Why Swim Your Horse?
Swimming allows horses with injuries and post-operative proceedures to heel freely and without the shock of ground work. Shock-free therapy proves successful in many horses and allows the injury to heal and strengthen without the stress of shocking. Most horses in our program recover very quickly with the use of aquatic therapy.
My horse has no injury...
Many horses come to our facility to swim for a change of venue. Many horses on the track, or in competitive training, become sour or just need a slight boost allowing a cross-training program. Swimming your horse is completely safe and allows for more oxygen intake, as well as building muscles they would not normally use. Horses who swim are proven to increase in fitness level, feel good and perform better.
We have the proof! Check out our news page for a list of winners, both race horses and show horses.
About our Pool
Our pool is 34' by 60' and 12' deep. We have an "in" ramp with mats that your horse will walk down and an "out" ramp, also with mats to allow your horse to safely walk out. The pool also features two bridges that swing open to allow access to swim laps. Once your horse is done their swimming for the day, these bridges are re-opened and your horse may exit with the guidance of two ropes attached to their halter.
Many horses come to our facility for use of our indoor pool as rehabilitation for injuries, yet some trainers like to use our pool as a training alternative. For horses that swim in our pool, this is an excellent and shock-free way to become fit and stay ontop of training. Many horses have "swam into a race" from our pool.
For any horse that comes to our facility, we start by placing protective boots on your horse. These boots run on the front legs from above the knee, down the cannon bone and over the pastern to ensure protection. We also place boots over your horse's hooves to protect his or her shoes. Protective boots are also placed on the back legs, running down and over the pastern.
Upon entering the actual pool, long ropes are attached to your horse's halter to guide them around the track of our pool.
We use a "monkey see, monkey do" strategy to introduce new horse's to our pool. A "veteran" pony horse is brought into the pool and placed in front of your horse on the "in" ramp. Your horse will be able to watch these horses walk into the pool and swim off. Most horse's relax with this technique, follow quietly and catch on quickly.
Depending on your horse's fitness level or injury status, we assess how your horse exits the pool. Your horse will gradually build up how much time he or she spends in the pool and will be comfortable working. We will then build a personalized program for your horse and monitor his or her status.
All horses have at least 3 attendants with them at all times. At the end of each horse's session, he or she is stripped of protective equipment, cooled out and bathed in warm wash-water. They are then grazed or placed on a hot walker.
