Welcome Horse Boarding Training & Conditioning FPS Keuring Preparation Rehabilitation Horse Sales Van den Heuvel Carriages Van der Wiel Harness Used Carriages, Harness & Accessories News Links Home	Rehabilitation click on images to enlarge At Dragstra Stables, we have a wealth of experience in treating all types of equine injuries, especially those that require an extended recovery time. The stress of confinement cannot be underestimated when monitoring the recovery of any horse and we have designed our facility to accommodate not only the horse's physical healing but also the more subtle problems that can arise from the mental strain associated with the recovering horse. Working with your vet, our goal is to expedite the healing process and return your horse(s) to physical fitness in a state of mind that is ready to perform. Our roomy 12' x 24' stalls provide a spacious environment for horses that must be stallbound during their recovery. Big windows in a relaxed, working barn decrease boredom and provide an atmosphere that accelerates healing and reduces the lay-up time. Time in the Solarium is available to every horse. The benefits of the Solarium heat include: increased circulation which promotes healing; reduction of tension and stress which creates a positive affect on the nervous and immune system; reduction of muscular fatigue which minimizes the possibility of additional injury; improved disposition which augments the healing process. Once your horse has been released from stall confinement, it is paramount that steps be taken to prevent re-injury. As a rule, the vet's instructions are 'hand walk your horse for short periods, multiple times a day.' Most often, your horse prefers leaping and jumping on the end of the lead - definitely not activities on the 'vet-approved' list. Consequently, many horses hurt themselves in their enthusiasm for just a small measure of freedom. This critical period is where Dragstra Stables excels. Our Belebro Exercise Mill , with its free run compartments measuring 8' x 30' - not much bigger than the 12' x 24' stall, is perfect for reintroducing 'walking' to your horse's regimen. Each compartment moves in a large circle (diameter of 60') at the rate programmed by our staff. In this safe, restricted space, your horse can walk freely and change directions. The constant movement of the mill discourages the kind of bucking and leaping often seen from hand-walked horses. The program is completely flexible and the time/pace in the Mill can gradually be increased, if the vet approves additional time or trotting. The benefits of the Belebro Exercise Mill: horse moves freely without restraint; safe, secure, enclosed compartments with restricted space which inhibits those actions which can cause re-injury; adjustable program allows the work out to be tailored to fit the individual needs of each horse; walking on a flat solid surface to build the muscles in a natural manner, without stressing the newly healed injury; rehab horses thrive, mentally and physically under the regular routine of slow, consistent work-out. Call us! We would love to talk to you about the Belebro Exercise Mill and the advantages to your horse of recovering at Dragstra Stables. References Available! Dragstra Stables, P.O. Box 998, Southern Pines, NC 28387 Phone: 910.245.3290; Fax: 910.245.8658; Mobile: 910.489.2953 Email: dragstra@dragstrastables.com
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