EQUI-TREAD’S WATER TREADMILL

UNDERSTANDING THIS TREATMENT AND TRAINING TOOL

We recently stumbled upon what we think has been one of Kyalami's best-kept secrets - Jacqui Cochrane of Equi-Tread's water treadmill! Although equine water treadmills have been around for a while, particularly in Europe and the USA, they are relatively new to the South African market, so we popped in for a visit to get a first-hand experience of how it all works (thanks, Jacqui!). We're super excited to share some of our newfound knowledge on this wonderful tool's training and rehabilitation benefits.

The Process

STEP 1: Before the horse enters the treadmill, the feet are cleaned out, the legs are hosed down to remove any dirt, and the tail is tied or wrapped up to minimise water contamination. Boots are not recommended for use on the treadmill, and if the horse is shod, they are checked for loose shoes.

STEP 2: Jacqui very sensitively introduces new horses to the experience of the water treadmill. Jacqui walks the horse on and off the treadmill with the doors of the treadmill open. Once the horse is comfortable and settled on the belt, she keeps the doors open but closes the front chain and allows the horse to take a few steps at a time with the treadmill on so they begin learning how to walk on the treadmill. A handful of cubes can prove helpful too!

STEP 3: Once the horse is comfortable with the movement of the treadmill and walking on it, Jacqui seals the doors and gently allows the water to flow in up to fetlock height, allowing the horse to take a few steps occasionally as the water comes up, as the horses often do not realise there is water until it is above the coronary band.

STEP 4: Generally, horses begin their programmes with water at fetlock height, which can be increased over the first few sessions to the optimal level required for the individual horse's needs. The exercise duration can also gradually increase as the horse acclimatises mentally and physically to water-walking.

STEP 5: The water treadmill speed generally depends upon the size of the horse and his stride length and capabilities. However, water walking is generally more comfortable at a speed slightly slower than that of overland walking. The height of the water (generally either fetlock, hock or stifle) should be tailored to the individual training or rehabilitation programme, as different water heights have specific benefits.

STEP 6: According to research, horses benefit from a structured habituation period, with the ideal scenario being three short (approximately 15-minute) sessions on the treadmill over three consecutive days. However, if this is not possible, then trying to have the second session within one to two weeks of the first is advised if you wish to really habituate your horse to the tool.

Why use the equine water treadmill?

Research has proven that the water treadmill is beneficial for incorporation in equine rehabilitation programmes and as a form of cross-training for competition horses. There are several benefits of its use:

1. IT IS A LOW-IMPACT FORM OF EXERCISE

Due to the increased demands placed upon the competitive equine, there is a need for forms of exercise with reduced risk of impact shock and concussive forces and, therefore, repetitive strain injuries. The water treadmill is an ideal low-impact exercise as it still encourages a full range of movement and muscle function but minimises the forces on impact. The effects of buoyancy achieved when water levels are high means it may also be beneficial in certain rehabilitation cases where reduced weight-bearing exercise is recommended.

2. IT IS A LOW-INTENSITY EXERCISE

This low intensity means that it is suitable for both fit horses and those returning to work after an injury. Research also suggests that regular use may assist with developing cardiovascular fitness and increased aerobic capacity. Furthermore, as it is an aerobic form of exercise, horses do not produce lactic acid when working on the water treadmill, so there is less chance of muscle damage. The famous Valegro would go on a water treadmill once a week throughout the year (and twice a week leading up to championships) to have an 'easy day' as it allowed him to move through the range of movements required in his work but in a relaxed and non-intensive way.

3. IMPROVED RANGE OF MOVEMENT AND MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT

Research has proven that walking on a water treadmill produces an increased range of movement in horses. The increase in the range of movement is dependent on the water level:

• At fetlock height, horses can stretch their head down towards the water, increasing flexion of the thoracic spine, which may assist in developing the horse's top line.

• At hock height or lower, the greatest range of motion in the lower limbs is seen as most horses adapt their gait pattern, lifting their legs out of the water to avoid the effects of drag.

• At stifle height, the greatest hock range of motion is observed as well as flexion and extension of the thoracolumbar spine. Flexion of the pelvis also increases as water depth increases.

Walking in the water treadmill with a water level anywhere above the fetlock also reduces stride frequency and increases stride length, specifically in the hind limb. This has two key benefits. Firstly, it encourages the horse to 'sit' behind and drive with the hind legs, taking the weight off the front end, which assists in the development of muscles in the horse's hindquarter and lumbar region. Secondly, the increased stride length and decreased stride frequency produce gait characteristics that are desirable for dressage, and therefore, the water treadmill has great potential for the training of dressage horses.

4. IMPROVED SYMMETRY AND BALANCE

The controlled nature of the treadmill results in symmetrical muscle development as it necessitates straightness of movement. Research also suggests that water treadmill exercise could assist with improving a horse's balance and postural stability as there is reduced postural 'sway'.

5. OTHER BENEFITS

• It provides a controlled environment for safe exercise, reducing the risk of injury. This also means that in some instances, horses can begin working sooner after injury than with standard exercise regimes.

• It may assist with weight loss in overweight horses.

• The salt water has an anti-inflammatory benefit and encourages hoof growth.

• It is recommended for post-operative kissing spine rehabilitation, with horses often being seen to return to ridden work less than three months post-op.

• It is also used in the rehabilitation of subacute and chronic tendon and ligament injuries and in the management of chronic osteoarthritis.

About Jacqui and Equi-Tread

Jacqui has a BSc in Sports Science, which exposed her to a great range of sports and various key elements such as biokinetics, nutrition, rehabilitation, and high-performance training. She also studied Physiology and Kinesiology and thoroughly enjoys analysing movement and the muscles required to create it. In fact, Jacqui enjoyed the Anatomy side of her degree so much that she followed it up with an Equine Anatomy and Massage course. She has also trained in the Masterson Method, which has enlightened her in the subtle cues horses give during bodywork.

When it comes to the water treadmill specifically, you would be hard-pressed to find any research relating to water treadmills that Jacqui has not read! She recently travelled to Ocala, Florida, where there are several rehabilitation facilities and people with their own water treadmills. She observed and learned first-hand how they train and rehabilitate their horses using water treadmills in America. Finally, she has spent a long-time testing her own horses and observing the benefits first-hand before officially opening Equi-Tread to the public!

All of this just goes to show just how dedicated Jacqui and the rest of the team at Equi-Tread are to using this water treadmill to give the maximal benefit to our equines here in South Africa. You couldn’t meet a more passionate and informed team!

Take home message

As discussed above, water treadmill exercise has a wide range of benefits, including an increased range of movement of the lower limbs, increased lumbar flexion, decreased impact shock on joints and an opportunity to cross-train in a perfectly controlled environment. We can't recommend Jacqui and the Equi-Tread team enough and advise anyone interested to get in touch with them to discuss the options for your horse.

Contact Info

You can contact Jacqui at Equi-Tread on 082 393 8537

Follow them on Instagram @equitreadsa to see more of what they get up to.