EquiTeam looks at the impact of our unusual summer on our horse’s legs and what management strategies we can put in place to help prevent injuries.
As we head into the summer months the dry weather causing hard ground coupled with a potentially busy competition and equestrian social season this can have an impact on our horse’s soundness.
This year has been a real toss up of wanting to do more things and get out again with our horses post Covid, whilst balancing that with an uncharacteristically hot summer.
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 stress. Factors such as uneven or rutted ground can increase the risk of injury.
The effects of hard ground on horse’s limbs can include bruised feet, tendon injuries, splints, joint pain and inflammation and concussive laminitis.
No foot, no horse
No foot, no horse
Farriers play a hugely important role; as the old saying goes – No foot, no horse. Listen carefully to their advice and talk to them if you have any concerns. How a foot is balanced, whether a horse is shod or barefoot will ultimately affect how the rest of the horse’s limbs move. Incorrect balance will mean excess strain or pressure on parts of the foot, but also their joints, tendons and ligaments higher up the leg.
In some cases your farrier might recommend using pads or gel which, amongst other things, cushion the sole of the hoof and helps to ease concussion. There is a lot of science behind using gel in feet, with studies showing that it reduces hoof heat and helps relieve symptoms associated with hoof concussion and trauma.
It is important to have regular visits from your farrier.
Fitness is key
Fitness and warming up horses correctly are key elements when it comes to preventing lameness. If your horse is not fit for the amount of work they doing, the tendons, ligaments and muscles are likely to suffer.
Likewise, warming up prior to exercise is also very important. You wouldn’t attempt to run a half marathon without a warm up, or any training, so you shouldn’t expect your horses to do a larger amount of work without fitness training or time to allow their muscles to warm up.
Download our Veterinary Approved Fitness Plan HERE.
The effects of studs
In the competition world where studs are regularly used, it is really important to balance the need for studs to prevent slipping, with the impact an oversized stud could have on the balance of the horse’s foot when the ground is too hard for the stud to penetrate.
If you are unsure ask someone more experienced, or reach out to us on the group.
Soft tissue management
Studies have shown the core temperature of flexor tendons can increase by 6-8 degrees C during exercise which can affect the health of the tendon. It is important to allow legs to cool following exercise. There are a huge range of cooling products from gels to cool boots and ice machines, and of course the simple option of cold hosing.
Follow the instructions on any products you have, and if your horse is competing under rules, make sure the product and any ingredients are permitted. If you are cold hosing legs, you need to spend at least five minutes per leg for any kind of cooling effect.
Using Boots
Boots can provide protection or support, but it is important they are fitted correctly and allow suitable airflow for horses doing strenuous exercise.
Watch our video on correctly fitting and when to use boots HERE.
Know what is normal
It is important to know what is normal for your horse, you can watch our video HERE on how to check legs. Check their legs daily for lumps, bumps and heat, you will soon know what is usually there, and when something is out of the ordinary.
Make an informed decision
Whilst it is great to be back out on our horses but remember that just because you have entered something, or planned a hack with a friend for a good canter, doesn’t mean that you have to go.
Even if you are familiar with the event, or hack, always be aware of the ground conditions, as the ground hardens, the impact and concussion on your horse’s legs increases.
Many British Eventing events will have prepared their ground and kept their grass at an optimum length, but not all events benefit from this financial and expert preparation of the ground.
Although it might be fun to have a canter in a stubble field it is vital that you check the ground conditions and for any rutted ground, or cracks.
You wouldn’t dream of cantering your horse down a tarmac road, so make sure where you are riding isn’t equally as hard and remember – it will rain soon!
