Surface performance and sustainability for the horse by Alison Northrop

Identify what functional properties are most relevant for one discipline and discuss how these functional properties will influence horse biomechanics and physiology

alisonnorthrop17 — 2022-03-09 16:34:11 UTC

Appraise the use of traction devices in horses

alisonnorthrop17 — 2022-03-09 16:35:15 UTC

Critically review how we can improve the athletic horse’s welfare through managing surfaces

alisonnorthrop17 — 2022-03-09 16:36:26 UTC

SJ

2024-02-09 10:15:01 UTC

Grip - show jumping turns

Responsiveness - take off and landing

Uniformity - landing after a fence, both sides jump slightly different

Coushioning - absorption on limb loading on landing

Injury - avoid micro fractures

Avoid tendon strains

Cross country

2024-02-09 10:18:50 UTC

Grip - rotational for studs, turn dodgy lines to fences. Not too slippy as turf ground.

Hills down to fences

Uniformity - fatigue by the end of the course so should compensate limb loading

Injury - lower distal limb

Tendons and soft tissue

Changes in water to turf ground also sand is used over concrete

Rotational falls

2024-02-09 10:19:10 UTC

Dressage

Uniformity - patchy or uneven surfaces have increased likelihood of lameness

2024-02-09 10:20:45 UTC

Dressage

Cushioning - important to absorbing high force placed on the limb when performing unnatural movements

XC

2024-02-09 10:21:31 UTC

IF - course will be more firm in places. Top layer likely to be softer as more horses churn up the ground (take off and landing)

Cushioning - potentially less supportive through wooded areas

Responsiveness - Usually similar level of responsiveness throughout the whole course. Although areas with free standing water (water jumps) likely to affect it.

Grip - Deeper at takeoff and landing, moisture levels, root length, sward type, soil type- sand, clay?

Uniformity - take off and landing and gallop tracks - less uniform

Consistency- changes as more horses run on the surface, weather will impact too