FAQ

Prior To Treatment

PLEASE READ FULLY BEFORE MAKING AN APPOINTMENT You should also fully read our terms and conditions here, and consent form

* Horses must be clean to use any hydrotherapy equipment to maintain water hygiene, any horse that requires cleaning will affect their session length.

* Prior to session feet MUST be picked out and scrubbed clean and legs washed.

On arrival you will enter the wash bay area, where you can make any extra preparations. We will do a final spray on legs using equine safe disinfectant before stepping into the treadmill. You should have your horse ready to go for their appointment time. You will have access to the prep area before this.

* Horses using the equine water treadmill should not be freshly shod, within the last 5 days should not have studs or road nails in their shoes. They should also not have loose shoes. Horses cannot use the treadmill if their shoes do not comply and if presented as such there can be no reimbursement or credit for the treadmill session.

* If your horse is usually unsure in new surroundings and experiences it may be beneficial for them to receive some sedation during the first few treatments, please feel free to ask for more information or speak to your vet.

* We use bridles for hydrotherapy treatment, please feel free to bring and use your own. If your horse is not respecting the bridle, for health and safety reasons a chifney bridle may have be used where appropriate(please note all staff are trained to use a chifney).

* Copies of passports and evidence of up to date vaccinations are required for bio-security reasons, please provide us with copies before your first visit.

* Any horse presenting with abnormal signs of possible illness e.g. raised temperature, abnormal nasal discharge, inflamed glands, leg infections or open wounds etc. will be sent away for bio-security reasons.

Please contact us if you are unsure for us to advise.

* Please do not wander around the property, please stay in the car park or within the hydrotherapy centre for bio-security reasons.

* All persons entering the therapy centre will be required to wear non slip footwear.

* Please clean up after your horse on site.

* Staff are authorised to terminate/end any treatment should the horse be deemed as a health and safety risk.

* Please allow 30 minutes for session. Please be aware if you are late it may lead to a reduced treatment time, or no treatment depending on timings. Full payment will be applicable.

*Time on the actual treadmill for the horse will vary from approx 10-20min depending on the horse' fitness strength, comfort and wellbeing. What works for one horse won't necessarily be the same for another.

* We require 48 hours notice for cancellations; otherwise the normal full session fee will be applicable unless there are extenuating circumstances, which will be decided by the centre manager. Please respect that this is a business with overheads too.

You can book your session online here Before doing so, ensure you horse - is sound enough - in good health - no open wounds or skin conditions - no loose shoes - has no road pins or spikes in their shoes. If your farrier uses the round headed road nail grips this are fine.

Please be prepared to help handle your horse if asked and dress with appropriate footwear.

Accessing to the centre is via the SILVER gate, immediately on the left after the railway bridge on Laith Staid Lane. Please close the gate. Checklist - Consent Form Completed - Proof of Vaccination uploaded on booking or bring with you to first session.

Parking Area: Upload in the main park and you will find us 'up the driveway, then turn right down the driveway'. The treadmill area is next to our Indoor Arena. Look out for the blue entrance sign.

Prep Area: You can use the prep area up to 20 min before you session, but usually 10-15 min is enough time for most clients to get ready. - You will be able to cross tie your horse. - Pick out and hose hooves extra thoroughly, especially by frogs and shoes. - Hose the legs and if you haven't washed your horse's legs prior to arrival, please do a quick scrub and rinse with the Hibiscrub / shampoos provided. - Bandage up the tail out of the way of their legs. We have navy tail bandages to use if you haven't brought with you. - Horses should be wearing a bridle, chifney or headcollar and chain, staff may permit your horse to treadmill in a headcollar once we are confident that they are comfortable with treadmilling and are well mannered and handled. 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.

Appointments are scheduled in 30 minute slots.

They must be ready to go as your appointment starts to save any time being taken off your appointment. At the first session your horse will be assessed in their posture, physique and their movement before treadmilling. We will continue to monitor your horse at each session and making assessments as the sessions progress. Your horse will be given chance to acclimatise to the barn area and quietly introduced to the treadmill itself with lots of positive encouragement and treats for the first time. Most walk through, and are asked to halt, step forwards and backwards 2-3 times before we invite them on to the treadmill for their workout. We will then close the doors, taking time for them to be comfortable and then proceed with a slow start of the belt. Once they are walking at their comfortable speed and are settled with the treadmill running dry, we start the water coming in and creeping up to approx fetlock height. Horses who have not been treadmilling before will only do a session of around 8-12 minutes depending on the individual horse and reason the for using, it may be less. We would expect to only use a small amount of water so we do not over do their first session both mentally and physically. For Taster Sessions, we follow the same as above but once we know the horses are not unsettled by the water we then drain out and stop. First Time Sessions we will do the workout in water as above. Horses who are regulars at treadmilling, or are fit and strong enough will aim to do around 20min.

Residential stays are great for when horses need regular sessions over a closer period of time. It saves your travel time to and from, and less strain on the horse. Especially for those who do not travel so well, or have recently had surgery. Bookings for livery stays are via 07748115588 or email only. This is so we can carefully offer you the best availability to suit your horses needs. Owners are very welcome to visit their horses within our normal opening hours and outside of these by appointment. Outside of our opening hours, the centre is locked and we try to allow the horses some quiet time, before settling for the night

All horses must be safe and polite to handle to use the facility. Horses must allow their feet to be picked out safely and have their legs washed and sprayed. They have to be safe for a handler to wrap their tail in a bandage or tail guard. Owners will be expected to handle their own horses for prep if they are deemed not sensible for staff to handle. Horses on treadmill livery will only be accepted if we can safely undertake these preparations. There can be no reimbursement or credit for the treadmill session/livery stays if horses are not safe to handle. If their behaviour can be handled, but extra time or persons are required to take extra precautions then extra charges may be incurred.

