Water walker for horses
A water walker is a therapy and training system for horses .
construction
An entrance ramp leads the horses into a pool of water. The water basin forms the running surface. The basin is made of waterproof concrete elements and can be flooded to different heights. The horses run freely between the dividing elements of the horse walker . Several horses can run in the facility at the same time. Massage nozzles or a counter-current system are also optionally integrated. The system can be operated with tempered water or salt water. Filter systems ensure clean water.
There are round and oval pools. Four to six horses can be moved at once. Oval pools are equipped with special slide rail technology. The interior remains free and can be used for the filtration system or as a storage room. The horses run straight for a longer distance in oval enclosures. A one-sided load is thus avoided. The control allows a change of direction, which can be programmed or controlled manually.
Since a water walker is a combination of a classic walker and a swimming pool, several specialized companies work together to build a water walker. Safety-relevant aspects and hygienic requirements must be taken into account.
Working principle
Just like Kneipp therapy in human medicine , treading water is an effective method for treating illnesses and injuries and for accelerating healing and thus regaining fitness. The horses kick against the water and have permanent contact with the ground. The water resistance trains the muscles in a way that is gentle on the joints. Once the water has flooded up to the stomach, the entire supporting apparatus is relieved at the same time. Muscle building and stamina are promoted equally. A pushing away of the back and thus an overstretching, as with the application in the pool, does not happen here.
Water guide systems are used in therapy and training. It should be used in consultation with a veterinarian . Depending on the injury or therapeutic approach, the water height varies from 40 to 120 cm and the duration of the application. The training unit in the water walker should also be integrated into an overall training plan. Supportive therapy and optimal training follow from this.