Was just reading that horses who are rehabbed in water treadmills experience 1/3 to 1/2 faster hoof growth than non-treadmill horses. So if a horse normally grows 9mm a month hoof, they would grow 18 (potentially). Not scientifically demonstrated but reported quite a bit by vets working with the hydrotherapy and water treadmills.
So... Should I buy some little swimming trunks for Riley?
Friday, January 29, 2010
Faster hoof growth, if you can afford it...
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He'd look awfully cute in a Hawaiian print!
ReplyDeleteI wonder how that works? The blood going to the hoof causes growth and the water keeps it from wearing down like working on the ground does?
ReplyDeleteLol, I don't think you can find Riley big enough swim trunks!
I can't find the EC widget at LVHouseFarms.com. Sorry to be off-topic but I'd like to return the drops left for me.
ReplyDeleteMy horse uses a water treadmill for rehab-ing after surgery for subcondular bone cysts. It's the best money I've ever spent on my horse. He is developing muscles he otherwise would not be able to develop.
ReplyDeleteUhm, this time of year you can just kind of ride through the mud puddles for a lot less money. *lol*
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. It looks better than swimming them because on the treadmill they can more correctly use their backs. When they swim, they have to hold their heads up.
Wonder how expensive it is?
The beach might be a cheaper option if you live near one!
ReplyDeleteThere are soak boots that are designed for the horse to walk in. You squeeze them on, pour the liquid in from the top, and then tighten the top so that minimal water splashes out. Most of it will be gone by the time you are done walking the horse, but a friend of mine has used these and just kept pouring more water into them at intervals. If I remember correctly, it's the gentle pressure of the water on the hoof, combined with the softening effect of soaking in water, that encourages the way a healthy hoof naturally expands and contracts. It also helps laminitic and/or flat-footed horses some sole pressure to encourage the coffin bone to rise in the hoof capsule. A horse that is compromised due to lameness issues can often exercise pain-free in a little bit of water to cushion the impact. All of this means an increase in circulation resulting in faster hoof growth.
If you can easily afford it, hydrotherapy is great. If you have to stretch to afford it, it's not worth it.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. Looks like a fun little toy - I am a huge fan of hydrotherapy for a number of things. Definitely not in my price range though.
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