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Written by: Jessica Konopinski
Published on: 05/03/2024
The surface that a horse is ridden on is arguably one of the most important things to consider when preserving a horse's soundness and well-being. While riding on harder surfaces causes more concussion and strain on a horse's joints, too soft of surfaces can cause unnecessary stress to the soft tissues of a horse. So, what’s the best choice? Sand serves as a great riding surface as long as it is appropriately maintained. Here are a few things to consider before riding your horse on just any sand surface.
There are tons of benefits to riding on sand including less concussion. Every time a horse's hoof hits the ground it causes concussion which is sent up the horse's legs (1). Over time these concussions can cause negative effects presenting as joint pain or arthritis. When riding on sand, these forces have been proven to decrease showing fewer signs of damage to a horse's joints, muscles, and ligaments over time.
While riding on sand can be a great option, there are a few things to consider. Research has shown that riding on sand can have less impact on a horse’s joints. However, research has also shown that horses exert themselves much more when exercising on sand, leading them to become more easily fatigued. I mean, think about it. If you’ve ever walked or run on a beach, you know just how much more exhausted you become than if you were exercising on pavement. The same concept goes for horses.
A horse's stride becomes shorter when riding on sand, leading them to take more strides more frequently. [1] If your horse is in shape, this shouldn’t be a big concern. However, if your horse is out of shape, this can cause more harm than good. Not to mention, exerting on softer surfaces can throw stress on the soft tissues of a horse.
Due to sand's low impact resistance, this is a common footing chosen amongst most riders. Compared to big-name footing and turf, sand can also be a wise economical choice. So, how do you go about riding on sand safely to ensure your horse stays fit and sound? The first thing to consider before riding on sand is how deep the sand is. The goal is to ride on sand that is not too deep or not too firm. Typically, if sand is too deep in an arena, you should be able to remove some of the footing and drag it to your liking.
On the opposite end, if the sand becomes too firm, usually due to weather conditions, you can use a drag to lift and loosen up the sand and allow it to dry out. If you’re unsure about just how deep the footing is, the best choice is to walk on it yourself before exercising your horse in the area.
Another thing to consider is your horse’s soundness and fitness level. If the sand is on the deeper side and your horse is not in the best shape it may be best to keep the ride short and take frequent breaks. If the sand is firm and your horse is known to struggle with arthritis it may be in your horse's best interest to go on a trail ride rather than exposing your horse to that type of impact.
As long as you use your best judgment and put your horse's fitness level and soundness condition in mind, you’ll set your horse up for success.
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✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
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Jessica is a brand consultant who brings awareness and intention to equestrian and pet platforms. As a former collegiate equestrian athlete and animal lover, Jessica leads with passion and experience through her writing and brand work for companies who advocate for creating a difference in their space. When she's not riding her horse or walking her dog (with iced coffee in hand), you can find her sharing her love for health and wellness with others and integrating these practices in her everyday work.
