By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Triple Eight Equine in Hays has introduced a water treadmill to enhance the well-being of horses.
The Hays business, 1380 Toulon Ave., includes a 120-by-80-foot indoor riding arena, a horse hotel and a wash bay.
The AquaPacer Plus by Husdon Aquatic Systems is the latest equipment to be introduced by the Equine Center.
Co-owner Brian Lang said the water treadmill is uncommon as there's a limited amount of them available in the nation, let alone in the state.
"This is a unique machine so now people don't have to go to Oklahoma, Texas or Kentucky for that type of rehab. They can do it in Kansas," he said.
Center Manager Shelly Macumber has dedicated her entire life to working with horses and has certification in massage and rehabilitation therapy.
Macumber said the machine could benefit the well-being of horses in a variety of ways such as muscle building and helping them stay fit, especially in chilly winter months.
"When we're conditioning them, we don't just use the treadmill," she said. "We also do corrective exercising, massage and a bunch of different therapies that we combine together for a package depending on the horse."
The treadmill's water levels can be adjusted to better accommodate horses. A lower water level increases difficulty, requiring the horse to step out, while a higher water level can alleviate any injuries by reducing the weight on their legs.
The AquaPacer Plus can assist horses in ways that they typically wouldn't experience during usual runs.
"By adjusting the different heights of the water, you're working different areas of the body and different muscles that don't necessarily get worked when riding, depending on what it is that the rider does with them," Macumber said.
Additional benefits the AquaPacer can bring to horses are improved balance and restoring muscle in the back for older horses.
There are various reasons why horses may get injured. Macumber recommends that riders reduce this risk by consulting with a trainer or their veterinarian.
Triple Eight Equine began offering riding lessons last October for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders in one-on-one sessions.
Macumber suggests riders can start riding lessons at the equine center from the age of 7 and older. Horses are available for an extra fee of $5 for those without their own.
"It's been really fun to have different ages and different riding skills out here," Macumber said.
Beginner and intermediate lessons teach essential horsemanship skills, including effective communication and mastering various gaits, along with basics in gymkhana, barrels and poles.
Advanced lessons focus on advanced maneuvers, including flying lead changes, lateral movement and competitive preparation techniques.
Lang said Triple Eight Equine places a strong emphasis on involving young people and guiding them through the essentials of horse riding.
"When you look at the young kids that are involved with horses, it does take work to teach them. We focus on that quite a bit," Land said.
Macumber said parents frequently become interested in horse riding, despite initially bringing their kids to lessons.
"The horse community is like family, and all the family is involved," she said. "The parents are there, and sometimes they get to ride, and you get grandparents out supporting. It's a really good family event."
Children frequently engage in therapeutic sessions by grooming, bathing and gaining knowledge about horses, rather than riding them.
Counselors have reached out to Triple Eight Equine to arrange plans for therapeutic riding in the facility's indoor arena.
"We have a couple of people in the community who are working on getting that started so we can bring in anybody from the community," Macumber said.
In the works is a horse hotel with 24 stalls. Bunk rooms, a bathroom, a shower, a kitchen and laundry appliances will also be available to anyone traveling through the area with their horse.
"It's hard to find a place to stay with your horse," Macumber said.
Two conference rooms are available for rent with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, presentation capabilities, and HDMI cables. Room capacities are 21 and 24.
Macumber encourages veterinarians to reach out to Triple Eight Equine to collaborate on horse rehabilitation efforts.
"At any time, if a veterinarian from anywhere is interested in coming and visiting the facility, they can contact us," she said.
For more information on Triple Eight Equine Center and the services they provide, click here.
You can also follow Triple Eight Equine on Facebook for updates and future events. Learn more about lessons by calling 785-639-5876 or emailing [email protected].