Somerset Equine Water Treadmill and Rehabilitation
Horse at water treadmill facility

Equine Water Treadmill

Evidence-based rehabilitation and conditioning using cutting-edge aquatic therapy technology

An Equine Water Treadmill is a specially designed treadmill enclosed within a water-filled chamber. Horses walk (and in some protocols, trot) against the gentle resistance of water at controlled depths and speeds. By combining buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure and viscosity, the modality reduces limb loading while increasing range of motion and engaging core and postural musculature—ideal for safe conditioning, performance gains and rehabilitation [1], [5].

How an Equine Water Treadmill Works

  • Buoyancy reduces effective body weight so joints and soft tissues experience lower impact forces than overground work [1].
  • Hydrostatic pressure can aid venous return and help manage limb oedema during controlled exercise [1].
  • Viscosity & drag provide uniform resistance, encouraging horses to increase stride length and flexion while maintaining low-intensity, aerobic workloads [2], [6].
  • Adjustable water depth & belt speed precisely tailor the session to the horse's stage of rehab or training goal [2], [3].

Key Benefits for Your Horse

Rehabilitation & Injury Prevention

Research shows water treadmill exercise can increase joint range of motion and reduce segmental limb accelerations, lessening mechanical stress on tendons and joints—making it a valuable tool after distal limb injury or in preventative programs [4], [3].

Fitness & Performance

Structured programs on an Equine Water Treadmill have been shown to improve aerobic capacity (VO2peak) and endurance in horses, even over relatively short training periods, while remaining predominantly low-impact and aerobic [6], [2].

Posture, Core & Back Engagement

Increasing water depth alters back and trunk kinematics and encourages a longer stride with greater flexion—useful for developing postural stability and core musculature that underpin sound, efficient movement [5], [7].

Who Is It For?

  • Rehabilitation: Post-injury or post-surgical return-to-work plans where controlled loading and improved ROM are priorities [4].
  • Sport & Performance: Eventers, show jumpers, dressage and racehorses seeking aerobic gains without excessive concussive forces [6].
  • General Conditioning: Young or unfit horses building a base, overweight horses starting safely, or older horses maintaining mobility [1].

What to Expect in a Session

After a brief assessment, we select water depth (e.g., mid-cannon to carpus or stifle) and belt speed to match your goals. Sessions typically begin at low intensity with progressive adjustments as the horse adapts. Consistency matters—most programmes run 2–4 sessions per week, reviewed and refined as the horse's fitness and movement improve [2], [6].

Why Choose Our Equine Water Treadmill?

  • Evidence-led protocols aligned with published veterinary research.
  • Individually tailored depth/speed progressions for clear, measurable goals.
  • Calm handling and welfare-first environment to build confidence and consistency.

Ready to See the Difference?

Whether you're rehabbing an injury or aiming for a performance edge, our Equine Water Treadmill programmes combine science, safety and results. Book an initial assessment to map the best plan for your horse.

Book a Session

References

  1. 1.
    Muñoz, A. et al. (2019). The Use of the Water Treadmill for the Rehabilitation of Musculoskeletal Injuries and for General Conditioning in Sport Horses. Animals. Link
  2. 2.
    Greco-Otto, P. et al. (2017). Workload of horses on a water treadmill: effect of speed and water height. BMC Vet Res. Link
  3. 3.
    Greco-Otto, P. et al. (2019). Water treadmill exercise reduces equine limb segmental accelerations. BMC Vet Res. Link
  4. 4.
    Mendez-Angulo, J.L. et al. (2013). Effect of water depth on flexion/extension and ROM during underwater treadmill exercise. AJVR. Link
  5. 5.
    Nankervis, K. et al. (2021). Consensus for the general use of equine water treadmills. Animals. Link
  6. 6.
    Greco-Otto, P. et al. (2020). Conditioning equine athletes on water treadmills significantly improves peak oxygen consumption. Vet Rec. Link
  7. 7.
    Mooij, M.J.W. et al. (2013) & subsequent kinematic studies; see also Nankervis et al. (2023/2024) on limb/back kinematics with varying water depths. Overview: EVJ.