Does your horse seem stiff, unbalanced, or slow to recover from injuries? Water treadmill therapy might be the solution. This innovative method uses water's buoyancy and resistance to reduce joint stress, improve mobility, and speed up recovery. Here are the five key signs your horse could benefit:
- Joint stiffness and reduced movement: Limited range of motion or uneven strides may indicate early joint issues.
- Uneven gait or balance problems: Favouring one leg or showing subtle postural changes could signal lameness.
- Slow recovery from tendon or ligament injuries: If healing is delayed, water therapy can promote circulation and reduce strain.
- Decline in performance: Shorter strides, poor posture, or reduced energy often point to underlying physical discomfort.
- Unwillingness to work: Behavioural changes like resistance or reluctance may stem from musculoskeletal pain.
Water treadmill therapy provides low-impact exercise tailored to your horse's needs, helping with rehabilitation, strength-building, and performance improvement. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from escalating, cut recovery times, and keep your horse in peak condition.
FMBs Water Treadmill Workout
1. Joint Stiffness and Reduced Movement
If your horse shows signs of joint stiffness, it might be time to consider water treadmill therapy. Stiffness often reveals itself as a limited range of motion during exercise or groundwork, particularly in key areas like the hocks and stifles. You may notice your horse hesitating to fully bend certain joints or moving with a shorter, less fluid stride.
Keep an eye out for subtle warning signs such as uneven strides, stiffness during transitions between gaits, or slight imbalances in movement. These signs can sometimes be easy to miss but are worth investigating. Interestingly, over 60% of equine lameness cases are linked to osteoarthritis, a condition that can affect horses of any age.
"Lameness is defined as an abnormal stance or gait caused by either a structural or a functional disorder of the locomotor system."
Catching joint stiffness early is key to preventing more severe problems. It can signal early cartilage wear or joint pain. Without intervention, this stiffness may lead to further damage, affecting cartilage, soft tissues, and even bone. A useful tip: recording your horse trotting in slow motion can help you spot subtle guarding behaviours or reduced movement.
If you notice any changes in your horse's movement, consult a veterinarian. These early signs are a clear indicator that water treadmill therapy might provide much-needed relief.
How Water Treadmill Therapy Helps
When joint stiffness is caught early, water treadmill therapy can be a game-changer. This specialised therapy combines buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure to improve joint mobility while reducing stress on affected areas.
Hydrostatic pressure plays a vital role by stabilising joints, easing pain, and reducing inflammation and swelling. The warm water used in therapy also helps relax muscles, contributing to pain relief.
One of the standout benefits of water treadmill therapy is its ability to reduce the impact on joints. Research shows that exercising in water at stifle depth can decrease hoof shock by about 30%. This reduced impact allows horses with stiff joints to move more freely without aggravating their condition.
"The main benefit of exercise in water, whether that's walking on a water treadmill or swimming in a pool or open water, is the ability to exercise the horse with reduced loading or concussive forces."
The resistance provided by water also ensures that muscles around stiff joints work harder, building strength without adding high-impact stress. With adjustable settings for water depth, speed, and incline, therapy can be tailored to meet your horse's specific needs.
Studies have shown that underwater treadmill exercise can reduce inflammation in the synovial membrane for horses with carpal osteoarthritis, offering better clinical outcomes compared to traditional dry treadmill methods. This highlights the anti-inflammatory benefits of water-based therapy for joint-related issues.
Water treadmill therapy can also complement other rehabilitation techniques, helping to restore joint mobility and ease muscle spasms. This integrated approach ensures your horse gets the care it needs, addressing both immediate symptoms and underlying problems.
2. Uneven Gait and Balance Problems
Subtle signs like favouring one leg, taking shorter strides, or even head bobbing during a trot can hint at uneven gait and balance issues. These might also show up as landing abnormalities, resistance to movement, or behavioural changes - early indicators of potential lameness.
When your horse is standing still, pay attention to how they distribute their weight. A horse might shift weight off an uncomfortable limb or avoid standing on hard surfaces altogether. Heat in the joints or hooves can also point to underlying problems. In more severe cases, neurological issues could lead to swaying, an unstable gait, or dragging feet, even when the horse is rested.
