Case Study
Rebuilding Stifle Strength After ACL Tear with Underwater Treadmill Rehab
Fearless, a 12-year-old KWPN Grand Prix jumper, sustained a right stifle ACL tear that threatened his elite performance career. With warm-water AquaPacer sessions above the stifle, he safely regained strength, stability, and fitness—returning to competition at the World Equestrian Center in just one month.
Horse: Fearless
Breed: KWPN Gelding
Age: 12 Years Old
Discipline: Grand Prix Jumper
The Challange:
Background
Fearless, a 12-year-old KWPN gelding and accomplished Grand Prix jumper, suffered a right stifle ACL tear, a serious soft tissue injury that can sideline elite athletes for extended periods. Given the physical demands of jumping and the importance of stifle stability, his team turned to the Hudson AquaPacer to facilitate a safe, structured recovery.
AquaPacer Rehab Program
Treadmill Type: Hudson AquaPacer
Water Temperature: Hot Water
Water Level: Above the stifle
Jet Use: Not specified
Speed: 2.1 – 2.2 mph
Water Fill: Pre-filled before each walk
Ramp-Up Period: 1 day to acclimate
Session Progression: Day 1: 5 minutes – Session 20: 20 minutes
Duration: 20 sessions over 1 month
The Solution:
Result
After just one month of underwater treadmill therapy, Fearless returned to peak fitness and made an incredible comeback to the jumper ring at the World Equestrian Center. The rehab process emphasized safe strengthening of the stifle while minimizing concussion and joint strain. His recovery was not only fast — it was competition-ready.
The Result:
Why It Worked
Stifle injuries are notoriously tricky to rehab due to the joint’s complexity and the need for balanced muscular support. The AquaPacer provided the perfect platform for rebuilding that strength:
- Controlled Water Level above the stifle ensured full joint immersion, offering uniform resistance and buoyant support through the full range of motion.
- Warm water increased blood flow, loosened tight musculature, and reduced post- exercise soreness.
- Higher speed range (2.1–2.2 mph) helped target proprioception, muscle firing, and symmetry — all critical for a sport horse.
- Quick acclimation allowed more sessions to be spent building strength vs. training Confidence.
Before:
After:
