Equine Athlete Care: Proven Therapies to Aid Performance and Reduce Injury Risk
We all know that professional human athletes take training and recovery seriously. They follow a strict set of practices that enable them to achieve optimal performance while staying healthy and preventing injury. Take elite cyclists for example, they’ll be doing everything they can to reach the start line at peak condition. But what about when it comes to equine athlete care?
Are owners aware of the therapies available that can increase the performance and longevity of their horse in its sport?
Below are some effective therapies and tools that can be used to support the training and recovery of equine athletes.
Cryotherapy for Equine Athletes
Ice is essentially nature’s anti-inflammatory.
While many know the benefits of extreme cold for aiding in the recovery of acute and chronic injuries, it’s also a very effective therapy for the maintenance and preventive care of competition and racehorses.
INSTANTCRYO™ combines high pressure with extremely cold temperatures to reduce skin surface temperature down to 4°C/39°F within 30 seconds.
Treatments pre and post-exercise allow for:
• Reduction in muscle fatigue, tightness, and soreness
• Increased muscle repair
• Improved blood flow
• Increased mobility
• Injury prevention
Regular use of cryotherapy can help ensure your horse stays healthy and has longevity in its sport. Find out more about the INSTANTCRYO™ device here.
Hydrotherapy for Equine Athletes
Equine hydrotherapy is the act of using water to improve the health and well-being of horses. The buoyancy of the water helps reduce concussion on horses’ limbs and increases their range of motion. The higher resistance builds stronger muscles and aids in reducing swelling and improving circulation.
Along with cryotherapy, hydrotherapy is one of the best alternative methods to help reduce muscle fatigue and increase recovery pre and post-exercise.
ECB water treadmills and Aqua spas provide effective salt hydrotherapy and cryotherapy for horses. Find out more about the treadmills here and the spas here.
The Importance of a Good Training and Conditioning Program in Equine Athlete Care
Ensuring your horse is on the right exercise program is crucial for progression and long-term success.
Incorporating treadmills into a horse’s training regime is highly beneficial. Treadmill training encourages a greater range of movement of lower limbs, increases lumbar flexion, decreases impact shock, and allows for the horse to cross-train in a controlled environment which reduces the risk of injury. This can be particularly beneficial for young horses as training on uneven surfaces can put unnecessary stress on their joints.
ECB Equine is the official UK agent for the GG engineering high-speed treadmill. The treadmill operates at speeds of up to 45km/h and 6 degrees of incline. It is one of the best training methods to incorporate into a horse’s exercise routine with research highlighting the benefits it has for improving endurance and speed.
Find out more about the treadmill here.
If we want to support the wellbeing of competition horses, we must provide them with the right training and recovery tools that prevent injury and support performance. And while traditional medication and treatments still have their place, many non-invasive and drug-free methods can be used to enhance equine athlete care.
If you are interested in buying one of our products, please contact us here.