Equitread
Equitread is a controlled, low-impact water treadmill system that allows horses to move naturally while benefiting from resistance and hydrostatic pressure supporting:
- Improved strength, balance, and coordination.
- Joint mobility with reduced impact.
- Structured rehabilitation following injury or surgery in consult with veterinarians and physios.
- Typically training horses creates inherent asymmetrical issues and small soft tissue injuries occur. Incorporating treadmill and spa use in your training means that any underlying injuries are being treated and strengthened, the horse is non-invasively forced to walk straight and evenly building muscles and ensuring the back and hindquarters are working.
- Coming back from a spell or post rehabilitation, using a treadmill to prepare your horse means low impact but very effective training can commence before you’re ready to ride. So, when you do start training, you’re working with muscles and condition that have been built up evenly and effectively so you can move onto the next stage and progress quickly.
- Fitness goals can be achieved more easily with less time and space requirements, and the addition of water provides resistance training and builds core strength.
how equitread works
Equitread combines a moving treadmill with adjustable water levels to create a supportive exercise environment. As the horse walks on the treadmill, water provides buoyancy and resistance, encouraging controlled movement while reducing concussion on joints and soft tissues.
The water depth and treadmill speed can be adjusted to influence posture, stride length, muscle engagement, and cardiovascular effort, allowing sessions to be tailored to the horse’s stage of rehabilitation or conditioning goals.
benefits of equitread
- Builds strength and endurance
- Faster recovery and injury rehabilitation
- Reduced impact on joints while maintaining movement
- Improved movement, balance, and coordination
- Increased muscle engagement through water resistance
- Enhanced range of motion and stride quality
- Cardiovascular conditioning at lower speeds
- Safe, drug-free therapy
- Customised, year-round conditioning
Equitread sessions are carefully planned and monitored, with progression guided by observation, consistency, and the individual horse’s response to work.
when equitread can be used
Equitread may be incorporated into a wide range of programs, from regular fitness and conditioning through to structured rehabilitation and reconditioning.
It is commonly used for:
- Ongoing conditioning and fitness as part of a regular exercise program
- Horses returning to work after time off or seasonal breaks
- Controlled reconditioning following injury
- Supporting joint, tendon, or soft tissue recovery under veterinary guidance
- Improving core strength, posture, balance, and overall movement quality
- Maintaining fitness while reducing concussion on joints and soft tissues
our approach at the patch
Equitread sessions at The Patch are conducted by experienced staff who understand both horse behaviour and movement. Horses are introduced gradually, with attention given to comfort, confidence and safety throughout each session.
We work within owner and veterinary recommendations where provided and focus on delivering consistent, well-managed sessions that support long-term progress rather than quick fixes.
Equitread and Equine Rehabilitation
Equitread sessions at The Patch can be booked as a stand-alone service, with individual sessions and packages available for horses using Equitread as part of their regular fitness, conditioning or management routine.
Equitread is also a key component of our Equine Rehabilitation service and may be included as part of a structured rehabilitation stay or integrated into a broader rehabilitation and conditioning plan.
As with all services at The Patch, Equitread use is considered individually to ensure it is appropriate for the horse, the stage of work and the intended outcomes.
