FMBs Water Treadmills - a unique and innovative product that can be used for both rehabilitation after injury
/
Equine Aqua Power -Hampshire.
The Water Treadmill from FMBs Therapy Systems is a unique and innovative product that can be used for both rehabilitation after injury and as an important part of a training regime to improve all over suppleness, stride length, muscle tone and core strength. Our Water Treadmills can help maximise performance and reduce the risk of injury offering combined operation with horses being able to be use it dry as well as with water but also with chilled saltwater spa options.
We have nearly 18 years experience in manufacturing and installing water treadmills worldwide, meaning you can rely on our extensive knowledge and experience in the field, plus all our water treadmills are sold with full UK training, backup, support and servicing. We have the benefit of having Dr Matthias Baumann (veterinarian, rehabilitation centre owner and Olympic Gold medal event rider winner) as part of our team for full onsite training post installation. Matthias’ knowledge and experience is immense - he had a water treadmill in his practise for over 20 years and has been involved with numerous studies on working horses in water treadmills. He has extensive practical and scientific experience to achieve the best results for all types of horses both during rehabilitation and as part of specific training programmes.
MP Jump - France.
Our water treadmills are manufactured in Germany using stainless steel construction throughout. They can be run with either fresh water or salt water, depending on your requirements. Additional options available that can be incorporated into the treadmill are spa jets, a water chilling system, an incline function, trot (as well as walk) and a filtration system with options to suit your budget and needs whether operating privately or commercially.
All our water treadmills are supplied with transparent side and doors, so that you can see the horses working from all angles, plus looking down from the user platform which is one of the more important views of how the horses are working through their backs and muscle asymmetries. The treadmills come with an efficient and easy to use full filtration system with pre-filtration (removal of solids), micro filtration (cleaning of the water), water recycling and chemical-free sterilisation. At the press of a button, the filtration will continuously run automatically cleaning, sterilising and recycling your water.
The design and dimensions of the treadmills are important to allow the bigger horses room to work comfortably within their stride length through their backs. There are numerous safety features on our machines which all help to allow horses to work correctly and safely with their head and neck lower. This is really important for the horse’s safety and comfort as well as the training benefit and your results. Speed and water depth is really important to get right for the best results. Our customers find having the experience of Dr Matthias Baumann available to draw on when required invaluable.
Dr Matthias Baumann says, “At the beginning we thought the treadmills were only good on therapy – for ligaments and tendons. Now we have good experience on the training and see the effects are not just for rehabilitation of the legs but also on the back muscles, core strength and flexibility through the spine when you train in the right way, on the right machines.”
With regards to placement of the treadmill, they can either be placed in small pits so horses can walk on and off level to the ground, or placed on concrete with on/off ramps. We will meet with you for an initial site visit, discussing options for placement and ideas of set up based on our vast experience and knowledge, providing you with an efficient solution bespoke to your property, set up and business requirements.
Serena Hickson, managing director of FMBs Therapy Systems, says "On- going research and training is of utmost importance to us. We and our clients are always very happy to get involved with any new research projects to improve overall learning for the equine hydrotherapy industry as a whole. We were pleased to hear of the new organisation, the IEH (Institute of Equine Hydrotherapists), which has been set up to standardise, improve knowledge and support of this growing sector. We are looking forward to sharing knowledge, learning and extensive experience, especially with the water treadmills, to improve the industry as a whole.”
