Coping with Hard Ground

We’ve thankfully waved goodbye to the long wet winter but summertime can bring its own set of challenges with the ground conditions for horse owners. In our latest blog Scientific Nutritional Products take a look at coping with firm ground for our equines.

Dry summer conditions can lead to hard ground which can be bad news for your horse. Hard ground can place additional strain on your horse’s body and joints due to concussion. When the ground is softer the force of your horse’s foot hitting the ground is absorbed by the surrounding earth but when the ground is hard and unable to disperse the impact, the concussive force travels back up the limb, potentially causing injuries.

Concussion as a result of hard ground can be particularly problematic for older horses and ponies and those with joint issues such as arthritis. Conformational issues of the feet and limbs such as low heels, long pasterns, brittle hooves and thin soles can also play a big part in problems on hard ground as a result of hoof issues and joint concussion.

If your horse is struggling with the harder ground, the easiest symptoms to spot are changes in their stride length, rhythm and regularity or their jump. When they are affected by hard ground your horse's stride may shorten or when jumping they may present with a lower, flatter jump or even refusals as the horse anticipates being uncomfortable when landing on harder ground.

So how can riders limit the risks associated with hard ground?

First and foremost it is crucial if you are exposing your horse to hard ground either ridden or at pasture that you have good farriery in place and any foot problems are addressed. When exercising your horse or pony on hard ground it is important to assess whether your horse is well-balanced and able to cope with the ground condition. If they are weak in their hindquarters and load the forehand this will increase the load on the forelimbs and increase the likelihood of tripping. Where possible assessing ground conditions to check for rutting or uneven areas; though this may not be practical on a longer distance ride. During a ride evaluating the level of fatigue of our horses and ponies can help prevent injury.

Providing a supportive and premium diet can also support joint health and help protect against concussion.

Horse Joint Right Supreme manufactured by Scientific Nutritional Products is an ideal supplement for summertime to support joint health. This supplement incorporates optimum levels of Glucosamine for Horses, Chondroitin, Hyaluronic Acid and MSM, all of which help to build equine cartilage, ligaments, tendons and develop synovial fluid helping to cushion and lubricate your horse’s joints. For more information visit their website at www.horsesupplementsdirect.co.uk or to speak to a member of the team Tel: 0800 032 7774

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