Hydro Treadmill
A splendid tool in preparing horses for the stress of racing or competition
About the Hydro Treadmill
The hydro treadmill in itself is a splendid tool in preparing elite horses for the great stress of racing or competition. We have positive results of the way we are working the horses on the treadmill, especially with those that has tendon issues, and every horse that has been working on the treadmill has improved their top line (back muscles).
We have an excellent relationship with Auckland Vets in Takanini, however if you desire any other vet that can be arranged. If you have any other professionals that you wish to work with your horse such as: acupuncturists and other equine therapists again can be arranged.
Your horse could come to us for various lengths of time.
Options to use the Treadmill
Trainers:
We are very keen on working with trainers as a part of their working up-phase or as a part of maintaining their/your racehorses at race condition.
It can be achieved through different ways (we are open for requests):
A horse can be sent to us:
- for a month or so as a part of the working up-phase
- to work on the treadmill as an break, instead of the spelling paddock (will shorten the time to work the horse back to race fitness)
- in between races for horses with soreness issues
- for a more long term option where the trainer or assigned person comes and fast works it when desired at our all weather track
- as rehab after surgery or other veterinary treatments (depending on circumstances, refer to your vet)
- for some time to get used to the treadmill and then brought to us on the days it’s desired for the horse to be working on treadmill.
Owners:
There are horses with huge potential that is not being able to show what they can do, due to soreness issues. It can be difficult training these horses with conventional training. The hydro treadmill is an option for these horses. The treadmill in combination with the all weather track in one place gives an excellent environment to prepare horses for racing. With the great location close to Alexandra Park, the premium race venue of the north island is hard to beat. Jay is young upcoming trainer with a proven record as a driver, for his statistics see link.
If you as an owner has request we are open to these.
Sport hoses - riding:
The hydro treadmill has a proven record overseas with riding horses of many kinds. It has been proven to improve muscle tension etc. This benefits for example: dressage horses to feel freer.
We are very keen to work with riders who are looking for that extra care for their athletes.
For example:
The horse:
- could come to us for a couple of weeks to get used to the treadmill and then return for occasional "treatments" when needed for example: in the morning before competition, after competition to release tension
How the Equine Treadmill Systems Works
The Hydro Treadmill is a high tech engineering combination of a treadmill, whirlpool, and swimming pool. They are designed to aid in the therapeutic healing, strengthening, conditioning, and training of all types of horses. In essence, the horse is partially buoyant in a specially designed water filled tank, which at the same time allows contact with the treadmill.
Unlike traditional swimming pool therapy, the horse can exercise in a controlled environment, using its normal gait and the same muscles as in use while exercising on the track without undue stress or trauma.
This form of exercise in temperature controlled water with the powerful therapeutic effects derived from the system’s Jacuzzi jets ensures proper and controlled conditioning for virtually every facet of the animal’s body while reducing concussion and thus rendering the equine athlete to be better equipped to withstand the rigors of performance and to remain competitive for longer periods of time. Equine treadmills are also known as Aquatreds, or Aquacisers but the function remains the same.
How Treadmills Help Horses Recover From Injuries
Our aquatred systems may be used for treating injuries such as bowed tendons, pulled suspensory ligaments, bucked shins, and saucer fractures, quarter cracks or foot problems and generally for the rehabilitation of the animal after any injury or surgery. The lungs and heart of the animal receive maximum conditioning, which increases their capacity thus minimizing possibility of bleeding while performing. Bones become denser and more compact and the tendency of the perisoteum of the cannon bones becoming inflamed is greatly reduced and can be virtually eliminated with the aid of a treadmill.
Properly controlled exercise in the treadmill adds significant tone and conditioning to the back and stifle muscles and would make ‘tying up’ during the early stages of training less apt to occur. There are known cases, where a horse was badly injured but after treatment on a treadmill system, came back to be a winner!
Why Hydro Treadmills are Better for Horses
Hydro Treadmills are designed to relieve stress. They have been proven to be powerful tools for rehabilitation, training and conditioning of horses as the animals are less traumatised because they remain in contact with a solid surface beneath them, under controlled conditions.
Our systems allow a horse to exercise basically the same muscles, tendons, and ligaments used when working out on the track without the constant unyielding concussion of the surface track. The buoyancy of the water displaces approximately 40% to 45% of the body weight – while contact with the treadmill and thrust of working against the water still affords sufficient concussion to promote bone density and encourage muscle development, while minimising injury. This cannot be achieved in a conventional swimming pool where movement involves "up-hill" thrusts and an unnatural ‘all-out’ type of flexation, which could be harmful and could cause ‘stress’ and ‘trauma’ for the animal.
How Hydro Treadmills Help in Conditioning
Early conditioning on treadmill systems helps tendons, ligaments and joint capsules to tighten and increase in tensile strength and thus prepares a horse for the heavier training required to prepare the animal for the race track or equestrian shows. Additionally, this form of hydrotherapy involves a massaging action produced by air and water jets, which create a whirlpool effect smoother and more constant than can be done by hand.
Horses love this relaxing and invigorating form of training and both vets & trainers agree that this hydrotherapy system is physically and psychologically beneficial to the animal.
Features
The HydroTreadmill offers easy and convenient entrance and exit of the unit and after just a few workouts on the system, horses soon lose their fear of being ‘herded’ into an enclosed area which then facilitates loading them onto their travel trailers for transportation.
The Treadmill is an in ground hydrotherapy system. It includes a 12 foot long treadmill in a pre-plumbed spa pool. It also includes a Twin-Filter water filtration system to ensure the water stay clean.
Features the following
- Submerged hydraulic driven 12 foot treadmill with belt
- 3 Phase power supply to drive treadmill
- Water heater (3 Phase Electric)
- Water filter system and pump set
- Automatic salt chlorine injection system
- 12 each – Jacuzzi jets
- 1 set – skimmers
Water levels can be adjusted for the individual horse.
Clients and the Roll of Honour
River Emperor, Sun Of Loose, Change Forward, Alchemist, Mahogany, Our Southern Man, And Heres Johnny, Makarewa Man, Rocket King, Sushi Sushi - (Woodlands StudNorthern Derby), Henrik Zetterberg, Meander In The Sun, Cammander Steel, Kotare Casino, Daniela Hantuchova, Courage to Rule, Castleton Victory, Tori Maguire, Dreams of Angels (Dressage Horse), Painted Black, Tale Of Life, Stunned, Five Card Draw (Sold as a yearling $57,000), Ideal Belle (Sold as a Yearling $35,000), Dalveen, Harry The Maori, Mighty Creation, Kilarney Guy, Foxtrot Jack, Consentual, Broadway, Take Charge (Thoroughbred), Gotta Go Justdoit, Belle Arising, Platinum Poker, With A Vengence
