Shardeloes Farm & Equestrian Centre

"SHARDELOES EQUINE THERAPEUTIC SPA"

WHY HYDROTHERAPY?

Sea Water has long been used for the treatment of inflammation and injuries

in humans and animals. All trainers know the value of running cold water or ice packs as the

first line of treatment for many injuries.

The Equine Spa combines the best of both these treatments in a new, highly effective way that

has been proven under laboratory conditions. Tendons and ligaments, sore shins,

joint problems, fractures and splints, wounds, infections, laminitic and other foot problems

are all conditions that have responded to Spa treatment in fractions of the time that are normally

considered necessary for full healing.

Red Rum exercised in the sea

WHAT IT TREATS

Case studies collated from the use of the Equine Spa under laboratory conditions by

Prof. Evan Hunt at the University of Sydney, Orange. have shown that the Spa is of benefit in

all the most frequent lower leg injuries to the horse. It has excelled in the treatment of:-


AT START OF TREATMENT SEPTEMBER 16TH	AFTER 4 DAYS SEPTEMBER 20TH

Comparing the 1st and 2nd photos that were taken 4 days apart, granulation is evident,

the tissue and surrounding skin is much healthier, and the epithelial have been stimulated

to grow approx 1.5mm a day.

Open wound to front of near side hock. This injury was the sustained on 18th July 2004

on a 5 year old Australian TB. Conventional treatment and bandaging had little effect and

the leg became infected and swollen causing pressure sores to the back of the hock.

The horse came to us September 13th and had two hydrotherapy treatments a day

and was being bandaged with bioband. The horse is now at home and returned for a

day treatment October 9th. The improvement is easy to see below..

SAME INJURY UPDATES

TREATMENT

16 September

TREATMENT

23 September

9 October

Tendon & Ligament injuries

The Equine Spa achieves fast, long term healing through a combination of cold water at

between 2 and 4 degrees C, aeration (providing a massage element) salt, (always known to

have a healing effect and act as a poultice, drawing out fluid) and a variable depth option

for accurate treatment. Clinical trials have shown that all of these together provide an unusually

high level of oxygen in the water which is thought to aid healing further still.

Crucial to the Spa's success are the ultra-cool temperature and the ultra high salinity of the

water - two design factors that improve upon the therapeutic qualities of either the sea water

The Equine Therapeutic Spa represents the most highly developed, effective easily managed

WHAT OUR CLIENTS THINK OF HYDROTHERAPY

Barbara Whybrow, Monica was recommended hydrotherapy treatment after a small lump appeared on her knee,

assumed to be from a bang in the field. Examination of x ray showed that she has an extra bone in her knee,

which had been aggravated by the knock. The lump changed in appearance almost immediately after the

first treatment and now, after approximately 15 treatments over two months, the lump is almost gone.

Monica is a young horse with high expectations. Our vet, Sarah Randall from Chiltern Equine, was reluctant

to interfere with the knee. She was out on paddock rest rather than box rest as Sarah felt that her

young inquisitive temperament would not take to the confinement of her stable. The experience of the spa

has certainly had dual purpose of not only treating the injury but also contributing to the well being of the

horse. The regular outings relieved Monica of the imposed boredom and she visibly found the sessions

Monica has been brought back slowly into work. The holiday seems to have been beneficial to her

as she gradually resumes her education. We are now anticipating a positive assessment from Sarah.

From Pam and Sev, Text message received 2 days after Sev was collected from a weeks residence (10 spas).

Hey guess what? Turned Sev out Saturday and WOW he bucked and galloped around the field and loved it.

He has not done that in a very long time. I rode him today and he was great – I am really chuffed and certainly

Bella says, "Without the use of the hydrotherapy spa, my horse has been very limited to how many events

we could do, before his old injury reoccurred. Regular use of the spa, particularly after an event, has

resulted in him continuing to stay sound even at advanced level, and hopefully at 3-day level. I have

no doubt that this course of treatment has succeeded where others have failed." Joy wrote,

"I use the spa at Shardeloes as a preventative measure for my six year old horse who has just started

Novice Eventing. His legs are young and tend to fill after strenuous work and the spa has transformed

Anita says "I have been very concerned about my retired 24 year old high school display stallion.

Filled legs, an unusual chronic horn growth problem with his hooves and crippling arthritis in his hocks

has left him very sorry for himself and the vet unable to offer any solutions that have helped.

As a last resort I tried the spa treatments and after just one he was trotting past me into the field and by

his third treatment he unbelievably cantered off and kicked up his heels. He has even started bossing

my other two stallions about once more! His filled legs have gone and friends including my farrier have

noticed a definite improvement particularly with his arthritis and the hooves are looking much cleaner

and less crusty. I would never have believed it was possible, this treatment has really helped my horse

Sue wrote, " I use the spa weekly as part of George's fittening programme. It is hugely beneficial

in keeping his legs in first class condition and also in stopping any inflammation from any

"My Novice Eventer sustained a bad over-reach at Great Missenden event requiring five stitches. .

We attended the hydrotherapy spa on two visits and the wound completely healed.

Amazing results and Ernie enjoys the spa. I shall now use the spa after all our events in the future ."

"Polo ponies take a lot of knocks, from balls and other ponies. I have successfully used the

hydrotherapy spa this season as a treatment to reduce bruising/swelling from such traumas,

allowing the ponies to stay in work. I have also found it to be beneficial in quickly settling a

forming splint in a young polo pony, and generally in keeping tendons and ligaments in

good shape for a tough season. I just wish each pony could have a spa after every chukka!"

"In using the hydrotherapy spa as a preventative for advanced dressage horses,

I have noticed an improvement in the general flexibility of the horses legs, from the

concussive effects placed on the horses legs from the demands of advanced dressage.

I will certainly continue its use as part of general horse-health maintenance! .