Making waves
HYDROTHERAPY interventions are classed into two main groups: complete flotation, namely swimming; and semi-floatation, which is seen in underwater treadmills, water walkers and cold water hydrospas. All of these provide different benefits and may be incorporated into a program to provide a more wholesome approach to training.
Hydrotherapy allows the horse to exercise with reduced mechanical stresses on the limbs, and has been reported to improve joint range of motion, decrease pain and inflammation, improve muscle strength, and increase cardiovascular endurance.
Of these groups, swimming places the highest cardiovascular load on the horse, as horses are not natural swimmers. It also involves an extreme range of motion through the hocks, stifles and hips. In
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