"Learning to recognise when your horse shows signs of mild discomfort and respond accordingly can help prevent lameness and injury."
Keep an eye out for asymmetries, changes in posture, or hidden signs like heat and swelling, both when your horse is at rest and in motion. If you notice anything unusual, it's time to consult a veterinarian. Catching these signs early can help prevent further complications, and hydrotherapy could be an effective way to restore balance.
Rebalancing with Water Resistance
To address gait and balance issues, water treadmill therapy offers a unique solution. The resistance of water helps retrain movement, while its buoyancy reduces stress on compromised areas, making it easier for horses to move freely and regain balance. This combination not only supports joint health but also enhances body awareness.
Studies have highlighted the benefits of this therapy, particularly for horses with arthritis-related balance challenges. In one study, horses with midcarpal joint osteoarthritis exercised on a water treadmill for eight weeks. The results? Improved postural stability compared to those using a land treadmill. These horses walked briskly (2.1 m/s) for five minutes daily, five days a week, with water at shoulder height, reducing weight bearing by about 60%.
The advantages go beyond just reducing weight on joints. Water resistance builds muscle strength, while buoyancy eases pressure on injured areas.
"Water provides resistance to help build muscle and increase flexibility, while also providing buoyancy to relieve pressure on joints and injuries."
Unlike swimming pool therapy, water treadmill exercise allows horses to maintain their natural gait and use the same muscles they would on land, but without the added stress. This controlled environment makes it a safer and more balanced option for rehabilitation.
For horses with neurological challenges, aquatic exercise can improve muscle timing and control. The therapy is highly adaptable - session durations can be gradually increased, and water depth adjusted to target specific muscle groups, offering a tailored approach to recovery.
3. Slow Recovery from Tendon or Ligament Injuries
If your horse's tendon or ligament injury isn't improving as expected, it could mean traditional rehabilitation methods aren't doing the job. Suspensory ligament injuries alone make up nearly 46% of all limb injuries in horses, so slow recovery is a common and frustrating issue for many horse owners.
When healing drags on, it might point to less-than-ideal repair conditions. You might notice signs like persistent lameness, uneven weight distribution, or defensive reactions during routine flexion tests - even weeks or months after the initial injury. If your horse shows pain or avoids movement during passive joint flexion and extension, it's a strong indicator that the injury site is still not fully healed. This kind of stagnation in rehabilitation highlights the need for approaches that reduce stress on the injured tissues while promoting healing.
Tendon and ligament injuries are particularly tricky because these tissues have a limited blood supply. Without sufficient circulation, the healing process slows down, leaving the tissues struggling to get the oxygen and nutrients they need. This often leads to excessive scar tissue, which can limit flexibility and function over the long term.
Supporting Recovery with Water Treadmill Therapy
For horses facing prolonged recovery, water treadmill therapy offers a gentler, more supportive exercise option. In some cases, this approach can cut recovery time by 50–60%.
Water's buoyancy plays a key role here, significantly reducing the stress on your horse's body at varying water heights [MadBarn]. This reduced weight-bearing environment allows the injured limb to move and exercise without putting unnecessary strain on the healing tissues.
Another benefit comes from the hydrostatic pressure of the water, which helps improve blood flow to the injured area. This increased circulation delivers much-needed oxygen and nutrients while also reducing inflammation. Given the naturally poor blood supply to tendons and ligaments, this enhanced circulation is a game-changer for recovery.
The controlled environment of a water treadmill also has its perks. Horses naturally walk about 50% slower on a water treadmill due to the resistance of the water. This slower pace provides therapeutic exercise without the jarring impact associated with regular ground work.
Unlike swimming, where horses lose their natural gait, the water treadmill allows them to maintain their normal movement patterns. This is crucial for strengthening the muscles around the injured tendon or ligament, providing stability and support as the tissues heal. Strengthening these surrounding muscles helps reduce the risk of re-injury once your horse returns to regular activity.
