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Equine Water Therapy

Equine Water Therapy. Prepared by: Caroline Carswell Prepared for: the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. What is Equine Water Therapy?. Combination of a whirlpool, massaging jets, warm water, and an underwater treadmill

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Equine Water Therapy

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  1. Equine Water Therapy Prepared by: Caroline Carswell Prepared for: the National Thoroughbred Racing Association

  2. What is Equine Water Therapy? • Combination of a whirlpool, massaging jets, warm water, and an underwater treadmill • A technique of physical rehabilitation for horses after injury or surgery

  3. Why is this therapy needed? • Horseracing is a very intensive sport, injuries are common • Horse injuries are very hard to deal with, physically and economically The Problem: Racehorses with severe injuries are commonly euthanized due to the lack of other options

  4. Possible Solutions • Euthanasia (No change) • Lay-off with exercise plan • Water Therapy

  5. Criteria for Solution Evaluation • Recovery Time • Horse’s Comfort • Cost • Extra Advantages

  6. Evaluating Solution 1: • Recovery time not applicable • Horse would feel no pain • Cost can range between $100 -$500 for an owner per horse • Disposal may cost more • Would not have to pay any other bills such as for surgery or rehabilitation

  7. Evaluating Solution 2: • Recovery time can vary by injury • Need proper time for healing • Exercise plan a slow and gradual process • Horse’s Comfort • During lay-off, cannot exercise or work • When exercise starts, may still have pain • Cost will be minimal • Would only have to pay for needed medical care • Horse will not need to be put-down

  8. Evaluating Solution 3: • Recovery Time can be reduced by 50-60% • Horses comfortable • Get to exercise and work • Lessens stress on joints/muscles • Cost of installation costly • $40,000-$80,000 for hydrotherapy set-up, installation and accessories • Horse will not need to be put down • Can also be used for fitness training for healthy horses

  9. Recommendation: Solution 3: Equine Water Therapy is the best solution • Benefits of water • Buoyancy, Resistance • Reduced weight bearing of 40-60% • Lessens stress on joints • Cardiovascular work, healthy heart • Rebuilds muscles without strain • Re-injury less likely • Although installation is costly, it will pay off in the end as it is needed by many horses, and can be used regularly

  10. Recommendation: • These water therapy rehabilitation centers should be made more readily available to those who need it • Things you can do: • Informing trainers and owners of this option of rehab • Projects of building more therapy centers near popular racetracks

  11. Example of an Equine Water Therapy Facility

  12. Works Cited Christoffersen, Christy. "Equine Hydrotherapy - Water Therapy Helps Horses Heal Faster." Associated Content from Yahoo! 23 Aug. 2007. Web. 25 Mar. 2011. <http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/338990/equine_hydrotherapy_water_therapy_helps.html>. "Horse Owners and Trainers." Ferno Veterinary Underwater Dog & Horse Treadmills. Web. 27 Mar. 2011. <http://www.fernovetsystems.com/equine/index.htm>. Stephens, Stephanie. "Equine Water Works." Hydro Horse LLC: Equine Treadmill Systems. Equineoriginals.com. Web. 27 Mar. 2011. <http://horsetreadmills.com/equine.html>.

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