The Role of Arena Surfaces in Injury Prevention
If you’re dealing with frequent lameness, stiffness or your horse has a tendon injury, it might be time to look down. Literally. The surface your horse trains on every day plays a major role in their soundness, yet it’s often overlooked.
What is a Horse Tendon Injury?
Tendon injuries in horses occur when tendons (thick cords connecting muscle to bone) are stretched or torn. These injuries are painful, slow to heal and often recurring.
They’re especially common in horses that:
- Train frequently on hard or uneven footing
- Compete in high-impact disciplines such as jumping or eventing
- Lack of gradual warm-ups or proper conditioning
Repetitive strain and unstable footing are the top culprits, both of which can be controlled through your horse arena setup.
How Do Arena Surfaces Affect Tendon Health?
The horse arena is where most horses spend their time training. If the surface isn’t well-engineered, each stride adds stress to your horse’s limbs.
Key risk factors in poor arena surfaces:
- Uneven depth leading to imbalance
- Slippery or overly loose top layers
- Inconsistent footing that shifts under pressure
Over time, these conditions increase the risk of horse tendon injury, along with other joint and ligament issues such as stifle injuries.
What Makes a Safe Horse Arena Surface?
At Combi-Ride, we specialise in creating horse arena surfaces that support both performance and protection. Our surfaces are designed to meet the high standards of equine athletes while giving everyday riders peace of mind.
A high-quality arena surface should offer:
- Shock absorption: To reduce repetitive stress
- Traction control: To prevent slipping and overextension
- Even support: To keep movement balanced
- Dust suppression and drainage: For healthier airways and consistent footing
We customise horse arena solutions based on discipline, climate and riding volume.
Could Your Horse Arena be the Cause of Injury?
Even well-meaning riders often overlook their arena’s condition. If your surface feels compacted, loose or inconsistent, it’s time for an upgrade.
Ask yourself:
- Is my horse reluctant to move forward or collect?
- Have I noticed heat or swelling in the lower limbs after riding?
- Are there visible patches or ruts in the arena?
These could all be early signs of a surface-related horse injury.
Protect Your Horse From the Ground Up
The right horse arena surface is one of the best defences against horse tendon injury. It’s not just about smoother rides, it’s about long-term soundness, fewer vet bills and better results in and out of the ring.
Understanding how the hoof interacts with the surface is a key step towards creating safer, more supportive arena environments.
Get in touch with the team at Combi-Ride to find the perfect horse arena surface to support your horse’s health and your riding goals.