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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 716
 
Location: who knows? | Ok, so I have a horse that 11 months ago fractured his coffin bone and fractured pastern. He has been given the all clear to start to ride, walk for 2-3 weeks, advance to trott for same period of time then so on...my question is, I want to swim him after that, which would be better swim on a water treadmill to have some impact on his bones or swim without the treadmill? |
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 Veteran
Posts: 126
Location: Ohio | The underwater treadmills are perfect for this because you can fill them so that the horse has some degree of buoyancy and decrease the water level as the horse can take more pressure on its limbs. Mine have been working on an aqua pacer for 4 months just for conditioning and they look better than ever and are in great shape.I highly recommend it. |
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 Did I miss the party?
Posts: 3864
 
| I can only compare my experiences but, I prefer a water treadmill (aqua tread) for a couple reasons. First, it provides "some" concussion which I want for bone strength. It's also controlled exercise based on what speed speed, time and water level a horse needs. With swimming, although it is excellent for building up wind, I've known horses to bleed and get super muscle sore doing it. It's not controlled. Each horse does the same level of exertion when swimming they just start your horse out with less laps than horses that are in better shape. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 716
Location: who knows? | Great info thanks! Anyone else have experience with this? |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 993
Location: Northern California | My vet explained the difference this way and it made sense: Regular swimming their neck is elevated obviously as their feet aren't supported thus making their backs hollow out as they struggle to stay afloat (since they really aren't designed to swim.) Aqua Tread, they are supported and are able to utilize their hind end and back muscles and it is just more of a controlled workout. I am sure I didn't explain as thoroughly as she did, but that part sunk in.
I have used the Aqua Tread and have to say it was fantastic. Cut down on conditioning time and my horse recovered after a run quicker. Was super happy w the results!!
Edited by Keepkick'n 2016-05-17 9:35 AM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 716
Location: who knows? | Makes great sense!!! |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| Keepkick'n - 2016-05-17 9:34 AM My vet explained the difference this way and it made sense: Regular swimming their neck is elevated obviously as their feet aren't supported thus making their backs hollow out as they struggle to stay afloat (since they really aren't designed to swim.) Aqua Tread, they are supported and are able to utilize their hind end and back muscles and it is just more of a controlled workout. I am sure I didn't explain as thoroughly as she did, but that part sunk in. I have used the Aqua Tread and have to say it was fantastic. Cut down on conditioning time and my horse recovered after a run quicker. Was super happy w the results!!
What my vet said too, unfortunately I don't have an aquatred convenient so I swim mine. You have to be careful they are not pushed more than they are ready for. |
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Veteran
Posts: 120
| Swimming on an Aquatred would definitely be your best bet. My horse has a torn suspensory at the moment and I'm doing 2-3 times a week on the aquatred and I love it (so does he). It works their whole body without adding any strain on joints or tendons/ligaments. I will probably continue to swim him every so often even after he heals because it is so good for their body. |
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  Keeper of the King Snake
Posts: 7616
Location: Dubach, LA | Keepkick'n - 2016-05-17 9:34 AM
My vet explained the difference this way and it made sense: Regular swimming their neck is elevated obviously as their feet aren't supported thus making their backs hollow out as they struggle to stay afloat (since they really aren't designed to swim.) Aqua Tread, they are supported and are able to utilize their hind end and back muscles and it is just more of a controlled workout. I am sure I didn't explain as thoroughly as she did, but that part sunk in.
I have used the Aqua Tread and have to say it was fantastic. Cut down on conditioning time and my horse recovered after a run quicker. Was super happy w the results!!
I have massaged two that swim. They were both very sore along the back because God didn't make them to swim!! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 993
Location: Northern California | CanCan - 2016-05-23 6:31 AM
Keepkick'n - 2016-05-17 9:34 AM
My vet explained the difference this way and it made sense: Regular swimming their neck is elevated obviously as their feet aren't supported thus making their backs hollow out as they struggle to stay afloat (since they really aren't designed to swim.) Aqua Tread, they are supported and are able to utilize their hind end and back muscles and it is just more of a controlled workout. I am sure I didn't explain as thoroughly as she did, but that part sunk in.
I have used the Aqua Tread and have to say it was fantastic. Cut down on conditioning time and my horse recovered after a run quicker. Was super happy w the results!!
I have massaged two that swim. They were both very sore along the back because God didn't make them to swim!!
I follow our swim sessions w acuscope/myopulse therapy. It makes since that they would be sore just like we are when engaging in exercise that we weren't exactly designed to do!!  |
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water treadmill rehab