Aquastride Treadmill Information
About
Hydrotherapy can play a key part of your horses fitness or rehabilitation through controlled, supervised exercise. There is growing research to support the use of underwater treadmills and it can benefit across all disciplines and abilities of horse and pony, from hacking horses through to elite competition horses. The treadmill provides a full body workout, improving not only general fitness but increase core strength, suppleness, joint flexion, range of movement and overall well-being.
Hydrotherapy can play a key part of your horses fitness or rehabilitation through controlled, supervised exercise. There is growing research to support the use of underwater treadmills and it can benefit across all disciplines and abilities of horse and pony, from hacking horses through to elite competition horses. The treadmill provides a full body workout, improving not only general fitness but increase core strength, suppleness, joint flexion, range of movement and overall well-being.
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The Team
Our treadmill manager, Alice, is a Veterinary Physiotherapist (PGDip, MNAVP) and a member of the Institute of Equine Hydrotherapists (IEH). All members of staff have been trained by renowned German vet and hydrotherapy expert, Dr Matthias Baumann. |
Fitness & Performance
Hydrotherapy can easily be part of your horses regular training and fitness programme. The water treadmill not only maximises performance and training but reduces the risk of future injury through muscle development and strengthening.
Benefits include:
Improved core strength, balance and stability.
Increase in resistance builds strength and stamina.
Improves straightness and encourages symmetrical loading for better biomechanics.
Increases joint flexion, mobility and range of motion.
Increases stride length and quality, improves gait.
Increase cardiovascular activity, condition and fitness.
Reduces concussive forces on lower limbs.
Encourages the horse to work independently.
Hydrotherapy can easily be part of your horses regular training and fitness programme. The water treadmill not only maximises performance and training but reduces the risk of future injury through muscle development and strengthening.
Benefits include:
Improved core strength, balance and stability.
Increase in resistance builds strength and stamina.
Improves straightness and encourages symmetrical loading for better biomechanics.
Increases joint flexion, mobility and range of motion.
Increases stride length and quality, improves gait.
Increase cardiovascular activity, condition and fitness.
Reduces concussive forces on lower limbs.
Encourages the horse to work independently.
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Rehabilitation (Veterinary Referral Necessary)
Working with vets and physiotherapists, we can ensure the use of the underwater treadmill can aid in your horses recovery from injury and become part of a targeted rehabilitation plan. This is developed on a case-by-case basis and tailored to your horses needs. Working in a safe environment at a controlled speed, the cold water has therapeutic benefits as well as providing buoyancy, gentle resistance, reduced concussion and low impact exercise. Hydrotherapy can assist in weight loss as part of an overall management plan. For veteran horses it can help improve circulation and decrease muscle atrophy. |
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Habituation
It is key that horses enjoy the experience and are as relaxed as possible. Therefore, introducing them slowly and correctly to the process is vital and each horse is different. The first session will allow your horse to be accustomed to the environment and movement of the treadmill belt with the gradual addition of the water. Depending on the horses level of fitness or stage of rehabilitation, the initial session may be quite short and the water will not go above hoof height. We use the first session to visually assess your horse and work a treadmill progression plan. Even horses that may be apprehensive of puddles and water, take to the treadmill really well as they are allowed to familiarize themselves without being rushed.
It is key that horses enjoy the experience and are as relaxed as possible. Therefore, introducing them slowly and correctly to the process is vital and each horse is different. The first session will allow your horse to be accustomed to the environment and movement of the treadmill belt with the gradual addition of the water. Depending on the horses level of fitness or stage of rehabilitation, the initial session may be quite short and the water will not go above hoof height. We use the first session to visually assess your horse and work a treadmill progression plan. Even horses that may be apprehensive of puddles and water, take to the treadmill really well as they are allowed to familiarize themselves without being rushed.
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How to prepare
Please arrive 10 minutes before your allotted time slot. Please make sure your horses legs and belly are clean from any mud or products (coat sprays, creams etc.). Please ensure your horses feet are picked out. Please secure your horses tail up with a tail bandage prior to arrival/time slot. Biosecurity We have strong biosecurity measures, so please follow the below precautions. Please ensure your horses vaccinations are fully up to date and they are vaccinated 6 monthly for equine influenza. If your horse is showing any signs of being unwell, please check temperature before leaving and seek the advice of a veterinarian. The horses legs are cleaned prior to and after use of the water treadmill. We use Steri7 disinfectant to clean the treadmill and equipment. There are no chemicals used in the water due to the efficient water filtration system. |
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