swimming

SWIMMING

Checkendon is one of the very few equestrian centres in Oxfordshire and Berkshire with a Hydrotherapy centre. Our professional staff will swim the horse for you.

Swimming is an excellent form of exercise that uses most of the muscles normally used when exercising on hard ground. It has many benefits, which include:-

It improves muscle tone
It improves the cardiovascular system and respiratory system as the lungs and heart work harder under water.
10 minutes swimming is equivalent to about an hour schooling.
It improves general fitness and stamina.
It is helpful in recovery from injury or operation where the horse cannot be ridden on hard ground.
It makes the horses exercise programme more interesting.

The swimming pool is round which is an advantage because the horse can stay in the pool and do a number of laps without having to come out and go back in which is less stressful for the horse.

The pool has cold water which is beneficial as it discourages the growth of unhealthy bacteria in the water and it helps to keep the horse cool, as they give off enormous amounts of heat whilst being swum.

The usual gait for a horse swimming is extended trot and in a round pool 1 lap is the equivalent to 1 furlong, so 7 laps is the equivalent to 1 mile of canter on the ground.

Many vets recommend our equine Hydrotherapy services to their clients after a soft tissue injury or other illness which may typically cause the horse to lose condition

MASSAGE

Massage is a recognised complementary therapy. It is used for stress relief, relieving muscular aches and pains, and for relaxation. Overall, massage can physically benefit the body by increasing metabolism and improving circulation. This improves the removal of metabolic waste and helps reduce muscle spasm. Massage promotes relaxation and helps relieve fatigue, tension and anxiety.

In horses, massage can also be used as a warm up before exercise and as a cool down afterwards. It can be used to assist in relaxing and calming horses, helping them psychologically. It can also help to improve joint and back mobility.

A consultation and full medical history is taken before all initial treatments to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Before any equine massage can take place the owner must gain permission from their vet, as specified by the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 states that any owner may give massage to their horses, but anyone else must have permission from the owner’s vet before giving any treatment.

EQUISSAGE

Equissage has been developed from Niagara Healthcare physiotherapy products. These have been used on humans, both for injuries and to improve mobility, for over 50 years.

The medical benefits include increased circulation and lymphatic drainage, relaxation of muscles and increased joint mobility, which in turn produce better movement and performance for you and your horse.

The Equissage pad gives a deep massage to the whole horse; it can be placed over rugs and is still fully effective.

The Hand unit can be used in conjunction with the Equissage pad to help treat specific conditions. The unit can also be used on humans.

The Equissage is recommended for conditions such as: -

Haematomas Swelling Abscesses
Circulation, Lymphatic and Swelling Problems
Foot Problems Joint and Tendon Problems
Pre-competition Conditioning and After Competition Stiffness
Pulled Ligaments, Sore Shins, Swollen Knees
Breathing Coughing and Bleeding Problems
Muscle and Jarred Shoulder Problems
Sore or Cold Back, Lactic Acid Fibrinogen and Vertebrae Problems

Spa Days

At Checkendon we hold 'Spa Days' for owners and their horses.

We can hold these days for groups of varying sizes.

The days consist of a variety of treatments for both you and your horse.

For example - Your horse could have a swim followed by a massage and then you could have a massage and a beauty treatment. Then you could both go for a hack in the glorious surrounding countryside.

These days have been a great success for riding clubs as a great alternative day out where there is no pressure of competing - just a relaxing day for both horses and owners.

Please contact us for further information and prices

If you would like further information about our therapy facilities please e-mail us at linda@toucansurf.com