The ECB Aqua treadmill is an effective and modern system providing the latest technology and performance analysis. It allows us to customise training programmes and reach individual results in training and rehabilitation of each horse.
Available on Tuesday to Friday, with later opening hours on Wednesday and Friday.
Water depth, incline and belt speed enable us to maximise the effects of the Aqua Treadmill on the strength and condition of your horse. Horses using the water treadmill build endurance and power, and the treadmill is designed to help horses remain straight during training.
The buoyancy of the water reduces weight-bearing stresses on the lower limbs and the increased resistance created by the water results in increased stride length. This helps build muscle mass, particularly through the horse’s top line and hind quarters.
Available on Monday.
Our icicle treadmill therapy is exactly the same as the Aqua Treadmill sessions, but our chiller unit sets the temperature of the water to between 4 and 6 degrees, which adds a cold water therapy element to the treatment.
The use of cold therapy after strenuous exercise has been proven to increase longevity in working and performance horses. Timing is key, so the quicker the cold therapy is applied to limbs after strenuous exercise, the better it works. Cold water immersion of human athletes has shown significant benefits which we now aim to bring to the equine industry.
We can also offer residential livery packages for your horse, either as part of rehab or part of its fitness training. Many of our of our clients are referred by leading veterinarians and surgeons. Your horse will be stabled in our dedicated therapy yard where it will be cared for by our fully trained staff. It will benefit from a tailor-made exercise programme during its stay. Your insurance company may even cover the costs of the treatments and livery. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
The aqua treadmill is a highly effective full body workout and naturally improves respiration and fitness. Training on the water treadmill is proven to enhance endurance, muscle mass and core stability and the incline function allows advanced fitness to be reached with effective uphill training.
Water treadmill as part of fitness training
Training on the water treadmill has been proven to enhance endurance and power. Advanced fitness can be reached with effective uphill training, provided by the incline. Aqua treadmill exercise can also be used to increase strength in horses in work.
Water treadmill as part of rehab
Controlled walking exercise is an integral part of most rehabilitation programmes. This is usually performed in hand or on a horse walker, however some cases may also benefit from exercise on an aqua treadmill. Water depth, incline and belt speed are used to provide a controlled environment for the rehabilitation of spinal conditions or injuries of the extremities. The development of specific muscle groups can be expedited and buoyancy lowers the high pressure acting on the skeleton and tendons.