Miniature Swimmers Make Waves
Ocala, FL (September 10, 2009) – Four tiny miniature horses are making a big splash at The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center as they get in shape for the AMHR National Championships this September in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The four Miniature Horses, owned by Bob Rutledge of Candyland Miniatures in Ocala, Florida, are all under 34” but that hasn’t stopped them from getting in shape by using and enjoying the horse size swimming pool.
“I have been bringing them to The Sanctuary three times a week to swim in the pool and they love it,” Rutledge said. “My Miniatures will travel to the AMHR National Championships in September to compete in halter, driving and jumping, so being in the best physical shape is important.”
Rutledge said having his minis swim in the state-of-the-art pool, which is 110 feet long and 14 feet deep, is helping them to condition their hips and toplines. Despite their tiny size, the minis have no problem completing four laps each and seem to love the experience.
Brenda McDuffee, General Manager of The Sanctuary, said adding swimming to their regime complements Rutledge’s training program by adding an exercise that has no concussion. “Swimming is a different form of exercise than what horses get on the ground. There is no fear of leg or joint injuries with swimming,” McDuffee said. “The Sanctuary is committed to the healing, conditioning and well-being of all equine athletes and swimming horses serves a two-fold purpose: it either helps horses recover from an injury or it works as exercise for maintaining physical condition.”
The minis swimming as part of their training and conditioning program are Candyland’s Secret Weapon, a two-year-old buckskin pinto stallion; Candyland’s Spunky Girl, a two-year-old chestnut pinto filly and 2008 World Champion Jr. Filly; Candyland’s Pattoned Payday, a three-year-old chestnut gelding and 2008 World Champion Jr. Gelding; and Briarwood’s Happy Illusion, a five-year-old Appaloosa stallion.
“The Sanctuary’s facility is phenomenal and the staff is just great to work with. I have had full-size horses swim before but this is the first time I have taken the minis,” Rutledge said. “Swimming is a great exercise because it is a cardiovascular and aerobic workout that helps build muscle mass and definition.”
The Sanctuary’s state-of-the-art facility is located on 30 acres in Ocala, and features the most advanced conditioning and rehab equipment available in the world including an Equine Hyperbaric Chamber, Aqua Pacer Water Treadmill, a Cold Saltwater Leg Spa, an Equine Swimming Pool, two Eurocisers and Solariums.
For more information on The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, visit their website at www.sanctuaryequinerehab.com. The AMHR National Championships will determine the nation’s top Miniature Horses and be held at the Expo Square Arena in Tulsa, Oklahoma, September 10-19th. To learn more about the show, or Miniature Horses, visit the AMHR website at www.shetlandminiature.com.
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Ocala, FL (September 10, 2009) – Four miniature horses are making a big splash at The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center as they get in shape for the AMHR National Championships this September in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The four Miniature Horses, owned by Bob Rutledge of Candyland Miniatures in Ocala, Florida, are all under 34” but that hasn’t stopped them from getting in shape by using and enjoying the horse size swimming pool.
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