FOLLOW US

Horse Gym USA Puts Horses on Treadmills at the 2015 National High School Finals Rodeo

On July 12-18, over 1,500 young riders from 47 states will compete for national titles, awards, and scholarships at the 2015 National High School Finals Rodeo. Held at the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs, Wyoming, the competition will feature 13 fast-paced events, including calf roping, barrel racing, pole bending, bareback riding, cattle cutting and more. The competition is hosted by the National High School Rodeo Association. Even outside of the arena, the excitement won’t slow down at the Rodeo–a trade show pavilion will introduce attendees to popular equestrian products, such as HORSE GYM USA, a line of advanced fitness treadmills for horses. 

Yes, you read that correctly–horses use treadmills.

In fact, while European riders and trainers have been familiar with equine treadmills for many years, they have only recently become popular in the United States. Ten years ago, extremely successful equestrian athletes Henrik and Mikala Gundersen founded HORSE GYM USA in Wellington, Florida–the Winter Equestrian Capital of the world, where a combination of flat land and small paddocks make treadmills a valuable tool for keeping some of the world’s best horses in top shape.

Today, treadmills have become the accepted standard in caring for and conditioning horses. Riders of all disciplines, including racing, show jumping, dressage and reining, use treadmills as part of their horses’ daily maintenance programs to facilitate high levels of fitness and performance. HORSE GYM USAtreadmills help create the superb fitness levels needed to have the winning advantage in competitions. 

At the 2015 National High School Finals Rodeo, spectators can watch horses try out treadmills for the first time! Visit the HORSE GYM USA booth at the NHSRA tradeshow pavilion on July 12-18 to see the treadmills in action. All rodeo competitors will be offered the chance to sign up for free trial sessions to try out the HORSE GYM USA | WALK and HORSE GYM USA | RELAX models with their horses. The HORSE GYM USA | WALK, which is also offered as a TROT model with speeds up to 25 mph, is the company’s standard model. The HORSE GYM USA | RELAX is a zero-impact conditioning tool. The unique machine has a vibrating surface and infrared lamps, used to loosen muscles and increase both blood circulation and healing rates. Riders who are interested in trying out these innovative products should have an adult accompany them to the HORSE GYM US® booth.

HORSE GYM USA also offered trials to competitors at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 22-28. Competitors overwhelmingly responded. “We had nearly 100 horses on the WALK treadmill and on the RELAX,” said HORSE GYM USAsales manager Jill Townsend. “Many of the competitors had never seen a treadmill and had no idea how beneficial one could be in their conditioning and training program. Many of the horses are seasoned and older horses, and keeping them sound for these younger competitors to learn on is invaluable,” she added.

These treadmills take up little space and can be used regardless of the weather. While many assume that horses would be apprehensive or unable to learn to use a treadmill, equine treadmills are actually very comfortable and safe–safer, in fact, than exercising outdoors. The smooth, consistent surface of a treadmill belt eliminates injuries from uneven footing, while an adjustable incline helps improve stamina and build muscle strength. Adjustable speed and incline allow each session to be tailored to a horse’s specific needs. Additionally, by keeping the horse stationary, a treadmill offers a helpful vantage point from which riders and trainers are able to evaluate the horse’s performance. To see for yourself what it’s like to watch a horse use a treadmill for the first time, be sure to stop by HORSE GYM USA’s booth at the Rodeo.

Treadmills are often used in therapeutic and rehabilitation treatment for horses. As a leading supplier in the industry, HORSE GYM USA products can be found in veterinary clinics and rehabilitation facilities across the country.

For more information about the 2015 National High School Finals Rodeo, held at the Sweetwater Events Complex in Rock Springs July 12-18, visit www.nhsra.com. To learn more about HORSE GYM USA, visit the company’s website at www.horsegym.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SHARE THIS STORY

RELATED ARTICLES

POPULAR ARTICLES

GET NEWS & UPDATES

Oops! We could not locate your form.