My Horse Has Arthritis. What Can I Expect from Aquatread Therapy?
Your Osteoarthritis Questions, Answered
How Water Treadmill Therapy Can Help Your Horse
Receiving an osteoarthritis (OA) diagnosis for your horse can be disheartening. You want to keep your partner comfortable and active, but the pain and stiffness can make traditional exercise difficult. Equine water treadmill therapy is a modern, effective tool for managing OA and improving your horse's quality of life. Here are answers to some of the most common questions owners have when considering this therapy.
This is a common and valid concern. With OA, exercise can feel like a paradox: movement is necessary, but the impact of that movement can cause pain. The water treadmill solves this problem with buoyancy. The water supports a large percentage of your horse's body weight, dramatically reducing the concussive force on their joints. This allows them to move freely and comfortably, lubricating the joints and strengthening supporting muscles without the jarring impact that causes pain on land.
Land Exercise
High concussive force can increase pain.
Aquatread Exercise
Buoyancy supports weight and reduces impact.
The visible swelling in an arthritic joint is called effusion. The water treadmill combats this in two ways. First, the water exerts gentle, consistent pressure on the submerged limbs, a principle called hydrostatic pressure. Think of it like a full-leg compression wrap that helps push excess fluid out of the joint capsule, reducing the swelling. Second, most therapeutic treadmills use cold water. This cryotherapy helps constrict blood vessels, further reducing inflammation and providing natural pain relief—much like icing a person's sprained ankle, but more consistent and effective.
Hydrostatic Pressure
Water provides gentle, all-over compression.
Cryotherapy
Cold water soothes and reduces inflammation.
Absolutely. This is one of the key benefits of aquatread therapy. Water is more resistant than air, so your horse has to work harder to move its legs forward. This resistance provides a safe and effective workout, strengthening the specific muscles that support the arthritic joint and improving overall stability. Many horses with OA develop compensatory movement patterns, leading to muscle asymmetry. The aquatread encourages balanced, straight movement, helping to correct these imbalances and rebuild a strong, functional topline.
Every horse's program is customized based on their specific diagnosis, fitness level, and their veterinarian's recommendations. The introduction process is always slow and patient. Initial sessions are often short, around 10-15 minutes, just to allow the horse to get comfortable with the machine and the sensation of the water. A typical therapeutic session might last 20 minutes and be scheduled 3-5 times per week. The duration and frequency will be adjusted as your horse progresses through the program.
We prioritize a calm, safe, and positive experience for every horse. When you arrive, your horse will be gently washed to ensure they are clean before entering the treadmill. A trained employee will lead them patiently into the machine. The water fills slowly and quietly from the bottom, allowing your horse to acclimate without fear. Throughout the session, an employee is present, monitoring your horse's gait and comfort level, and making real-time adjustments to the speed and water depth. Afterwards, your horse is dried and cared for. Our goal is to make it a therapeutic and enjoyable part of their routine.
