Treadmills to strengthen hind end muscles

[Lord_Helpus]

I have just started my horse on a bi-weekly regime of using a water treadmill. Due to his PSSM we have had trouble getting his hind end muscles as developed as the rest of him. My vet recommended it (or I would not be doing it), but I do not know of others who have used water treadmills to develop muscles.

The people at the sport horse rehab place say that, once muscles are developed to the point that the horse can use them effectively, there is usually no relapse into hind end laxity.

I would love to hear stories from others who have been through this experience.

[csaper58]

@Lord Helpus

I have just started my horse on a bi-weekly regime of using a water treadmill. Due to his PSSM we have had trouble getting his hind end muscles as developed as the rest of him. My vet recommended it (or I would not be doing it), 1. but I do not know of other who have used water treadmills to develop muscles.

The people at the sport horse rehab place say that, 2. once muscles are developed to the point that the horse can use them effectively, there is usually no relapse into hind end laxity.

I would love to hear stories from others who have been through this experience.

1. I think if the horse-size water treadmills were more widely available at a reasonable cost, there would be more folks using them. Perhaps walking in the surf can be a substitute for some?

Will you add any cavaletti work as you wean off the treadmill?

2. Once muscles are developed, they must continue to be used/challenged to maintain size and strength. Diet also plays a role in muscle mass stability. If the horse should be taken out of work, or laid-up…or if the diet does not provide enough quality protein for the work… the muscles can atrophy again.

[Cowgirl]

I definitely think the water treadmill would do that! When I was rehabbing my horse after her chip fracture removal surgery, we used a regular treadmill and I thought it actually overdeveloped her front (pulling) end. So we complimented it with a couple of days of walking over cavalletti, hand walks with backing up, carrot stretches and lifts. I did notice improvement from week to week (especially in backing up straight instead of crooked, etc.). I do think it really prepared her for the under saddle portion of rehab.

[Lord_Helpus]

Yes, I am very lucky to have an equine rehab place only 15 miles away. When Goober got home yesterday, he was tuckered out, and that was with the water only up to his cannon bones, and the session was only 15 minutes long. After 2 more sessions, the water will be increased to mid-forearm. Then, the amount of time he is in/on the treadmill will be increased. Even yesterday, I could really see his glutes and hamstrings working.

We are now exercising him 2x/day — a schooling/long hack in the woods in the am, and an hour long walk in the pm. He is quite fit. But he is also protecting his hind end because those muscles are not developed. Hopefully, the aquacizer program will get us through this ‘roadblock’.

I guess only time will tell.

[Dressage_Strider]

I have access to a creek and use that at least once a week on my horses. Really forces them to place each foot, and trotting in water is even better than hill work for the Haunches (IMO)!