In fact, one of the primary benefits of changing surfaces is to minimize repetitive strain and stress.Īny new surface types should be introduced slowly in 10 to 15 minute periods for an initial three weeks, and this principle definitely applies to harder ground like packed dirt, clay, decomposed granite, asphalt, and other concussive footings. While an ideal scenario includes training on both firm and soft footings throughout each week, horses that are grappling with gait dysfunction or mild lameness may benefit from fully changing their primary training area for a period of time.īefore exploring the benefits of each, it is worth clarifying that excessive repetitive movement on any type of ground brings risk regardless how hard or cushy. Put very simply, soft sandy terrain requires more muscular and aerobic effort while firm ground develops better proprioception, limb coordination, and hoof stimulus. This leads to physical resilience while optimizing muscular and skeletal strength. For both injury prevention and gymnastic conditioning, training purposefully on surfaces allows you to modulate physical effort while attuning proprioception. If you are limited to training on only one type of footing weekly, chances are good that your horse’s musculoskeletal system has some deficiencies. In fact, different footings can play such a big role in any horse’s conditioning that there is an industry adage for it: there are no poor surfaces only poor use of surfaces.įrom a fitness and conditioning standpoint, there are benefits to riding on both soft and firm surfaces. Without access to multiple riding surfaces, many horses plateau in their fitness or get stuck in a state of physical discomfort.
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