PONY Q&A

Q: Can boots make my pony's legs get too warm?

Unfortunately, yes, wearing boots on your pony's legs during exercise can cause their legs to heat up, and if their tendons get too hot for too long, it can lead to injury.

But don't worry, it doesn't mean you shouldn't use boots at all! Boots offer important protection. You just need to be selective in choosing the right ones. The amount of heat generated by boots depends on their design. Boots with tiny holes or special ventilation are better because they let more heat escape, unlike the traditional ones.

Also remember, that the less time your pony spends wearing boots, the safer it is for their legs. So, plan your rides carefully and remove the boots as soon as it's safe to do so. Your pony's legs will thank you for it!

DON'T FORGET: The temperature of your pony's legs can also be affected by other things like how fit your pony is, the weather, and how hard they're working. So, when planning your pony's workouts, think about these factors.

Q: How do water treadmills help ponies?

We're lucky to have water treadmills for ponies in South Africa. These treadmills are really helpful when they're used correctly by trained professionals and for ponies that are suitable (you should ask your vet if your pony is a good fit). Water treadmills offer a special kind of workout for our ponies, as on a water treadmill our pony exercises in water, which is easier on their legs than exercising on regular land. This kind of workout can help ponies in several ways:

• Better balance: It improves their balance and core stability, helping them stay steady on their feet.

• Stronger muscles: It helps build and tone their muscles, making them stronger and fitter.

• Longer strides: It can make their steps longer.

• Back muscles: The water treadmill works your pony's back muscles, especially the ones under the saddle and along their spine. These muscles are essential for keeping their back strong.

• Flexible pelvis: Exercise in the treadmill can make your pony’s pelvis more flexible, which is important for their muscles and overall agility.

One of the main uses for water treadmills is helping ponies recover from injuries. Studies have shown that exercising in water can help ponies move their joints more easily and reduce swelling. Plus, you can adjust the water level to focus on specific areas, like joints, ligaments, and tendons. In some cases, warm water is used to improve blood flow to injured areas, while cold, salty water can reduce swelling and inflammation. The exact plan, including water temperature, will depend on your pony's specific injury.

Why water?

Water workouts have lots of benefits for ponies:

• Water is thicker than air, so it makes ponies work harder, building muscle strength, power, and control.

• The pressure of the water reduces swelling, helps with the flow of fluids in the body, and eases pain.

• The support provided by the water lessens the forces acting on the pony’s legs.