Have any of you ever done swimming pool therapy or similar for you horses?

[china]

We have an equestrian centre local to use that has an equine swimming pool. I am considering taking my tb down there to begin his fitness back into work. He has bone spavins, KS and navicular and am willing to spend the money to bring him back into work this way. I was thining that doing this every few weeks to build up some muscle with out putting to much strain on his joints. I am still yet to buy his easyboots so he can be ridden so this seemed like a good idea to tide us over untill i get the boots and he starts walk work on the roads.

Has anyone used this sort of therapy with success?

 

[Alibear]

I have both swum my horses and also had them use a water treadmill.
I'd be wary in your case; swimming is great for fittening work and also building muscle but it is hard work for the horse and with your lads problems it may be too much for him? Swimming can be a good test to see how well the horse really is as those I've seen struggle with it have turned out to have health issues such as arthritis and KS.
My lads navicular was diagnosed when he was using the water treadmill to fitten up after PSD, he suddenly struggled to get up the out ramp and it was his front end that was having the problem.
Got the vet to check and found the navicular.
So I'd very happily swim / water treadmill any healthy horse, I'd also use it to check a horse if I had concerns about it and the vet couldn't find anything.
But for a horse with known health issues I would only do either with the vets OK/recommendation.