Why Chilled Salt Water?

The science-backed foundation of Seawalker® performance and recovery.

Naturally Powerful. Scientifically Supported.

Seawalker® uses chilled salt water at around 4°C to provide powerful benefits to horses in training, rehabilitation, or recovery. Combining the mineral richness of sea salt with controlled temperature and movement, the salt water acts as a natural aid to wellness, muscular recovery and inflammation management – all without the use of chlorine.

Why Salt Water?

Salt water has long been known for its natural antimicrobial and soothing properties. By adding natural sea salt in crystal form, the Seawalker® water solution:

  • Supports healthy skin and hoof condition
  • Naturally discourages microbial growth
  • Uses no harmful chemicals (chlorine-free)
  • Produces a light saline mist, supporting healthy respiration
Many horses visibly relax in Seawalker® – breathing deeper, stretching out their stride and calmly engaging with their work.

Why Cold?

Chilled to approximately 4°C, the water has a compressive, cooling effect on the limbs, which helps reduce swelling and improve recovery time. For many yards, this eliminates the need for time-consuming post-work leg icing. Water is traditionally heralded as

  • Reducing distal limb oedema and inflammation
  • Tightening and cooling limbs after work
  • Supporting circulation and tissue repair
  • Aiding recovery from daily training or minor knocks

Chilled salt water also improves the comfort of horses with chronic low-level inflammation or sore shins. Exercising without tack or a rider can be particularly comforting for horses with sacroiliac or back issues, thanks to the low-impact movement and cooling effect associated with the chilled water environment.

Respiratory Health

Studies in human medicine have shown benefits to lung health from the inhalation of nebulised saline mist. Seawalker® naturally produces a fine mist as horses move through the water, to assist clear breathing pathways. The salty air can help counter the effects of inhaled airborne irritants such as dust and spores, as a natural support for respiratory health, in warm, cold or humid environments.
A racehorses using the Seawalker horse water walker

Practical Efficiency

  • Eliminates manual icing of legs for many horses
  • Reduces reliance on additional therapy devices
  • Enables consistent pre-work warm-up and post-work recovery at scale
  • One member of staff can oversee the exercise of multiple horses

Safe for Skin. Safer for Staff.

Because Seawalker® water contains no chlorine or harsh chemicals, just salt, it reduces the risk of skin irritation and therefore is safe for both horses and handlers.

Unique continual water filtration

Seawalker® includes a highly sophisticated, multi-stage water purification system to keep the water crystal clear, even with high numbers of horses using the facility daily.
  • No chlorine required
  • Optional backwash recovery system reduces daily water use from 4000L to 200L
  • Water quality maintained with minimal daily facility management
  • Horses use Seawalker® without nappies

A Proven Alternative to Spa or Ice Therapy

Unlike spa units where horses stand still, Seawalker® combines movement with chilled salt water for dynamic, functional hydrotherapy.

  • Movement aids circulation, lymphatic drainage and focus
  • Active recovery vs static soaking
  • Effective for a wide range of horses, offering consistent and comfortable active session rather than static immersion
  • Gait and mobility range unhindered by bandages, boots or treadmill belts

Contact Us

+44 (0)1458 251300
info@equinehealthcentre.com