Water treadmill therapy also helps manage scar tissue formation, which can lead to stiffness and reduced performance over time. Early, controlled movement in a supportive water environment encourages proper alignment of the healing tissue, improving long-term outcomes.
For horses struggling with rehabilitation, practitioners often start with higher water levels to maximise buoyancy. As the horse gains strength and becomes more comfortable bearing weight, the water level is gradually lowered. This gradual progression ensures a safe and effective recovery process.
4. Drop in Performance Standards
When a horse's performance starts to falter - whether it's shorter strides, poor posture under saddle, or disappointing competition results - it often points to underlying physical problems.
These issues can show up in several ways: uneven gaits, difficulty collecting, reduced energy levels, reluctance linked to stifle discomfort or toe dragging, and back pain that shortens strides or causes resistance to the saddle.
What's striking is how often these problems go unnoticed. A study of 36 Thoroughbred racehorses revealed significant spinal issues in all of them, yet only one had a recorded history of back pain. This highlights how many physical issues remain undiagnosed until they start to significantly impact performance.
Back pain, for example, often begins with subtle signs - such as resistance during saddling, difficulty bending to aids, or behavioural shifts like tail swishing or grinding teeth.
"Often unwanted behaviours develop in response to pain. However, as the behaviour is repeatedly practised a habit may form. In this scenario, the behaviour may persist even when the pain has resolved."
This underscores the importance of addressing performance problems early. Left unchecked, physical discomfort can lead to ingrained behaviours that are much harder to correct later on. Spotting these declines early allows for timely intervention and rehabilitation.
Performance Benefits of Water Treadmill Therapy
Water treadmill therapy offers a focused way to restore and enhance a horse's performance. It helps improve suppleness, lengthen strides, and boost cardiovascular fitness.
The buoyancy of water reduces impact forces - by around 10% at the hock and 15% at the stifle [World Equestrian Center] - allowing the horse to move freely through its full range of motion without the jarring effects of traditional ground work. This promotes longer strides and greater flexibility in the back.
In one study, an 18-day water treadmill programme increased peak oxygen consumption by 16.1% in unfit Thoroughbreds. This improvement in aerobic capacity, a cornerstone of athletic performance, is achieved through low-intensity exercise.
Water treadmill sessions also allow for targeted muscle engagement and movement refinement. The resistance of the water builds muscle strength, while water pressure reduces swelling and promotes circulation. Together, these benefits help develop the core strength and muscle tone necessary for maintaining proper posture and smooth movement under saddle.
For competition horses struggling with stiffness or limited range of motion, many riders report noticeable improvements in straightness and overall movement after incorporating water treadmill therapy.
Another advantage of this therapy is its suitability as cross-training. It introduces variety into a horse's routine, helping to prevent mental fatigue. Unlike traditional training methods, which can increase workload and impact stress simultaneously, water treadmill sessions intensify the workout without adding strain to joints and soft tissues. This makes it an excellent way to maintain fitness while giving the horse's body a break from repetitive ground work.
Most horses adapt to the water treadmill in just 2–3 sessions, making it a practical addition to performance training. Success lies in working with skilled practitioners who can adjust the water depth, speed, and session length to meet the horse's specific needs and goals.
For horses experiencing performance declines, water treadmill therapy provides a powerful tool to address physical challenges while building the strength and flexibility needed for competitive success.
5. Unwillingness to Work
When a horse suddenly resists working - displaying behaviours like head-tossing, rearing, bucking, or general unwillingness - it's rarely just a matter of temperament. More often than not, these changes hint at underlying physical pain or muscle fatigue. For example, a horse holding its head high with tense facial muscles could be signalling neck pain or overall discomfort. In some cases, muscle tightness or even visible muscle wastage may develop as the horse compensates for painful movement. Additionally, an increase in lying down could suggest difficulty or discomfort while standing. Recognising these subtle shifts in behaviour can help identify the need for timely intervention, such as water treadmill therapy.
