Photo essay: The holistic benefits of equine hydrotherapy

State-of-the-art aquatic equipment ensures the best care for horses in the UAE

The Equine Hydrotherapy Centre in Sharjah is a horse wellness facility. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National

Greg Neil, left, who founded the centre, has been riding horses since the age of six

The centre has a range of state-of-the-art equipment, including an equine aqua treadmill

The aqua treadmill can be used with saltwater or dry, and has an incline function for hill training

The water level is increased slowly to ensure the animals do not panic and become accustomed to the environment

The centre has an indoor sea walker, which is beneficial for training and rehabilitating horses

Aquatic training is noted for the benefits it provides when training horses for endurance races

The sea walker is a cardiovascular and muscular workout for the horses

It is also beneficial for mares carrying foals, given the low-impact nature of the exercise it provides

The centre also has an equine solarium

The solarium uses infrared rays, which, when absorbed through the horse's skin, help stimulate blood circulation

Laser therapy is used to increase recovery time in equine tissue injuries

A motivational message at Sharjah's Equine Hydrotherapy Centre

A cold salt hydrotherapy machine in use

The cold salt equipment treats injuries in 2°C saltwater and is especially effective when treating lower leg injuries

The Arabian oryx may be the national animal of the UAE, but the country has an undeniable affinity with horses.

The majestic animals are beloved the country over, so it is only natural that state-of-the-art facilities have been established to ensure they get the best possible care.

One such facility is the Equine Hydrotherapy Centre in Sharjah, run and founded by Greg Neil, who has been riding and working with horses since he was a boy.

Scroll through the gallery above to see some of the facilities at the centre

The centre offers maintenance and rehabilitation services, with facilities that include an equine aqua treadmill, a sea walker, solarium, hydrotherapy, thermal imaging and laser treatments.

The low-impact training practices are noted for helping to build muscle and stamina, and can be turned to as a holistic, drug-free alternative when seeking equine therapy.

The centre is open for public use with a range of packages available to owners.

The benefits of hydrotherapy are countless. When speaking to The National about the advantages of aquatic exercise, Rasha Hina, owner of Arabian Star Stables, said they include “improving a horse’s bone density and strengthening muscles without risking any injuries, because when the horse swims in the water, there is no body weight or pressure on their bones or tendons.

“For race horses, for example, we make a swimming schedule in a special pool, to help improve their stamina and strengthen their heart for long-distance races.”