The use of water treadmills for conditioning equine athletes is gaining attention, primarily for rehabilitation purposes. However, a recent study, “Conditioning equine athletes on water treadmills significantly improves peak oxygen consumption,” delves into the cardiovascular performance benefits of this training method when compared to conventional dry treadmills. The research aimed to determine if a high-water level in water treadmills could lead to improved equine fitness, a question previously underexplored. The study’s hypothesis was that horses conditioned on water treadmills would exhibit superior fitness gains compared to those trained on dry treadmills.
The study involved nine Thoroughbred horses, all of whom were out-of-season polo ponies. These horses were randomly divided into two groups: a control group of three horses trained on a dry treadmill (DT) and a treatment group of six horses trained on a water treadmill (WT). To ensure consistent body weight, each horse received an individualized diet of hay and concentrate. Before the study, all horses underwent thorough health examinations by board-certified veterinarians to rule out any recent lameness, health issues, or performance deficits.
The conditioning program spanned 18 days, with both groups training for the same 20-minute duration at a consistent treadmill speed of 1.45 m/s. The WT group’s protocol, detailed in Table 1, gradually increased water height and duration over the first nine days, culminating in water set at stifle height for the remaining duration. The DT group followed a similar duration increase for the first eight days before maintaining a 20-minute session. The total workout time, including warm-up and cool-down, was 40 minutes.
To assess fitness and endurance, all horses participated in incremental exercise tests on a racetrack before and after the treadmill conditioning. These tests included sprints at various speeds and a maximal effort 800m gallop. Speed was monitored using GPS, and VO2 (peak oxygen consumption) was measured using portable ergo-spirometry during conditioning and racetrack tests.
The results indicated significant improvements in the WT group. Post-training, the WT horses showed an average increase in VO2 peak of 16.1%, while the DT group exhibited no significant change. Furthermore, the WT horses demonstrated a 17.4% increase in average speed during the 800m maximal intensity tests, with their completion time dropping from 92 to 76 seconds. Conversely, the DT group showed no improvement in average speed or time. Table 2 summarizes these physiological responses, highlighting the superior gains in VO2 peak for the WT group.
While the water treadmill exercise was considered relatively low intensity, the high-water level significantly boosted VO2 peak and endurance in the equine athletes. These findings suggest that WT training, particularly with higher water levels, offers substantial cardiovascular benefits for horses, potentially surpassing traditional training programs in improving fitness metrics like peak oxygen consumption and endurance.
The study’s methodology was rigorous, employing a controlled experimental design and accurate data collection. The conclusions drawn are well-supported by the data and align with the understanding that water resistance can increase workload without requiring higher treadmill speeds.
The implications of this research extend to various sectors of the equine industry, including racing and equestrian sports. Understanding how WT conditioning impacts equine fitness can lead to more efficient training strategies and potentially aid in identifying and developing desirable genetic traits related to performance. Additionally, this research could inform therapeutic rehabilitation services, offering insights into how hydrotherapies and resistance training can aid in muscle and ligament recovery. Further research exploring varying intensities of WT programs and their effects on different horse types will undoubtedly enhance our understanding of equine physiology and lead to improved animal care and enhanced athletic potential.
References
- Greco-Otto, P., Bond, S., Sides, R., Bayly, W., & Leguillette, R. (2020). Conditioning equine athletes on water treadmills significantly improves peak oxygen consumption. The Veterinary Record, 186(8), 250.
