Strength Training for Horses

We can improve the health and performance of your horse!

 

 

We specialize in Strength Training - the use of resistance to enhance muscle.  Humans use bar bells, body weight, machine weights, medicine balls, etc., here we use water to create resistance for the horses.  A general workout for fitness will start on the dry treadmill with establishing a balanced stride at the walk of four even beats which is maintained throughout the workout by adjusting the speed of the treadmill as the water level varies.  Heated water will be pumped in below the ankle causing the horse to lift his feet completely out of the water which works the pectoral and stifle muscles; then the water is raised above the ankle to create resistance on the foot as the horse lifts it out of the water which works the forearm and gaskin muscles; and then the water is raised to just below the knee to create resistance on the whole leg which works the top line of the horse from the poll through the back and hips to the tail head.  A heart rate monitor is used during the workout to track the progress of the horse.  At this point the water is gradually pumped out and the speed of the treadmill is reduced according to the horse's fitness level.  The total time, treadmill speed during the workout and water levels are tailored to each horse and change as the horse develops balance and fitness.  A basic history will be maintained along with a performance improvement chart. 

Facilities

 

Our facilities consist of: a therapy area with water treadmill and stock; an office; restroom; feed and hay room; tack room; 12 stalls - 4 critical care stalls and 8 stalls with attached turn outs; and a covered riding arena.

 

 

AquaPacer Equine Water Treadmill

 

 

Deep Meadow Equine Wellness Center has the first Ferno AquaPacer installed in Texas.  It uses the natural properties of water including buoyancy, high resistance, hydrostatic pressure and the thermal effect to yield unparalled therapeutic benefits, known and used for hundreds of years.  Note:  Water temperature is maintained at 85°F year round for effective workouts summer and winter.

 

The AquaPacer therapeutic sessions are fully customized to each horse and designed to use the same muscles, ligaments and tendons that are employed in traditional land-based exercise but without stress and trauma.

 

Some of the AquaPacer benefits are:

 

• Improves performance
• Accelerates conditioning
• Encourages muscle development
• Increases cardiovascular fitness
• Improves flexibility
• Promotes correct posture and a balanced gait
• Minimizes performance injuries
• Reduces recovery time

 

For early intervention, improved performance and reduced rehabilitation time, the AquaPacer is the key!

 

Deep Meadow Equine Wellness Center is located north of Houston, west of Spring, east of Tomball and south of The Woodlands at 24411 Deep Meadow, Tomball, TX 77375.  To visit call Beth Dutson at 281-516-3336 or email bethdmesi@sbcglobal.net for an appointment.