Arthritis + swimming?

[milesjess]

Just curious, my horse is retired due to arthritis and has been lame on and off for nearly 12 months now so doesn't do much fitness wise. He lives out so is always on the move but with the spring grass he's put on a few pounds.

I was considering taking him swimming to a nearby equine facility but I'm unsure if it's a good idea on his joints? Any thoughts? Would it help or make it worse?

 

[stencilface]

I've heard that walking on a water treadmill is good for muscle development and joints as its low impact and builds the right muscles. 20mins walking on one of these is equivalent fitness wise to 1 hour of trot work I would personally steer clear of traditional swimming pools as I have heard that they develop/strain the neck muscles in the wrong way.

 

[flirtygerty]

Being very Arthritic myself, I know that gentle exercise helps, if I'm still for too long I stiffen up, as I understand it, swimming does help as there is no pressure on joints, especially if the water is warm and the exercise is not too strenuous, we have had a couple of horses whose legs swell when stabled for too long

 

[Pixxie]

I'd go for an aquatreadmill instead personally because swimming puts a lot of pressure on other body parts, especially if the pool is circular which most are. Not to say its not good though I know some horses who it has done miracles for just IMO if other options are possible due to access to facilities and the horses soundness etc I think aqua treadmills are preferable