The Equine Spa: A Key to Recovery 

At the Andalucía Sunshine Tour, where top-level showjumpers compete for weeks on end, horse care is a top priority. Among the specialized treatments available, the Equine Spa stands out as an essential tool for recovery and rehabilitation. This cold salt hydrotherapy treatment is becoming increasingly popular among riders, trainers, and veterinarians seeking to enhance their horses’ performance and well-being.

We spoke with Anna Maria Brech, FEI treating veterinarian, who is overseeing the Equine Spa at the Sunshine Tour, to understand the benefits of this therapy and why so many professionals are turning to it for their horses.

What is the Equine Spa and How Does it Work?

“The Equine Spa is a method of cold salt hydrotherapy,” Anna Maria explains. “The combination of low temperature, high salt concentration, and water pressure increases blood circulation in the lower limbs, reduces swelling, and promotes healing. It’s particularly effective for treating injuries in tendons and ligaments, as well as joint inflammation, bursitis, and even laminitis.”

The water temperature remains between 2 and 4 degrees Celsius, ensuring an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. “It helps remove excess fluid in the tissues, reducing pain and preventing further injury,” she adds.

When Should Horses Use the Equine Spa?

The Equine Spa is commonly used in two key situations: after intense exercise and for rehabilitation purposes.

“Normally, horses go into the spa after they’ve been working hard, to help them recover more quickly,” Anna Maria explains. “If a horse has a problem in the legs, it’s also a great tool for rehabilitation. Regular sessions can speed up the healing of tendon and ligament injuries.”

For rehabilitation, she recommends daily or every-other-day sessions. “If a horse is new to the spa, they might be nervous at first. It’s important to introduce them patiently. But once they’re used to it, most of them stand calmly, and some even fall asleep—it’s very relaxing!”

How Effective is the Spa in the Long Term?

Although Anna Maria mainly treats horses during the tour, she has seen clear benefits. “Many owners who have an Equine Spa at home use it daily and report significant improvements,” she says. “For example, Karlswood, the training base of Cian O’Connor, has one, and they use it every day with great results.”

At the Sunshine Tour, she has observed immediate effects. “I’ve seen horses arrive with puffy legs, and after a 20-minute session, the swelling is visibly reduced. It really makes a difference.”

How is the Water Temperature Maintained?

The water temperature in the spa is strictly controlled to maintain its therapeutic effects. “A refrigeration system keeps the water between 1.5 and 4 degrees Celsius,” Anna Maria explains. “If the temperature rises above 4 degrees, the system automatically cools it down again.”

A Key Tool for Elite Performance

The Andalucía Sunshine Tour spans multiple weeks of intense competition, making recovery treatments like the Equine Spa invaluable for top sport horses. Riders and trainers recognize the importance of maintaining their horses’ health, ensuring they can perform at their best throughout the tour.

For Anna Maria, the benefits are clear. “It’s a real spa in every sense—relaxing, therapeutic, and essential for injury prevention and recovery. Horses that use it regularly recover faster and stay sounder in the long run.”

With such clear advantages, it’s no surprise that the Equine Spa is becoming a must-have in elite equestrian sport.

Valentina Sozzi | Photos Moises Basallote

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