Footing the Riding Arena

horse the risk of injury is determined very much by how the surface is used a riding surface is only as good as its maintenance program and water is one of the most important elements influencing an arena
Three phases define a horses motion as it connects with any surface whether walking trotting cantering jumping or turning. In each stride as the leg reaches forward and down for landing the hoof connects with the ground. That connection causes the hoof to momentarily stop as it slides forward and downward into the surface the depth depending on the speed and activity. At a micro level bones in the leg collide and depending on speed the concussion can send vibrations up the leg. In the loading phase the weight of the horses body and the riders body compress down on the hoof as the fetlock flexor tendons and suspensory provide essential shock absorption. The intensity of that weight will vary depending on whether the horse is walking galloping or landing after a jump. The rollover phase is the moment when the hoof pushes away from the ground as the heel lifts and rolls over the toe leading to the next stride. The threephase sequence is the result of the brilliant evolutionary adaptation of the horses single hoof and flying leg to be able to take the constant forces playing on bones ligaments tendons joints connective tissue and the complex structure of the hoof itself.  
The whole point of a properly structured arena surface designed with firmness cushioning and grip is to allow the horse to move comfortably through these endless three phases to minimize concussion adequately absorb shock provide support and return energy.
Arena surfaces play an important role in the musculoskeletal health of the sport horse which may have to perform on grass and artificial surfaces says Tranquille. Soft deep and unstable surfaces may require more effort from the horse and could potentially be associated with earlier fatigue of the soft tissues muscles tendons and ligaments. Hard surfaces can be associated with greater impact damage potentially increasing the risk for bone joint and footrelated injuries. Consistency and uniformity across a single arena are also important considerations. We have previously shown that horses working at a trot make significant gait alterations in response to small changes in surface properties. An inconsistent surface could cause the horse to make frequent alterations in his gait potentially
leading to more rapid fatigue and increasing the risk of injury.