The buoyancy of the water allows limbs to move freely without having to support any body weight and without concussion from hitting the ground.

Swimming is a safe exercise for horses suffering from bruised soles and for horses that cannot be shod because
of foot injuries or hoof wall damage.

For injured horses, swimming reduces the risk of developing stable vices by relieving the frustration of being confined to box rest for long periods.

Because swimming improves cardiovascular fitness, horses are better able to deal with the rigours of training and less likely to become injured.

Swimming offers your horse an enjoyable form of exercise that adds variety to the work routine.

The pool is located in our purpose built hydrotherapy barn where clear polycarbonate roof panels with UV protection fill the pool area with natural
light, creating a calm and pleasant environment for all year round swimming.

Designed, built and maintained to highest standards by the ESC.

42 metres long, 3 metres wide and 3 metres deep.

Entry/exit ramps with non-slip rubber decking.

A powerful filtration system keeping water clean and clear.

Adjustable swim resistor current to boost horses’ work rate.

Horses are natural swimmers, but horses that are new to swimming need to get used the experience and learn
good technique. Once they do, they generally love swimming.

For beginners, the first session is 2 to 3 length of the pool just to get used to the experience.

All swim sessions are attended by 2 experienced staff who guide the swimmer on lunge lines from each side of the pool.

The double rein system worked by 2 handlers walking along the pool sides is the safest, most effective way to control the swimmer’s movements and teach a balanced swimming technique that gets the most benefit from the exercise.

A balanced technique means swimming with a straight and even posture so that all muscles are worked equally.

The pool is straight and so naturally encourages a balanced posture because horses are swimming in a straight line.


On completing a length of the pool, horses are guided out of the exit ramp and walked back to the entry ramp to begin another length.

The walk allows the heart rate to lower after the exertion of swimming each length so that horses never become over tired or stressed.

It also has the effect of building stamina, similar to interval training.

Every swim session is carefully monitored so that your horse’s swimming ability can develop gradually at a comfortable pace.

Ideally, we recommend a massage after swimming to keep muscles loose and relaxed and to prevent any stiffness, particularly in the neck.

After a workout in the pool, all horses are washed down and can be dried off under our solariums or in our covered horse walker.

Click the video screen to download a swimming pool clip.

Video clip length = 29 seconds.

Download time is approximately 50 seconds with a broadband
internet connection of 1100 kbps.

The clip can be viewed on Windows Media Player and Real Player.

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