If you’ve read our social media posts about the benefits of the water treadmill for your horse and booked in, you might wonder what happens on that very first visit. After all, it’s not like booking a clinic or heading to a competition! Instead of packing the wagon with your tack and making sure you don’t forget your body protector and hat, think of it a little bit like you’re bringing your horse to us for a spa day, and you want them to enjoy it! That’s why in this month’s blog we’re walking you through exactly what to expect when you bring a horse to the water treadmill.
Firstly, it’s important to note that from the moment the session starts, our team will lead the session. They will make sure your horse is introduced to the water treadmill carefully, so that they enjoy it and get maximum benefit from the workout. Amy and Tommy are very experienced in operating the water treadmill and have given hundreds of horses their first ever session, so yours will be in very good hands. This blog is to help you make sure you bring the right kit, know what to expect on the day and don’t spend any time worrying or wondering about it! Let’s get started:
Before you leave home
- Make sure you pack a bridle or chifney with an extra-long lead rope please! Even if your horse is a real ‘dope on a rope’, this is a new environment, and we need to keep them and our staff safe.
- Pick out their feet thoroughly and make sure their legs are squeaky clean. We keep the water treadmill clean and disinfected between sessions and a clean horse makes that a lot easier.
- A tail bandage or wrap is advised to keep their tail out the way while they’re on the treadmill – and it’s perfect for stopping any rubs during travelling too!
- Pop a leg cleaning kit in the lorry too, as well as a towel to gently dry their legs and a light rug or sheet to throw on them afterwards, some hay/forage and water. We carry a warmer rug in winter just in case of a delay or breakdown during your journey.
Once you arrive at Thorpe Farm
Make sure you arrive in time to check in with and let us know you’re here and then unbox before your appointment starts. One thing we really appreciate is people taking time to give their horses feet and legs another quick once over before they hand them over to us. A little poop of excitement in the box can undo the hard work cleaning them up before you leave home… That’s why we recommend bringing water, shampoo and a sponge! Our team will then take over and start the session!
During the water treadmill session
For a horse or pony’s first visit to the water treadmill, we take plenty of time to get them used to the environment they’re working in. They sniff the treadmill and are walked into it without any water, given lots of pats and then walked out. Then we walk them in and get them used to walking on the treadmill with it empty. Once they’re used to the sensation of the treadmill moving under their feet and how to walk on it, we start to fill it. Initially it will be with water that’s just at pastern height and get them used to walking with the noise of the water. Once they’re relaxed and happy, we then adjust the depth depending on the aims of the session.
Your first water treadmill session will probably take around 15 minutes, and you can watch the whole thing, so you have total peace of mind about the process.
After your appointment
Your horse will get a little warm working, especially in latter sessions when the water depth and treadmill speed is ramped up a little more. That’s why it’s handy to have a cooler or sheet to throw on them afterwards and for the trip home. They may appreciate a drink before the journey home – and a nice full hay net as a reward for their work!