HORSE SENSE: Surfaces, shoes and success - Part 2 21 August 2015 Premium

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21 August 2015

Leanne O'Sullivan on 21 Aug 2015

HORSE SENSE: Surfaces, shoes and success - Part 2

A trainer's ability to keep a horse sound, while working at the desired level of performance, depends on a complex interaction between the horse and the environment

Leanne O'Sullivan

21 August 2015

During midstance the limb will experience peak vertical loads (photo: Alf Harvey)

The type of shoe used is an important choice. It helps the horse perform to the best of its ability

Figure 1: Stages of the stance phase showing the differences in acceleration (red) and ground reaction force (blue). When the blue arrow is tilted, it indicates that both vertical and horizontal components of the ground reaction force are present. The arrow shows the direction in which the ground is pushing he horse (photo: Peterson et al., 2012)

In last weeks ‘Surfaces, shoes and success’ we explained that training and competition surfaces have the ability to be both a positive and negative influence on your horse’s performance and soundness.

The trainer’s ability to keep a horse sound, while working at the desired level of performance, depends on a complex interaction between the horse and the environment. The Equine Surfaces White Paper (ESWP), published by FÉDÉRATION EQUESTRE INTERNATIONALE (FEI) has formed the basis of this two-part feature which focuses on training/competition surfaces, your horse’s shoes and their combined effect on a horse’s health and performance.