The Advantages of Choosing the Right Surface for Equestrian Activities
In the equestrian world, the surface on which horses train and perform is critical. The right or wrong surface can significantly impact your horse’s health, performance and overall well-being.
Primarily, a suitable equestrian surface enhances stability, critical for the horse’s balance and posture, reducing the risk of injuries.
This blog explores the various advantages of choosing the right surface for your equine companion.
Ensuring Horse Health and Well-being
A well-chosen and well-maintained equestrian surface offers stability, which is crucial for maintaining the horse’s balance and posture during movement. This stability is essential not only for performance but also for preventing injuries.
Surfaces that absorb shock and provide adequate support minimise the risk of joint and hoof problems, which are common in horses subjected to work on unsuitable surfaces.
Enhancing Performance with your Equestrian Surface
A good equestrian surface is not just about preventing harm; it’s also about enhancing the horse’s performance. The right surface can aid in gaining momentum, providing a springy foundation that returns energy at the same rate it is applied. This helps the horse to move more efficiently, conserving energy and reducing the need to overwork.
Horse Riding Arena in the Winter
A well maintained all-weather surface means that there are still plenty of options for riders to get out and exercise and compete with their horse in winter.
So, another significant advantage of choosing the right surface is its resilience to various weather conditions. For instance, using rubber crumb offers frost protection to your horse riding arena, which is a considerable benefit in colder climates. This feature ensures that training and riding can continue uninterrupted throughout the year.
Sand alone relies on moisture content to stabilise it. When the moisture content is high during winter periods, the surface is over compacted. The opposite occurs when the moisture level is low in summer periods and the sand loses its stability.
Here at Combi-Ride, we recommend using dual stabiliser fibre to stabilise and hold the surface together. This combination in the winter months will help prevent the surface becoming frozen.
Maximise Horse Comfort and Stress Reduction With Advanced Equestrian Surfaces
The comfort provided by a suitable surface cannot be overstated. Waxed surfaces, for instance, offer a level of comfort that reduces stress on the horse’s joints, contributing to their overall well-being. This comfort can also enhance the horse’s confidence and willingness to perform, as they feel more secure on a surface that supports their movements effectively.
Combi-Wax is a specialised equestrian surface treatment. It enhances training experiences by providing a stable, consistent surface with reduced water needs. It’s versatile enough to be added to both waxed and non-waxed surfaces. This ensures improved ride quality and surface stability without the need for complete surface replacement.
Competition-Grade Surfaces Enhance Horse Performance
The right equestrian surface can profoundly affect the quality and effectiveness of training sessions. A surface that mimics the conditions of competition arenas can provide a significant advantage in preparing horses for events.
Equestrian competitions surfaces are dynamic and adaptable, supporting complex movements in different disciplines.
Select the Ideal Equestrian Surface for Peak Performance and Safety
The importance of selecting the right surface for equestrian activities cannot be overstated. It affects everything from the health and safety of the horse to the quality of its performance.
Whether you are a casual rider or a professional competitor, investing time and resources into choosing the most suitable surface for your horse is a decision that pays dividends in the long run, both for you and your equine partner.
For the best advice on either updating your surface or designing a new menage, get in touch. Our professional and experienced team will be able help you create the perfect surface.