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Preconditioning Phase

During a one-week preparation phase, the horses were gradually accustomed to both the feeding regimen and the use of the Horse Gym treadmill, initially at a walk and trot.

Week 0 to Week 4

• 20 minutes walking in the horse walker
• 20 minutes walking on the P2 Power Sport treadmill
• 5 minutes trotting on the P2 Power Sport treadmill (standardized speed – no incline)

Week 5 to Week 12

• 20 minutes walking in the horse walker
• 10 minutes walking on the P2 Power Sport treadmill (with 8% incline)
• 11 minutes trotting on the P2 Power Sport treadmill (standardized speed – 8% incline)

Performance Test

After 4 weeks

• 20 minutes walking in the horse walker
• 20 minutes walking on the P2 Power Sport treadmill (10% incline)
• 20 minutes trotting on the P2 Power Sport treadmill (standardized speed – 8% incline)

After 8 to 12 weeks

• 30 minutes intense lungeing in the arena (trot and canter only)
• 5 minutes walking on the P2 Power Sport treadmill (10% incline)
• 20 minutes trotting on the P2 Power Sport treadmill (standardized speed – 8% incline)

The performance test was conducted instead of the regular training program.

Measured Parameters

Muscle girth: Measured at the rear forelimb, gluteal region, and hindquarters after 4, 8, and 12 weeks.

Body fat composition: Percentage body fat (% BF), assessed using ultrasound (according to Kearns 2002) in weeks 0 and 12.

Exterior appearance: Standing photographs taken at weeks 0, 6, and 12.

Response to standardized performance test (intense workload):
• Plasma CPK activity (Creatine Phosphokinase), measured before and 3 hours after the test in weeks 1, 4, 8, and 12

• Heart rate measured directly after the performance tests in weeks 4, 8, and 12
• Blood lactate concentration (mmol/L) at the end of each performance test in weeks 4, 8, and 12

Body weight: Recorded weekly.

Use of the Horse Gym

Acclimating the young, untrained horses to the Horse Gym treadmill was unproblematic. Most adapted within three days, initially walking and later trotting without issue. Toward the end of the acclimation phase, short sessions with an incline were introduced. The treadmill’s surface and the even footing provided a strong sense of security, reflected in the horses’ relaxed and confident return to training each day.

Monitoring System

The fully automated monitoring system proved highly valuable. It immediately stops the treadmill in case of irregularities (stumbling, cantering, spooking) and then gradually resumes the set speed. Over the 12-week trial period, no technical malfunctions were observed, and none of the horses sustained injuries during treadmill use.

Impact on the Equipment

The Horse Gym treadmill was in operation for a total of 390 hours, with 230 hours at a walk and 160 hours at a trot. There were no mechanical or electronic failures. The P2 model demonstrated excellent robustness, functionality, and reliability under demanding conditions. The treadmill surface proved to be highly slip-resistant and showed minimal wear.

Impact on the Animals


The treadmill’s animal-friendly design was evident in the fact that none of the horses had to be withdrawn from the study. Despite the intense physical challenges posed by the performance tests, no signs of lameness or injuries occurred.

Test Program


The results showed that the young horses developed excellent physical condition by week 4. All horses performed well in the demanding treadmill test (20 min walk and 20 min trot at 8% incline). The average heart rate only doubled to 74 bpm, which is considered excellent under high physical strain. All blood values (lactate and CPK) remained within physiological ranges.

Muscle Development & Conditioning

Based on the strong results from the first performance test, demands were significantly increased in tests at weeks 8 and 12. Prior to treadmill work, horses were lunged intensively for 30 minutes (canter or strong trot), followed by 5 minutes walking (10% incline) and 20 minutes trotting (8% incline) on the Horse Gym.

Treadmill Training Conditions

Although the horses visibly reached their individual performance limits by the end of the test, all physiological parameters remained within healthy ranges. This confirms that the training protocol and use of the Horse Gym significantly improved the horses’ conditioning and performance capacity.

Clear muscle development was also visible in photographic documentation, particularly in the neck, back, and hindquarters. The shoulder musculature showed especially marked improvement due to the treadmill’s incline, which increased forelimb range of motion and led to a measurable increase in muscle girth.

Ultrasound measurements at fixed anatomical points confirmed significant increases in muscle cross-sectional diameter (longissimus dorsi, gluteus, semitendinosus). All 12 horses showed an average muscle gain of approximately 5%, with the semitendinosus increasing by 6.6% on average.

Conclusion

The improved conditioning and muscle development provide a solid foundation for the future training of young riding horses. The treadmill’s even and secure surface offers excellent joint protection. The young horses adapted well to the customizable treadmill speeds and displayed consistent, rhythmic movement. In cases of cantering or spooking, the treadmill responded immediately with a controlled stop and gradual restart. The infinitely adjustable speed allowed for individualized adaptation to each horse’s anatomy.