Why Choose Equi-Fit?

We are one of the few equine rehabilitation facilities in Florida equipped with a Cold Saltwater Therapy Spa. Our boutique sanctuary offers both rehabilitation and customized equine boarding services, combining advanced therapies with personalized care.

Equine Rehabilitation & Wellness Services – Supporting recovery, mobility, and overall health.
Customized Retirement & Boarding Options – Tailored programs for both actively boarded and retired horses.
Personalized Care & Attention – Limited stalls ensure hands-on, consistent care.
30+ Years of Combined Experience – Trusted knowledge in equine care, nutrition, and rehabilitation.

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Horse in a Cold Salt Water Therapy Machine

Why Hydrotherapy?

A veterinary perspective

When a horse experiences trauma — whether through strains, cuts, or bruises — the body reacts with inflammation. Blood vessels dilate, fluids accumulate, and swelling, pain, and heat set in. While this is part of the natural healing process, unchecked inflammation can cause secondary tissue damage, delay recovery, and increase discomfort.

Traditional treatments like anti-inflammatories or corticosteroids may reduce symptoms but can also mask pain or interfere with healing. Hydrotherapy, on the other hand, works with the horse’s natural circulatory system to safely reduce swelling, flush toxins, and speed recovery.

The three main symptoms of inflammation, namely pain, heat, and swelling, occur in varying degrees depending on the site, nature, and severity of the injury. The downside of inflammation is that it may rage out of control and hinder the healing process resulting in secondary tissue damage or hypoxic injury, which can compound the problem. In addition, blood vessels in the area are put under increasing pressure by the fluid build-up, thereby slowing down the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid.

The safest way to break the destructive cycle of secondary cell injury and excess swelling is to use the horse’s circulatory system to sweep away excess fluids that have collected in the tissues. While anti-inflammatory agents such as bute reduce swelling and heat, they may also mask pain confusing the diagnostic picture. Also, the use of corticosteroids to control heat and inflammation may have the disadvantage of shutting down the whole healing process.

How It Works

Equine Spa hydrotherapy relies on the following four basic factors:

1. Temperature

The application of cold triggers three basic reactions. Firstly, at a cellular level, the metabolic response of the cells is reduced, so the cells need less oxygen to function and thereby suffer less hypoxic injury. Secondly, the permeability of the blood vessel walls is decreased, thus reducing the amount of fluid that accumulates in the injured area. And
thirdly, the cold numbs the area to a certain degree, acting as a topical analgesic.

One of the best things about cold is that it does not override the beneficial effects of the healing
process. Please note that the application of cold should not be overdone. The overuse of ice, for
example, can cause tissue damage.

2. Salt Concentration

The salt concentration of the water has an impact on the healing process. Higher salt concentrations will draw away more of the fluids that accumulate around an injury. Additionally, the proportion of various salts has been found to allow injuries to heal more quickly.

3. Depth of Water

The greater the depth of the water, the greater the physical pressure exerted on the tissues. This,again, aids the dispersal of accumulated fluids.

4. Aeration

Aeration of the water has a two fold effect: it increases the dissolved oxygen level of the water and subjects the soft tissue to a gentle massaging action. It is thought that the increased oxygen level aids the healing process much as hyperbaric chambers do for humans, while the massage effect influences dispersal of fluids. In addition, horses tend to relax more than in still cold water as is evidenced by reduced heart rates.

What It Treats

Cold saltwater hydrotherapy has been shown to effectively treat a wide range of equine leg issues by reducing pain, inflammation, and swelling at the source. Common conditions include: