treadmill booklet by ColdharbourGrazing

Stabilisation & Straightness

​It is extremely important for a horse to have good core stabilisers which are engaged when working. Working in low water (generally around fetlock height) really test a horse’s stabilisers. The horse will flex his limbs and lift his hoof higher than when walking on dry land. At the point the hoof is at its highest the horse must engage his stabilisers to be able to return the hoof to the floor without losing balance.

The reason why low water is important here is that higher water can actually work to support and help balance the horse, low (fetlock height water) generally provides the best test of the horse’s ability to engage its stabilizer and keep balanced. Higher water is sometimes used to provide more support and/or resistance.