California Riding Magazine • September, 2010

Classic Equine Equipment
Popular company creates top quality equine treadmills.

by Paige Hill

Classic Equine Equipment, renowned for their quality stall systems, flooring and exercisers, now brings their level of quality and attention to detail to their newest line of products; the Classic Fullstride™ Treadmill. Constructed and assembled entirely in their factory in Fredericktown, MO, these treadmills offer the latest in technology and use top of the line materials to make a safe and high tech addition to any stable’s exercise program. The new line of Fullstride treadmills, that have only been released this year, are already beginning to have a cult following from some of the sport’s greats including top trainer and international grand prix jumper Will Simpson of California. It is no surprise that trainers, rehabilitation centers, and other top facilities are taking notice of the Classic Fullstride’s newest features that make it a high tech and unique way to build a horse’s fitness. The top of the line technology allows a safe, protective, and consistent way to get results.

Safety comes first, to make the treadmill experience more efficient and safe for the horse and its handlers. This is paramount when exercising these unpredictable animals, especially in a rehabilitation setting where a horse may be fresh and fractious from long periods of stall rest. The Classic Fullstride’s design has both quick release bars in the front and back of the machine, as well as tall no-climb mesh sides. Its transparent polycarbonate sides enable handlers to monitor the horse’s movement and behavior. That way if things take a turn for the worse, actions can be made to remove the horse safely without injury to itself and the handler. Adam Busse, president of Classic Equine Equipment points out the ease of training horses to use the treadmill.

“With a handler at the horse’s head, and one behind, it only takes a matter of minutes for the horse to acclimate to using the treadmill comfortably and safely.” It is user friendly for both the four-legged and two-legged users.”

The machine is equipped with an electronic eye that will ensure that a horse is in place before the treadmill will operate. Should a horse trip or fall, the electronic sensor will immediately shut off the treadmill. Additionally, there are two emergency stop buttons – one on the control panel and one on a remote – which allows the handler to quickly shut down the machine. The treadmill is also equipped with a brake on the motor, ensuring that once the machine is turned off the walking surface cannot move. “We use the finest and most durable materials out there,” says

Busse. The treadmill also comes with a two year limited warranty.
This treadmill offers the latest in programming and technology, which makes it the best advanced tool to exercise and build a horse’s fitness safely and effectively. Busse states, “We looked at the existing treadmills on the market to see how we could improve them.” The new improvements in technology make this treadmill easy for anybody to operate it confidently and safely to give horses their own customized work out. The speed can be adjusted, as well as the incline to add a bit more work to challenge the horse. With an electronic touch screen with five pre-programmed settings, as well as unlimited manual settings, each horse can receive the right program. As many as 30 exercise programs can be saved, which allows each horse in the barn to have their own custom fitness program on hand.

The benefits of the Classic Fullstride Treadmill go far and beyond traditional means of riderless exercise such as hand walking and lunging. Busse explains, “When used properly, the treadmill can be an excellent tool to assist in the conditioning of the horse. Top level show jumpers use treadmills as an addition to the exercise routine to help the equine athlete reach and maintain peak condition.” He adds, “Exercising on a treadmill allows the horse to move freely in a straight line. The horse is able to carry itself naturally, so it actually builds muscle, increases circulation and is an excellent way to increase stride length.”

See It At The World Equestrian Games

Those attending the World Equestrian Games at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY are welcome to make their way to Classic Equine Equipment’s booth where the Fullstride treadmill can be seen and tried out. Classic Equine will also feature a drawing for $5,000 to go towards their popular stall systems. The winner will be announced after the close of the games.

For more information on the Fullstride treadmill, or other Classic Equine Equipment products visit their website at www.classic-equine.com or contact them at 800-444-7430.