How Does Footing Affect Fitness in Horses?
Soft Footing
Soft or deeper footing is typically defined as measuring three or more inches. Regardless of material — sand, synthetic fibres, shavings, and so on — soft footing allows the hoof to partially sink down before pushing off. Work of this kind requires more physical effort. Put simply, muscles have to work harder to lift and move limbs. Dry sand is especially taxing in this respect as the looseness underfoot requires even more exertion. Horses working on this kind of footing have recorded heart rates up to 50 percent higher when compared to firmer surfaces.
From a basic aerobic conditioning standpoint, therefore, soft surfaces offer a good tool. Also, when needing to build up gymnastic muscles, this kind of footing helps. For example, during rehab and conditioning plans for stifle stability, controlled work on soft ground is often prescribed following an initial period of stationary calisthenics. The effort of propelling the horse through deeper footing delivers its own resistance training.
This is also frequently beneficial to help young horses with scrambling canters find more balance. The effort of treading through slightly deeper footing helps engage, rather than brace, their back and hindquarters while their strides benefit from slower breakovers. This helps reduce rushing tendencies.
For riders with access to only a packed area (footing less than one inch depth), it is worth finding or creating a soft area to longe or ride on at least two days per week. This could be a round pen or a path filled with shavings out in the field or a sandy paddock.
