Frequently asked questions about our equine water treadmill

We take the time to introduce the horses slowly and we always start without water and only introduce water when they are moving and happy. Being affiliated with a veterinary clinic in worst case scenarios we can offer a light sedation if required. We would strongly recommend the starter course for these horses.

Please make sure the horse’s legs and belly are clean from visible mud and the feet are picked out. Please also check that your horse does not have any open wounds or skin conditions such as mud fever, and that they are well in themselves, if you have any of these concerns please call to rearrange the booking.

There is a risk that working in the water could increase the risk of a cut becoming infected or worsening conditions such as mud fever.

Firstly for the welfare of your own horse but also we are located on a large livery yard and attached to a veterinary clinic so we need to uphold biosecurity.

Yes please. For biosecurity reasons we request all horses are up to date with equine influenza vaccinations and in case of a cut or injury on the treadmill we require to be up to date with tetanus vaccinations. Standard booster vaccinations cover both of these.

There is no age limitation to use the treadmill, for older horses we will tailor the workout to their fitness and needs. For younger horses they need to be comfortable wearing a bridle and be good with having all limbs touched and lifted. If you have a young horse who is green in these regards, please just tell us in advance.

Each booking is a one-hour slot from arrival to leaving. The length of time on the treadmill varies from 10-30 minutes depending on fitness level of the horse and the rest of the time is for preparation and recovery including solarium time.

We ask that all bookings are made online with online payment at the time. However, if you would prefer to pay cash or by card on the day this can be arranged and payment will be taken upon arrival. In these instances, you will not be able to use the online booking system so please call us to make your appointments.

Yes of course, you are welcome to observe everything that we do.

Yes absolutely! We would love to be tagged in any social media too!

All horses will start with pastern height water and progress to mid canon when ready. The water can go as high as the stifle and this will be tailored to the individual horse’s fitness depending on how much resistance and buoyancy is required. The deeper the water the longer the stride length and more resistance so a tougher workout can be undertaken within the same speed. The longer stride length is the main aim as this engages the core, builds hind limb musculature and increases range of motion through the joints to maximum effect, more so than speed.

Water treadmill exercise has benefits for all horses. It improves core strength substantially which better prepares any horse for carrying a rider. It is best known for helping horses who have been treated for back pain, sacroiliac pain or post kissing spine surgery. Many horses with arthritis also benefit from increased core strength as this supports the joints.

Horses who are lame or in the acute phase of a limb injury should not undergo water treadmill exercise. This is because water treadmill exercise is hard work and can exacerbate an active problem. Once the injury or ailment has been treated by your vet and the horse is sound you will be welcome to attend.

Each horse is different, and this may depend on the individual, your vet or therapist will advise you on your case. In general, we are happy to receive horses from 14 days post kissing spine surgery as soon as the stitches/staples have been removed.

This depends on your horse and what product has been injected into which joint. Your vet will advise on this for your individual case. In general we would be happy to receive horses at least 4 days after a steroid injection or at least 15 days after arthramid or stem cell injections.

Yes you can and we have 2 holding stables which can be used whilst other horses wait. We could accept a maximum of 3 horses arriving at the same time.