* If your horse is usually unsure in new surroundings and experiences it may be beneficial for them to receive some sedation during the first few treatments, please feel free to ask for more information or speak to your vet.

* We use bridles for hydrotherapy treatment, please feel free to bring and use your own. If your horse is not respecting the bridle, for health and safety reasons a chifney bridle may have be used where appropriate(please note all staff are trained to use a chifney).

* Staff are authorised to terminate/end any treatment should the horse be deemed as a health and safety risk.

How does equine water treadmill help?

Many of the vets and physios we work with recognise the benefits of the water treadmill. Whether for rehabilitation or fitness and conditioning, it’s ideal for helping improve strength and muscle tone, and complementing the horse’s daily fitness routine.

Rehabilitation benefits

It can be used to aid recovery from kissing spine surgery, fractured pelvis, tendon injuries, weight issues, laminitis and bruised feet. It can also help re-establish stride pattern after injuries, reduce recovery time and enhance joint flexibility and suppleness.

Fitness and conditioning benefits

If you’re working your horse on the way to great results, the treadmill can help strengthen the core and saddle area, improve top line and lengthen their stride. It can also help build better use of the shoulders, increase use of hind leg movement and improve lateral flexion. It's ideal to give the horse alternative training during competition season and it allows the horse to maintain good healthy muscles during off season.

The water in the treadmill provides both support and resistance to make the horse work harder without putting too much strain on its joints, tendons and bones. By encouraging the horse to take the weight off of the front legs, and to work from behind with their hind legs instead. This encourages the horse to take bigger, longer strides than it would on a surface. The cold water in the treadmill also helps to keep the legs cool and massage the lower limbs while the horse is working, to boost circulation and strengthen the joints and muscles, making it an excellent choice for horses recovering from leg injuries.

We use a variety of speeds and depths to assist your horse – depending on their work or rehabilitation programme. Our equine water treadmill can help rehabilitate your horse and aid its recovery. It makes a safe and controlled alternative to hand-walking. Each horse is worked as required, depending on its injury or fitness level.

We ensure each session is completely bespoke – the water depth, belt speed and exercise time will all be tailored to your horse’s needs, for optimal effectiveness and results.

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. Low-Impact Exercise:

Water treadmills provide a low-impact form of exercise for horses. The buoyancy of the water reduces the stress on the joints, tendons, and ligaments. This is particularly beneficial for horses recovering from injuries or those with arthritis, as it allows for controlled movement without putting excessive strain on their bodies. Improved Cardiovascular Fitness:

The resistance provided by the water as the horse moves through it helps to strengthen the cardiovascular system. This promotes better circulation, increases heart and lung capacity, and enhances overall fitness. It's an effective way to engage horses in cardiovascular exercise without the impact associated with traditional forms of training. Muscle Building and Conditioning:

The resistance of the water requires horses to work harder as they move their limbs through it. This helps in building and toning muscles, especially in the limbs, back, and abdomen. Water treadmill workouts are customisable, allowing for targeted muscle conditioning to address specific areas of weakness or imbalance. Enhanced Rehabilitation:

Water treadmills are widely used in the rehabilitation of injured or post-surgical horses. The controlled environment allows for gradual and monitored reintroduction to movement. The buoyancy aids in reducing swelling and promoting joint mobility.

We can tailor the water level and exercise intensity to match the horse's rehabilitation needs. Variety in Workload:

Water treadmills offer a versatile training tool for horses engaged in various disciplines. Whether it's for conditioning, cross-training, or simply maintaining fitness, water treadmills provide a controlled and measurable environment. Ability to adjust water levels, speed, and duration to create a customised workout plan that suits the individual needs and goals of each horse. Other benefits that have been extensively seen from water treadmill use are:

• Improved cadence and stride length

• Improved rein contact

• Improved push from behind and better behind over a fence

• No longer rushing to fences

• No longer “hollowed out” behind shoulder blade

• More topline and correction of muscle asymmetry

• Better neck musculature with less muscle underneath the neck

• Less stumbling/tripping

• Big improvement in endurance and recovery times when used as stand alone fitness tool (when replacing all fast and endurance work)

• Improvement in quality of hoof structure.

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. We can also raise our treadmill so the horses can walk on an incline (hill work combined!) This really helps the horses to adjust their posture to a more uphill frame and help horses who perhaps struggle to work through the back and release in the neck or have over developed muscles under their neck.

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

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.

The water enters the treadmill slowly and quietly only when we are happy the horse is settled moving on the treadmill dry, so the horse has a chance to become accustomed to the water.

If you horse has a recent injury or illness, you should check with your vet or physio who has been your overseeing your horses treatment that you all feel the horse is in a position to start water treadmill therapy. Please disclose any relevant medical history to us on the consent forms when booking. You can also upload any details that your team would like us to be aware of when booking. 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. Any simple wounds should be closed and no longer bleeding to be able to use the treadmill.

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, as agreed/directed by your vet.

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.

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, as agreed/directed by your vet.

For general fitness, strength and weight loss use, no, but we highly recommend that you notify for vet. To give them the opportunity for any input they feel would be beneficial. However if your horse has any condition currently or recently under the care of your vet or physio then you will need check with them before your horses' first session. We have an in depth consent form available so that we can create a great working team with your specialists to give your horse the best possible benefit from the water treadmill.

Most insurance companies allow you to recoup towards the costs of treadmill sessions if recommended by your vet. Please do check with your insurance company to understand what is covered.

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!