Used on a daily basis in a straight line, a ground that is too heavy will increase the stress to the tendons generating repeated efforts of propulsion which create irreversible trauma to horses, especially tendonitis of the fetlock support, in the deep digital flexor tendon and the superficial digital flexor tendon.
When turning, an uneven ground creates difficulties for the joints on one side and on the other strains the ligaments, which causes problems such as degenerating arthropathy, pulled muscles and deterioration of the joint capsules…
A hard ground that does not give at all is even worse. |
| As it does not cushion the horses’ landing, the full impact is taken by the limbs, which suffer and as result horses become lame very quickly. No one would think of making a horse jump on concrete! A good ground must also allow the horse to slide. |
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| If the horse’s foot gets stuck during take off or landing, it must have a great deal of resistance in order for the fetlocks not to go forward. The foot must sink in and slightly slide forward thus protecting the tendons, the ligaments and the joints. Moreover, this is why it is very important for a fibred ground to be made of short fibres.
Do not let us overlook either, the secondary effects caused to the horse’s overall physical and mental well-being if it is afraid of the ground being used, creating identified lumbago and back problems.
Apart from not being able to concentrate on the exercises to be performed, the horse may also hold itself back and not participate completely. A horse which restrains itself and is not comfortable, will not be a winner!
Our thanks go to Doctor E. Levy veterinary in Perdreauville, 78 region, France for his diagrams and explanations.
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