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Post by emmalouise on Dec 26, 2006 12:55:38 GMT 1
I would just ride!
they seem a good idea but I know my horse go out not just to be exercised but to have a nose around and have a nice time not just go round and round in circles!
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Post by june on Dec 26, 2006 13:10:27 GMT 1
We use a horsewalker regularly for the polo ponies. It is used as additional exercise and not in place of turnout or ridden exercise. All the horses have daily turnout and some live out all year round. They are ridden 5 or 6 times a week. It isn't exciting for them but then I don't suppose they think being exercised in the arena is that exciting either. It is good, gentle exercise on a forgiving surface and is excellent for horses coming back into work or after injury. It is also good for conditioning feet with pads for barefoot horses. Occassionally we find a horse that really doesn't enjoy the horse walker so those ones don't go on it but most take to it quite happily.
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anon
Grand Prix Poster
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Post by anon on Dec 26, 2006 14:45:20 GMT 1
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blueali
Olympic Poster
water horse vs. land horse
Posts: 822
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Post by blueali on Dec 26, 2006 16:36:21 GMT 1
That is really cool, they can be used for all sorts of things. And I like that one nice and big and not looking like a cage.
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Post by jen1 on Dec 26, 2006 18:34:00 GMT 1
wow ,i didnt know it exsisted till now, this is what i have been dreaming about for years, since getting barneys shoes off, we hope to open up as a livery/barefoot place and i think one of those would be a great addition, thanks for posting it, jen x
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Post by Ryan&Dizzy on Dec 26, 2006 19:42:29 GMT 1
we have one at uni. i can put Otto in it if i want but dont like the idea it has electric gates so it zaps them if they stop and it is a really tight circle. some of the horses go in it everyday but they are generally the ones whos owners dont turn them out (because they get mucky!) i wouls sooner just take Otto out for a strole or turn him out.
it has however been very useful to my friend whos horse is just coming out of box rest after a fracture to her leg and is now beening walked 4 times a day. with the use of the walker her horse can go in that twice a day whilst she mucks out etc and she leads her out the other 2 times.
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Post by wendyihts on Dec 28, 2006 13:45:54 GMT 1
Why are they better for rehabbing injured or unfit horses compared to lunging in walk? Is it just the amount of time it saves people (not complaining about this) or is there some other benefit? The reason I ask is because I need to get Lutine fit and would have access to a horse-walker that has a 'padded' all weather surface (bit like the stuff in children's playgrounds - dunno what it's called). I would have liked to lead her out from my other horse or to long rein her around the lanes but she has a big phobia about cows that is going to take a while to school her out of. She is literally dangerous if she has to pass them (and we have little choice but to pass them). However, I am wary of putting stress on her joints by using constant small circles (think this HW is on a 20m circle). Any suggestions or comments on how a HW might help would be appreciated. You can find out more about Lutine and her problems here www.lutinedumanaou.blogspot.com . I don't know if she would go in a HW in any event, but we do have the option. |
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natalia
Grand Prix Poster
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Post by natalia on Dec 28, 2006 14:40:45 GMT 1
we have one at work thats undercover and has rubber flooring, aso no slipping. its very useful for stabled horses and can often help break up the day for them. I also use before and after exercise, great if you have lots to ride and need them warmed up before you mount as have limited time.
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Post by fin on Dec 28, 2006 18:39:18 GMT 1
I've always loathed them, but to be honest after watching my two getting more and more bored in the paddock, but with no daylight to do any work in, I'm beginning to think the horsewalker isnt such a bad idea. Am also thinking treadmills for me might not be so bad  Fortunately have no money so unlikely to be getting either!  |
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blueali
Olympic Poster
water horse vs. land horse
Posts: 822
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Post by blueali on Dec 28, 2006 18:49:29 GMT 1
I think a horse walker is preferable to lunging in walk because it is quite difficult to keep a horse in walk on the lunge if it has been on box rest and always difficult to get it walking so its working. Also the time thing. I am riding and leading my recovering horse so can get her walking out for an hour easily but this is not possible for most people, a horse walker would be a useful alternative.
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Post by jen1 on Dec 28, 2006 20:05:24 GMT 1
i showed my farmer hubby the clip that anon posted, he says he will make me one out for the slurry tank mechanism
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Post by Diane with Sam & Jubilee on Dec 28, 2006 20:39:21 GMT 1
When you've done hers Paul, can I have one too???
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joker
Elementary Poster
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Post by joker on Dec 28, 2006 20:53:06 GMT 1
As someone who has never used a horsewalker but recently had some horrendous news with a horse id sold who had an accident in the field then went to a rehabilitation yard and was put on a horsewalker, fell while on there and ended up being shot as he had constant fits after that, id like to warn everyone please ensure all horses are supervised constantly while on there.
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Post by Stella on Dec 28, 2006 21:05:48 GMT 1
So glad you posted that Joker - I have heard of many many nasty accidents that unsupervised horses have had on them.
Please guys, if you do use them, do NOT leave your horses unattended 
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pip
Grand Prix Poster
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Post by pip on Dec 28, 2006 21:42:26 GMT 1
I also heard of 2 stallions being put on the horsewalker together and they ended up in the same compartment! Don't know the end of the story.
I think they do have their place, lots of places say they are really useful.
Size is probably governed by cost - the larger diameter the more metal, and the stronger the mechanism would have to be, etc.
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