Horses moving on hard ground are at an increased risk of stress and potential injury to their hooves, muscles, tendons and joints.
HOWEVER, with a multi‑pronged strategy of continued hoof care, cold therapy, supportive nutrition, adjusted work and sensible turnout, you can significantly reduce injury risk.
Always observe your horse carefully for changes in movement, heat or swelling, and consult your vet or farrier if you are at all worried.
Hoof care and shoeing
Regular farriery helps the hoof absorb concussion more effectively and prevent structures like tendons and joints being overloaded.
Your farrier may suggest hoof pads or similar options to provide extra cushioning and reduce sole bruising. Early intervention is key if this helps your horse.
Keeping hooves well‑moisturised (especially in dry weather), helps retain flexibility and therefore shock absorption.
Cold therapy - hosing, boots, and wraps
After time spent on hard ground (even when just turned out), cold hosing for around 5-10 minutes or using ice/cooling boots helps reduce inflammation and flush heat away from tendons and joints.
Cold hosing works well to flush out heat due to the massaging effect, whereas ice boots are great for reducing swelling and compression.
Supportive nutrition
Feed balancers ensure continued overall health PLUS support for joints and soft tissue by providing vitamins, minerals, key micronutrients AND supporting ingredients such as biotin, zinc, methionine, glucosamine and turmeric.
ALL Blue Chip balancers contain hydration support via electrolytes, which help maintain circulation and tissue health during hotter, drier spells.
Correct nutrition strengthens hooves, joints and soft tissues every day, especially helpful for horses with poorer hoof quality or those exposed to dry and hard conditions.
Gentle massage and stretching exercises (using carrot/balancer stretches) increase circulation, relieve muscle tension, improve suppleness, and help your horse recover faster.
Adjusted workload
Reduce fast work, jumping or roadwork when the ground is firm or uneven; and/or use slower paces of walk and trot instead.
Incorporate pole work in a school (where possible) to improve strength without additional concussion.
Use hill work (up and down) or water training if available (e.g. beach, safe river or water treadmill) to build fitness while reducing impact.
Always include time in your ridden work for a proper warm‑up and cool‑down, and follow hard ground sessions with light turnout or walking to allow the body to stretch and relax.
Sensible turnout
Reduce pressure on consistently hard turnout areas by rotating grazing fields.
Fly protection such as masks, rugs, and fly repellents help to prevent repeated stamping or pacing that can aggravate hard‑ground stress.
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