Cream Ridge, NJ – Offshore Farm, owned and operated by Andy and Julie Miller, last week hosted 20 Monmouth County 4-H program students and parents at their newly built therapy and rehabilitation facility located in Cream Ridge, N.J.
The group tour was conducted by Katie Eick and Suzanne D’Ambrose.
First on the tour was the farm’s half-mile sand track, which is used to condition the horses to prepare to go to the racetrack, and a visit to the paddocks where horses enjoy recreation and playtime.
Students had an orientation on how horses are raised to become a racehorse. Some of the group’s members own off-the-track racehorses, and they especially appreciated the insight on what life is like as a racehorse.
Next up was a demonstration explaining the benefits of saltwater hydrotherapy. While using the facility’s water treadmill and spa, students observed a horse’s workout session while expanding their equine physiology knowledge. We discussed with the group the benefits of the water treadmill as a tool for success for horses to maintain and/or rehabilitate a horse’s racing career. The goal was to give the students insight on how to incorporate what they have learned into their own livestock.
The 4-H students also learned about halotherapy, or salt therapy, which can aid in treating respiratory health issues, at the facility’s salt chamber.
At the conclusion of the tour, parents and students showed off everything they learned by answering trivia questions while enjoying pizza for lunch.
Group leader Rene Tanzi said, “What a fantastic experience for the 4-H students, their families, and me! I truly enjoyed learning about the water treadmill and salt therapy benefits. Thank you to Offshore Farm for hosting and the opportunity for the Monmouth County 4-H group.”