NORTHBROOK Farm is situated just 10 minutes from exit 15 Ballinasloe West, off the M6. In 2020, the team installed an equine aqua treadmill in a re-purposed round-roofed shed which had previously been a small indoor arena. Some stables were added to the barn, with plans to add a further six large boxes, including a veterinary box.

The aqua treadmill is surrounded by rubber flooring and padded walls for safety. Above it is an infra-red heater for those colder days to warm the horses’ backs (and the handlers alike). The treadmill shed is a bright and airy space with a view outdoors, which the majority of horses remain very relaxed in.

All of Northbrook Farm’s own show jumpers make use of the aqua treadmill, as do their thoroughbred stores. The farm welcomes horses to visit for weekly/bi-weekly appointments, and also offers livery either to include aqua training or solely for the purpose of the aqua trainer, be it for strengthening and conditioning or rehabilitation post- injury.

Thoroughbred stores benefit hugely from using the treadmill and gain the all important ‘big walk’ and fantastic muscle tone without over-straining the body. The aqua trainer can also be used purely as a standing spa, as it has a high concentration of Epsom salts in the treadmill water tank.

Aqua training suits three types of horse:

  • Horses in work looking for additional stamina, muscle tone and stride length
  • Horses either lacking muscle tone or with uneven gait
  • Horses rehabilitating post-injury Note: veterinary history is required for the second and third types

    • Benefits of aqua training:

  • Gait analysis
  • Low impact cross training to help recruit new muscle groups
  • Develops stamina and core strength
  • Encourages soft tissue mobilisation
  • Encourages lateral flexion of the back
  • Encourages self carriage.

    • Horses always start their aqua training journey with extremely shallow water sessions for short periods of time. Water height plays a large role in the treatment and depends on the individual horses requirements. Gradually, horses are able to walk for longer. Deeper water encourages a longer stride length with lower stride frequency, encouraging increased extension and flexion; it also reduces weight bearing by 40-60%.

    The high concentration of Epsom salts is good in the treatment of inflammation, both walking or stationary, depending on the horse and why it is receiving treatment.

    Contact Sorcha North, on 085-7860081 to discuss your horse’s requirements.