Footing & Orthopedic Health

“Lack of uniformity within any form of arena surface is one of the worst things that you can have if you’re doing any serious work. It’s really important from the horse’s perspective that the surface is uniform so they can anticipate how it’s going to feel to land.” Dr. Sue Dyson

“When it comes to hacking outside of the arena on rough terrain, often people worry that it is too dangerous. But walking over rough terrain is ideal for helping horses to develop the sense of position so that they have learned how to adjust the placement of their feet, which is very beneficial for maintaining soundness.” Dr. Sue Dyson

Footing is a key element of ridden horse performance and orthopedic health. It’s important to understand the fundamentals that determine the safety and quality of the surfaces we ride on, because the consequences of a wrong decision can be serious. Dr Sue Dyson and the train with Trust Project discuss the factors that contribute to the best footing for soundness, common mistakes people make, and what you can do to ensure you are helping your horse stay sound from the ground up.