How a horse water treadmill Can Help a Toed-Out, Stiff Horse
It's common for horses to have slight conformational deviations, and a horse that toes out is one such example. While often manageable, this can sometimes contribute to stiffness, especially after work. EquiTread's water treadmill therapy offers a unique approach that can potentially help a horse with a toed-out conformation find better balance, improve their gait, and reduce post-exercise stiffness.
Understanding Why Toeing Out Can Lead to Stiffness:
A horse that toes out typically swings their legs inward during movement to maintain a straighter line of travel. This can lead to:
Uneven Muscle Development: The muscles on the inside and outside of the leg may develop unevenly as the horse compensates for their conformation.
Increased Strain: Certain ligaments and soft tissues in the lower limb and even further up the leg (including the hocks and stifles) may experience increased strain due to the altered movement pattern.
Compensatory Movements: The horse might make subtle compensatory movements throughout their body to maintain balance, potentially leading to stiffness in areas like the back and hips.
Reduced Efficiency: The less direct movement can be less efficient, leading to quicker fatigue and potentially more post-exercise stiffness.
How EquiTread Can Offer Support:
EquiTread's water treadmill therapy can address these issues in several ways:
Promoting Symmetrical Movement: The controlled environment of the water treadmill encourages a more even and balanced stride. The consistent surface of the treadmill and the gentle resistance of the water can help the horse become more aware of their limb placement and encourage straighter movement. The treadmill essentially guides the legs in a more uniform plane.
Enhanced Muscle Engagement: The resistance of the water engages a broader range of muscles, including the core and stabilizing muscles. This can help to address any uneven muscle development that may have occurred due to the toed-out conformation, leading to better overall balance and support.
Low-Impact Exercise: The buoyancy of the water reduces the weight-bearing stress on the joints and soft tissues.This allows the horse to exercise and strengthen muscles without the concussive forces that can exacerbate stiffness and discomfort, especially after riding.
Improved Circulation: The hydrostatic pressure of the water gently compresses the tissues, promoting blood flow throughout the legs and body. Improved circulation helps to flush out metabolic waste products that can contribute to stiffness and soreness after exercise.
Increased Range of Motion: The supportive nature of the water can encourage a greater range of motion in the joints, helping to alleviate stiffness and improve flexibility in the lower limbs and potentially reducing compensatory stiffness in other areas.
Proprioceptive Input: The sensory input from moving through the water can improve the horse's proprioception (awareness of their body's position in space). This enhanced awareness can help them develop a more balanced and coordinated gait, potentially reducing the outward swing of the legs over time.
A Potential EquiTread Approach:
A tailored EquiTread program for a toed-out horse experiencing post-exercise stiffness might involve:
Initial Assessment: Our experienced therapists will evaluate your horse's conformation, gait, and areas of stiffness.
Gradual Introduction: Introducing the horse to the water treadmill in a calm and supportive manner.
Controlled Walking: Starting with slow speeds and gradually increasing as the horse becomes more comfortable and balanced.
Adjusting Water Levels: Experimenting with different water depths to find the optimal level of support and resistance for encouraging straighter movement and muscle engagement.
Consistent Sessions: Regular sessions (as recommended by our therapists and your veterinarian) to promote muscle re-education and improved gait patterns.
Working in Conjunction with Other Therapies:
It's important to note that EquiTread therapy is often most effective when used as part of a comprehensive management plan that may also include farrier work to address the hoof conformation, equine-taping, chiropractic or massage therapy to address any compensatory stiffness, and appropriate riding techniques.
Take the First Step Towards a More Comfortable Ride:
If your horse toes out and experiences stiffness after riding, EquiTread's water treadmill therapy could be a valuable tool in improving their comfort, balance, and overall movement. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help your equine partner move with greater ease and confidence.
Important Note: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease in animals. Please consult with a qualified veterinary professional for any animal health concerns or before making any decisions related to your horse's health or treatment.
