Treadmill Evaluation
The benefits of having your horse evaluated for conditioning, lameness, and upper respiratory problems are multiple. The selective use of a high-speed treadmill is an important part of any performance evaluation of a horse. It is the basis upon which other diagnostic tests may be performed. Evaluation involves the use of a specially designed stationary treadmill on which the horse is exercised. It consists of a rubber belted revolving surface. When a horse is walked onto the treadmill, the surface is started in motion. The horse is maintained in the center of the working surface of the treadmill by guard rails and with the aid of one or more assistants holding a lead line attached to each side of the halter. The horse is allowed to accumstom itself by exercising on the treadmill at a walk, trot, and canter. This is usually done for 5-00 minutes once or twice daily for two or more days. Once the horse appears comfortable with the routine, then a particular diagnostic test, such as an upper respiratory tract endoscopy or videoendoscopy is performed during exercise on the treadmill. Video cameras can also be used to record limb and foot placement for lameness evaluation or hoof balance evalauation to aid in corrective trimming./shoeing procedures. The treadmill evaluation is designed to simulate exercise, thus a prerequisite is that the horse be in good physical condition before this type of evaluation is considered. Conditioned horses can be evaluated more readily for their 'fitness' and select parameters associated with conditioning response can be measured during or very shortly after periods of moderate to intense exercise.
Treadmill evaluations are performed under the direction of Dr. Jeannie Waldron who is both a well trained and respected veterinarian speciailizing in equine practice, but an accomplished rider and trainer of many talented endurance champions.