EXPOSING horses to a variety of riding surfaces is essential for their fitness, soundness and overall well-being. Training on different footing types can help develop strength, balance and adaptability, reducing the risk of injury, while improving performance.

Each surface challenges a horse’s muscles and joints in unique ways. Grass requires horses to adjust their stride and balance, strengthening stabilising muscles. Sand arenas promote engagement and core strength, due to the increased effort required to push off a yielding surface.

Harder surfaces, such as roads or firm gallops, can help condition bones, tendons and ligaments, making them more resilient to stress.

Repetitive strain

Working on the same surface continuously, however, can lead to repetitive strain injuries. By varying terrain, horses experience different levels of concussion and impact, reducing the likelihood of overloading specific structures. For example, riding on a soft surface one day and a firmer track the next, allows tissues to recover while staying active.

Uneven or natural surfaces like trails, hills or stubble fields improve a horse’s balance and coordination by engaging smaller muscle groups. These conditions simulate real-world challenges that enhance agility and surefootedness, benefitting both leisure and competition horses.

Changing environments keeps training interesting for horses, reducing boredom and increasing focus. A varied routine improves confidence, especially for young or nervous horses, by exposing them to new conditions.

Incorporating multiple surfaces into a horse’s training programme ensures a well-rounded athlete, promoting long-term soundness, fitness and mental engagement.