Research backs this connection between behaviour and physical pain. For instance, a study using the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram found that lame horses consistently scored 9 or higher, whereas sound horses scored no more than 6, with an average of just 2. Similarly, the Ridden Horse Performance Checklist highlights 24 specific behaviours, and the presence of eight or more strongly suggests musculoskeletal pain. These behaviours are at least 10 times more likely to appear in lame horses compared to sound ones.
Pain Relief Through Warm Water Therapy
When behavioural signs point to pain, water treadmill therapy can directly address the root cause - physical discomfort. Warm water, typically kept between 18–22°C, provides immediate relief by soothing tense muscles and improving blood flow. This not only alleviates pain but also helps create positive associations with movement and exercise.
"The main benefit of exercise in water, whether that's walking on a water treadmill or swimming in a pool or open water, is the ability to exercise the horse with reduced loading or concussive forces."
The resistance of water allows horses to build muscle strength effectively without the high-impact stress associated with land-based exercise. For example, walking at stifle-level water depth can reduce hoof shock by up to 30%.
Water treadmills also provide a controlled environment for gradual, safe progression. Unlike traditional exercise, where increasing intensity often means higher impact stress, water treadmill sessions can be fine-tuned by adjusting speed or water depth. This ensures sensitive areas aren't strained during rehabilitation.
"Each horse and their needs will be completely individual and, therefore, the training protocol should be tailored specifically to that horse. There is no one-size-fits-all program that will cause identical results for every horse."
Getting Started with Water Treadmill Therapy
To make the most of water treadmill therapy while keeping stress levels low, it's important to begin with careful planning and a gradual approach. This helps your horse build confidence and ensures they remain safe throughout the process.
Start with a simple familiarisation session. As Kimberly Apgar, LVT, VTS (ECC), CHPT, ISA from SUNY Morrisville Equine Rehabilitation Center explains:
"Our first step in doing any hydrotherapy is acclimating the horse to the equipment"
During this initial session, your horse is prepared by bandaging the tail and cleaning the legs and feet. They are then guided onto the treadmill without water, allowing them to get used to the surface. Once they're comfortable, water is introduced slowly to an appropriate depth, and the session is kept brief - usually just 5–10 minutes - because horses tire more quickly in water. This methodical approach creates a strong foundation for gradually increasing the intensity of sessions.
At home, you can help your horse prepare by practising walking through narrow spaces or over different surfaces to simulate the experience of stepping onto the treadmill. Reward calm behaviour with treats or praise to reinforce positive associations.
Close monitoring and professional guidance are critical. Collaborate with your veterinarian to regularly evaluate your horse's progress, and keep a detailed log of session length, intensity, and any physical or behavioural changes. Begin with short 5–10 minute sessions and adjust the water depth, speed, and duration based on your horse's response. Dr Melissa King from Colorado State University emphasises:
"A good rehabilitation plan should be balanced with safety and minimisation of risks to prevent reinjury and optimise performance"
Dr Persephone McCrae also advises:
"It is essential that users tailor their protocols and monitor horses during aquatic exercise, paying close attention to perceived effort and biomechanics, to ensure that the duration, speed, and water height (depth) are appropriate for the specific condition and for the desired outcomes"
By carefully monitoring progress, you can adapt the therapy to meet your horse's specific needs and goals.
Custom Programmes at Somerset Equine
At Somerset Equine, rehabilitation programmes are designed to address each horse's individual requirements. Founded by Sharon Edmond, the centre combines advanced water treadmill technology with a team of experienced equine professionals to create personalised treatment plans.
Options include the Single Session for one-off evaluations, the Total Package for injury recovery or conditioning, and the Performance Package for competition horses, which incorporates both water treadmill and salt therapy.
Each programme begins with a thorough assessment by qualified professionals who examine your horse's condition, movement patterns, and any specific challenges. A physiotherapist is present during the initial sessions to make adjustments based on your horse's response. Additionally, the team may provide dietary recommendations to support tissue repair and immune health, along with regular post-rehabilitation check-ups to maintain progress.
Somerset Equine's holistic approach ensures that every horse receives expert care, patience, and personalised attention, delivering the most effective treatment for their recovery and performance needs.
