Finnhorse Mare Montsan Wilhelmina (a Finnish Cold‑blooded Horse) Made a Sustainable Return to Race Training

Wilhelmina, affectionately known as “Wiltsu”, is a Finnhorse mare – a traditional Finnish cold‑blooded breed who recovered beautifully from a suspensory ligament injury in her right hind leg.

Wiltsu lives at trainer Susanna Purojärvi’s stable in Mikkeli. After the initial rehabilitation phase at home—started under saddle—Susanna felt that water treadmill work would be the perfect next step in Wiltsu’s recovery.

Wiltsu arrived at the Woikoski Equine Service Center for a onemonth rehabilitation period. The primary goal was to restore her musculature evenly and in a controlled manner so she could return to training with a balanced body. Proper rehabilitation also aimed to help her move straighter in harness work. Prior to the diagnosis, the suspensory injury had caused significant crookedness in her movement.

With a carefully designed water treadmill program, the intensity of exercise could be increased gradually. At the same time, Wiltsu received targeted supportive treatments—such as cryotherapy, body manipulation, laser therapy and Vitafloor vibration therapy—to ensure sufficient recovery.


An Ideal Rehabilitation Case – A Model Student

In the beginning, Wiltsu was noticeably crooked even on the dry treadmill. However, she quickly proved to be a model student: she responded to straightening exercises exceptionally fast and no longer reverted to her old posture. Her stride was initially short and hurried, but after just a couple of water treadmill sessions her walk found a steady rhythm, and she began to use her whole body—especially her back—much more effectively.

“We have monitored and felt Wiltsu’s body carefully throughout the process. It has been wonderful to see her musculature develop symmetrically,” says rehabilitation specialist Annamari, speaking at the time of Wiltsu’s return home.

“The rehabilitation period clearly improved her condition. We have continued training both under saddle and in harness, and I’ve been very pleased with how she moves,” trainer Susanna Purojärvi adds.

For the Equine Service Center, Wiltsu was an ideal case. It was incredibly rewarding to help her regain proper body use and return to training safely, sustainably, and with renewed balance.


Mister Diamond Returned to Training After an Intensive Rehabilitation Period

Mister Diamond, “Midi”, is a dressage horse aiming for the international arena together with his rider, Janni Martikainen.

Midi trains with Janni under the guidance of Janne Berg at Helsinki Kilpatalli.

In spring 2024, Midi sustained an injury and began to show vague symptoms. Eventually, bone pain in the left front leg was diagnosed.

At the Woikoski Equine Service Center, a tailored rehabilitation plan was created to maintain Midi’s muscle condition throughout his recovery. Special attention was given to his suppleness and muscle care. Rehabilitation plans are always designed according to the veterinarian’s instructions and take into account the horse’s workload, current condition, and muscle balance.

Midi’s daily routine included Bemer therapy and morning walks, followed by gymnastic work in the arena or water treadmill sessions in the afternoons. After exercise, he recovered in the salt & infrared room or on the Vitafloor vibration plate.


Body Care and Enhanced Rehabilitation

In addition to restorative treatments, Midi received massage and body mobilization to ensure proper muscle maintenance. Healing of the injured area was further supported with cryotherapy and laser treatments.

Midi learned quickly and progressed remarkably throughout the rehabilitation period. He remained relaxed and comfortable, settling well into the calm atmosphere of our guest stable.

Midi stayed with us for just over a month—a period that also allowed Janni to enjoy a bit of summer holiday. Once Midi returned home, he was able to restart training gradually under saddle. “The horse felt incredibly supple and active, as if he hadn’t been on a break at all,” Janni commented.