The winter mud may now be a distant memory to most, but summer’s hard ground can bring with it a new set of problems for the competition season. Concussive force is created when your horse’s hoof hits the ground. When the ground is soft, most of the foot is cushioned, and the forces are absorbed by the ground and marginally by the structures of the limb. When the ground is firmer, the turf is less able to absorb these concussive forces, which then, as a result, travel back up the limb. This can, in some cases, lead to discomfort and injury. Hard ground increases the potential for injury to all parts of your horse’s body as tendons, ligaments, joints, bones, feet and muscles are put under increased strain. Factors such as excessively hot conditions, uneven or rutted ground, and poor conformation can all influence your horse’s predisposition to injury. In addition, your own riding fitness and choices affect the level of concussion. Riding at a controlled pace suitable for the going, ensuring your horse is well balanced, fitting studs when appropriate, and not overworking a tired horse will mitigate the risk of concussion. For hard ground, you’ll need studs that are pointed so they penetrate the surface. The harder the ground the shorter and sharper your studs will need to be. Sharp studs, small dressage studs and small conical studs are ideal for firmer ground.
There are no hard and fast rules for working on harder ground, as there are so many variables. It depends on your horse – some are better on hard ground, whilst others will struggle. Events where the surface has been well maintained are less of a risk than rutty unmanaged ground. If you have been exercising or competing on hard ground, or on a hot day, cold hosing for 5 minutes can help. If running water is not available, at an event for example, then various correctly applied ice boots can help cool the lower limb and rapidly reduce the core temperature of the tendons and ligaments, reducing the risk of inflammation and injury.
A horse with straightforward concussion will feel a bit jarred up with sore shins, bruised feet and general inflammation of the lower limb. If it is a one-off, a horse will likely get away with it. Repeated competition on hard ground can lead to cumulative damage. A horse with good confirmation who is fit for the work he is doing will be less likely to suffer. He should be shod well because correct foot balance will enable better absorption of concussive forces by the structures of the hoof. He should also be appropriately built and not overweight as this, in its own right, will put undue pressure and stress on the limbs.
Many venues make a real effort to improve the ground, but there is a limit to what can be done in dry conditions. As a result of prolonged dry weather, teams often work around the clock to ensure the best possible ground conditions. The Sponginess of the grass roots is what creates give, and when you cut the ground (with an equivator or aerovator etc) you cut the roots, which encourages structures to regenerate and become stronger. An aerovator has a shaft, within which 3in spikes sit that shake when inserted into the ground as the tractor pulls it along. The shaft is not powered but rotates dependent on the speed of the tractor. The aerovator will not make the hard ground soft but it will make it ‘less hard’. Watering is great for a show jumping course but is often not hugely practical for the cross country course – especially on sites which are at a high elevation and the water just runs away. In situations where water is limited, its best application may be for aggressive cooling of your horse at the end of cross country!
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