre
T
here has been a huge increase and growing momentum behind water treadmill therapy here in the UK over the past few years. Multiple disciplines including private yards, racehorse trainers, professional competition yards along with therapy and rehabilitation centres like ours are now using a water treadmill as part of their fitness and training plans. The horse enters the treadmill while the tank is empty and the chamber fills quickly with water to a level we choose is appropiate, depending on the individual horse’s level of fitness or injury. The horse is not 'swimming' but moving in a natural outline in a low to non-concussive environment. The different depths allow for varying degrees of support/resistance and movement. The treadmill is set to the desired speed, which may be at walk or trot.
The water treadmill is a full body workout which is highly
effective and naturally improve respiration levels which is highly noticeable in the horse’s day to day work. Along with improved joint flexion, increasing the horses stride length, increased stride length and suppleness through the back and improving the topline. Muscle tone, stamina and strength and improved dramatically and the horses enjoy their treadmill sessions. The buoyancy of the water reduces weight bearing stress on the joints and soft tissue structures which allows an increased range of motion. At the same time the high resistance (12 times more than air) leads to increased muscle activity which enhances neuromuscular control. Hydrostatic pressure helps to reduce oedema (swelling), decrease pain and promote circulation.
Using cold water in the treadmill adds further benefits in which it reduces swelling and decreases inflammations. Using the water treadmill is a low intensity workout suitable for both fit horses or those returning to work after time off or in- jury. The treadmill encourages the horses to engage its hind legs taking the weight off the front legs and take bigger, longer steps.
When the water levels in the treadmill are high, horses demonstrate an increased stride length and decreased stride frequency which leads to increased back extension and flexion and therefore helping build up back muscles and core strength. Lower water levels would be used in the treadmill for a horse that is returning to work from injury to gradually strengthen the injured area or that has a lower fitness level. The water treadmill programme can be tailored to each individual horse needs and their fitness levels. Regular videos can be taken to monitor the horses progress.
Water treadmill therapy is ideal for:
• Core muscles, strengthening and suppleness • Re-educate muscles • Fitness without concussion • Tendon and suspensory ligaments • Degenerative joint disease – increasing joint flexion • Sore back, weak hind quarters or shoulders • Stifle weakness or soreness
• Kissing spine – increases the gap between dorsal spine processes • Soft tissue injuries • Back and foot problems • Healing of flesh cuts and bruises • Pain reduction, inflammation and discomfort
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