Conclusion
Spotting these five signs early - joint stiffness, uneven gaits, prolonged injury recovery, declining performance, and reluctance to work - can significantly improve your horse's recovery and long-term performance.
Research underscores the advantages of water-based rehabilitation. For instance, studies reveal that 83% of Thoroughbred racehorses using an underwater treadmill returned to racing after carpal or fetlock chip surgery, compared to only 61% rehabilitated on dry treadmills. This striking difference shows how water therapy can lead to better outcomes when used promptly.
Water treadmill therapy provides unique benefits. Exercising at stifle-level water depth reduces hoof impact by around 30%, while the water's resistance aids in controlled, low-impact exercise that supports healing and fitness. These features directly address the early warning signs by promoting recovery without overloading the horse.
Success in rehabilitation lies in personalised care. Brittany Silvers, a PhD student and graduate research assistant at Texas A&M University, emphasises:
"Each horse and their needs will be completely individual and, therefore, the training protocol should be tailored specifically to that horse. There is no one-size-fits-all program that will cause identical results for every horse".
Taking action early is crucial. Professional water treadmill therapy can prevent minor issues from escalating, cut recovery times by 50–60%, and help keep your horse in peak condition. Prioritise early intervention to protect your horse's health and performance.
References
- PetMD – Benefits of Hydrotherapy
- The Horse – Hydrotherapy to Rehabilitate and Condition Horses
- MadBarn – Underwater Treadmills for Horses
- World Equestrian Center – Aqua Treadmill Therapy Benefits
FAQs
How can water treadmill therapy help horses with joint stiffness or osteoarthritis?
Water treadmill therapy works wonders for horses dealing with joint stiffness or osteoarthritis (OA), as it allows them to move without putting too much strain on their joints. Thanks to the water's buoyancy, much of the horse's weight is supported, making exercise more comfortable and reducing stress on their limbs. This gentle activity helps improve their range of motion and builds muscle strength, all while minimising the risk of further injury.
On top of that, the water's pressure plays a key role in reducing swelling and boosting circulation. These benefits are essential for relieving discomfort and aiding recovery in arthritic joints. Over time, this type of therapy not only eases symptoms but also supports joint health and mobility, enhancing the horse's overall quality of life.
What are the key signs that a horse's reduced performance might be caused by physical discomfort rather than training issues?
A drop in a horse's performance is often tied to physical discomfort rather than insufficient training. Here are some signs that could point to an underlying issue:
- Changes in behaviour: If your horse becomes unusually irritable, lethargic, or starts isolating itself, it may be experiencing discomfort.
- Difficulty with movement: Lameness, an uneven gait, or hesitation to move are strong indicators of pain or stiffness.
- Resistance to work: Struggling with transitions, refusing to pick up a gait, or reluctance to move forward may stem from physical pain rather than training challenges.
- Physical clues: Signs like excessive tail swishing, head tossing, or sensitivity during grooming can hint at discomfort.
- Performance issues: A noticeable dip in athletic ability or enthusiasm for tasks often signals physical discomfort rather than a lack of effort.
If these signs appear, it's crucial to consult a vet or equine specialist. Treatments like water treadmill therapy can help with recovery and enhance your horse's overall performance.
How can I help my horse feel comfortable and prepared for its first water treadmill therapy session?
To help your horse feel comfortable during its first water treadmill therapy session, begin by letting it explore the treadmill without any water. Allow your horse to walk on the dry surface, giving it time to get used to the movement and sounds of the equipment. Once it seems at ease, you can slowly introduce water at a shallow level, helping it acclimatise to the new sensation and resistance.
Keep these early sessions brief - around 5–10 minutes - to prevent fatigue and build your horse's confidence. Positive reinforcement, like offering treats or using a calm, reassuring voice, can make the experience more enjoyable and stress-free. If possible, try desensitisation exercises beforehand to help your horse adapt more easily to unfamiliar environments and surfaces. Always have a qualified equine therapist on hand to oversee the session and adjust it to suit your horse's individual needs.
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