Helping Horses Heal
Saltwater Equine Swimming Pool
Our saltwater equine swimming pool is state-of-the-art and provides
superior aerobic exercise without any of the stress on the tendons, ligaments
and muscles of the leg that traditional, weight-bearing on-the-ground
excercises create.
Swimming your horse maintains proper body and muscle tone, cardiopulmonary
capacity and helps maintain or increase mental capabilities of the horse.
It is especially effective in helping the equine athlete recover from
sour attitudes that some seasoned horses develop after long periods of
performance.
Post-surgical cases benefit greatly from this more gentle type of rehabilitation
and exercise. Swimming allows the horse to begin using its muscles and
cardiopulmonary system within 7-14 days after surgery. The length of
swim time is gradually increased as the horse recovers its ability to
endure more strenuous activity.
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Swimming is beneficial to all horses and is especially useful for horses
who have undergone leg surgery, abdominal surgery or any procedures that
prohibit exercise that causes impact to the musculoskeletal system. Horses
with EPM or Laminitis benefit greatly from swimming as it allows them
to rebuild lost muscle and coordination. This cannot be done with on-the-ground
exercise.
Our 14 foot-deep pool has an oversized, commercial filtering system which
keeps the water clean, blue and clear. Chlorination and pH systems keep
the water free of bacteria. Our water is tested daily to ensure its quality
and safety. The pool is a straight-line design where the horse swims
against resistance. This is the safest method for swimming equine patients
since they are only a few strides from safety should they become unable
to swim. The clean water of the pool also provides a much safer environment
than traditional swimming ponds.
Swimming is a perfect augmentation to a comprehensive rehabilitation
or exercise program which might include the Aqua-Pacer, Equigym, Cold
Saltwater Leg Spa, and Hyperbaric Chamber therapy.
Some injuries that benefit from swimming in a pool:
• Tendon and ligament injuries
• EPM
• Laminitis
• Fractures of bones or joints
• Bone spurs, spavins, or arthritis
• Some neurological ailments that prevent the horse from being able to enjoy normal exercise that requires balance or coordination
