Raising The Industry Standard

Rookery Equine are pleased to announce that we have achieved our industry standard once for 2025 with the International Register of Veterinary Animal Practitioners.

What does this mean for you and your horse if you were to attend Rookery Equine and use our water treadmill?

The Need for Regulation in Equine Hydrotherapy
Like many animal therapy-related industries, equine hydrotherapy currently lacks formal regulation. While this field has grown in popularity, both for performance enhancement and rehabilitation, there is still no official standard ensuring the safe and effective application of hydrotherapy treatments.

Organizations such as RAMP (Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners) and AHPR (Animal Health Professions’ Register) are actively lobbying for increased oversight, with the backing of IRVAP (Institute of Registered Veterinary & Animal Physiotherapists) and the IEH (Institute of Equine Hydrotherapy). These groups recognize the urgent need to establish industry-wide standards that prioritize equine welfare, professional training, and best practices.

A major milestone in equine therapy regulation was reached in October 2023, when RAMP was awarded voluntary regulatory body status by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs). This move puts animal physiotherapists, chiropractors, and osteopaths one step closer to statutory regulation. While this status does not yet extend to equine massage and hydrotherapy, it sets a strong precedent for these industries to follow.

IRVAP are dedicated to raising professional standards through specialized training programs and academic courses. By fostering clinical expertise and professional development, they aim to ensure that every horse receiving hydrotherapy is treated safely and effectively, with a focus on scientifically backed rehabilitation techniques.

In recent years, equine hydrotherapy has seen a surge in investment, with state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge facilities becoming more common in sports performance and rehabilitation centers. However, access to specialized training has not kept pace with this growth. Many operators lack the in-depth knowledge and practical skills necessary to deliver hydrotherapy treatments with consistent therapeutic benefits.

Equine Hydrotherapy & Academic Research
The growing body of scientific research surrounding equine hydrotherapy is providing valuable insights into the benefits of water-based therapy for:

✅ Injury Recovery – Accelerating healing and reducing inflammation.
✅ Performance Enhancement – Improving endurance, muscle conditioning, and joint flexibility.
✅ Rehabilitation – Supporting horses recovering from surgery, tendon injuries, or laminitis.

As professionals in the equine industry, it is our responsibility to stay informed about new research and integrate scientifically validated techniques into hydrotherapy programs.

The future of equine hydrotherapy lies in professionalism, regulation, and continued education. With organizations like RAMP, AHPR, IRVAP, and IEH leading the charge, the industry is on the path toward formal regulation—ensuring that all horses receive the highest standard of care.