How to help your horse cope with hard ground
The UK’s dry weather can leave horse owners like you facing a challenge, rock-hard ground. While we all wait patiently for the better weather and sunny hacking, prolonged dry conditions create uncomfortable conditions for our ponies and horses. Starting with the potential for bruised soles to increased risk of injury and even concussive Laminitis, the effects of hard ground can't be underestimated.
Here’s are some of our tips to help your horse stay sound;
Hydration & nutrition
- Provide unlimited clean, fresh water
- Use electrolytes during hot weather or hard work (in all Blue Chip Balancers)
- Feed for hoof strength; look for biotin, zinc, and methionine (in all Blue Chip Balancers)
Support hoof health
- Keep hooves moist, preserving moisture will keep the hoof more flexible
- Stick to regular farrier visits (approx. every 6 weeks)
- Ask your farrier about pads, sole protection or hoof boots if needed
Adjust workload
- Reduce fast work and jumping on hard or uneven surfaces, walking where you may have trotted or cantered
- Use softer surfaces like arenas or verges where possible
- Ride earlier or later in the day when the ground may be cooler and softer
- Use pole work or hills for shorter sessions to increase intensity without increasing the amount of time spent on hard ground
Protect legs and joints
- Cold hose (for at least 5 minutes) or use ice boots (per instructions) after work
- Check legs daily for heat, swelling, or stiffness
- Too much work on hard ground can cause concussive Laminitis, horses with poor hoof quality are more susceptible
Plan ahead
- Rest or rotate turnout areas to reduce wear
- Keep hoof care products stocked up
- Listen to trusted sources for expert advice, whether that's knowledgeable friends or trusted businesses on social media
REMEMBER
Hard ground can increase the risk of injury, as soft tissue (muscles, tendons and ligaments), joints, bones, and hooves are put under increased stress. Uneven or rutted ground can increase the chance of injury or strain further.
You know your horse better than anyone, and what they can cope with. If they have poorer quality hooves or conformation they may not be able to do as much work when the ground is hard than your friends horse next door.
If the ground is too hard for them, give them a groom, spend some time with them and try riding another day. There's always tomorrow.
@bluechipfeed "I'm super pleased with how Addie is feeling..."🏇 Emily from @emd_eventing explains why Blue Chip Super Concentrated Joint Care Balancer keeps Addie feeling her best — even in the spotlight at Badminton Grassroots.🐴 #horsesoftiktok #equestrian #horse #bluechipfeed #fedonbluechip #badmintonhorsetrials #crosscountry #showjumping #dressage #foryoupage #badmintongrassroots #horses #horseriding #equestrian #fyp ♬ Passion - Milky Chance
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