The Risks of Horse Riding on Hard Ground: Potential Injuries and Preventive Measures?

Varying the surfaces that horses are trained on plays a crucial role in fitness but without careful consideration could lead to injury. This overview looks at the possible issues of riding on hard ground, understanding these risks, the types of injuries that can occur, and the preventive measures that can be taken to help stave off expensive vets bills.

Why Riding on Hard Ground could cause issues

Exercising horses on hard ground increases the impact forces exerted on their limbs. Unlike soft or cushioned surfaces, hard ground provides little to no shock absorption, meaning that the horse’s bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments bear the brunt of the impact. Over time, these repeated impacts can lead to a range of injuries due to the stress placed on the musculoskeletal system.

Types of Injuries Associated with Riding on Hard Ground

  1. Joint and Bone Injuries:
    • Osteoarthritis: Constant exposure to hard ground can accelerate the wear and tear of joint cartilage, leading to osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease. This condition is painful and can severely limit a horse’s mobility.
    • Bone Bruises and Fractures: The repetitive high-impact stress on the bones, particularly in the legs, can cause bone bruises or even fractures. While bruises might lead to short-term discomfort, fractures are more severe and can be life-threatening however this is usually associated with high speed work on hard ground.
  2. Tendon and Ligament Injuries:
    • Tendinopathy: The tendons, especially those in the lower limbs, can become inflamed when subjected to repeated strain on hard surfaces, although the same can be said for deep surfaces as well.
    • Suspensory Ligament Strain: The suspensory ligament supports the fetlock joint, and continuous work on hard ground can cause tears to the ligament as it is over stretched.
  1. Hoof Problems:
    • Bruising: The hard ground can cause bruising of the hoof sole, leading to lameness.
    • Navicular Disease: Hard surfaces can exacerbate conditions like navicular disease, where the navicular bone and surrounding tissues in the hoof become inflamed, leading to chronic pain and lameness.

Post-Exercise Treatments to Prevent Injury

Sometimes we have no choice but to be riding on hard ground, implementing post-exercise treatments could minimise the risk of injury. Here are some effective strategies:

  1. Cooling Down and Ice Therapy:
    • After exercise, ensure a proper cool-down period to gradually reduce the horse’s heart rate and ease the transition from work to rest. Following this, cold therapy, such as applying ice boots for horses or cold hosing the legs, can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the tendons, ligaments, and joints.
  2. Leg Wraps and Support:
    • Using supportive leg wraps, bandages, or stablechaps after exercise can help maintain circulation and reduce the risk of swelling. It also provides gentle compression, which can aid in recovery.
  3. Proper Hoof Care:
    • Ensure the horse’s hooves are well-trimmed or shod in a balanced manner. Pads can be used between the hoof and shoe to provide extra cushioning. Checking for any signs of bruising or damage, and using rest and hoof poultices can help if there is bruising to the sole.
  4. Massage and Stretching:
    • Incorporating massage therapy to the upper body or carrot stretching exercises can help alleviate muscle tension and improve circulation, promoting faster recovery and reducing the risk of stiffness or injury.
  5. Rest and Recovery:
    • Allowing adequate rest between exercise sessions on hard ground is vital. This recovery period lets the horse’s body repair micro-damages that occur during exercise, reducing the risk of chronic injury.

Conclusion

While horses riding on hard ground is unavoidable especially in the summer, understanding the risks and taking proactive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of injury. As always, consulting with a veterinarian or equine specialist can provide additional guidance tailored to your horse’s specific needs.