top-ups are a quick and cost-effective solution. A top-up of a multi- purpose surface, such as Equestrian Direct’s Flexiride, can be used
to improve footing and retain moisture on most existing surface types. Flexiride provides a protective layer stopping the surface from drying out in the summer and preventing it from freezing in the winter.
The Perfect Surface
Spring has (nearly) sprung and the grass is (soon to be) riz, and we are looking forward to enjoying the warmer months with our horses. As we start to up our horse’s work load, either in preparation for the season ahead or just making the most of the lighter evenings, we need to consider the surfaces on which we are asking our horses to work, to keep them sound and happy for what’s to come.
Horses are most at risk of injury when footing is poor and current fitness levels are low. A sufficient warm-up and cool down routine as part of each training session will greatly reduce the chance of injury, alongside a high-quality, well-maintained arena surface. A consistent surface is needed and not one which is hard, deep, dusty, uneven or slippery.
A surface which has frozen, blown away or puddled, over the colder, wetter months, is also likely to struggle once the weather turns warmer. A dried-out surface can become deep and dusty, causing damage to joints, soft tissues, muscles and hooves, as well as the respiratory and vascular systems. Creating a proper riding surface is necessary to maintain a horse’s safety, longevity and performance.
A short-term solution to a deep, dry, dusty surface is to level, water and roll the arena, replacing the moisture which has been lost. However, the beneficial effects will only be temporary. Surface
Flexiride is also a cost effective, low maintenance, all-in-one, all- weather surface, offering exceptional ‘cushioning’ qualities to enhance horses’ natural athleticism and reduce potential for lameness. It has high impact absorbency, is environmentally friendly and does not blow away or rot.
For more specific needs, Equestrian Direct’s TurfFloat is an elite performance surface which closely replicates the natural qualities of turf, mimicking the binding ability of top soil. By providing a secure footing, it allows the horse to travel across the top of the surface and not through it. Fibres in the surface help to prevent the sand from riding ‘dead’ and provide an element of life from the surface, making it ideal for both show jumping and dressage. TurfFloat can be used for gallops and both indoor and outdoor arenas, as either a completely new surface or as a top up. Turffloat has previously been used at both Olympic and World Equestrian Games.
With over 30 years’ experience in providing surfaces for a range of equestrian disciplines, Equestrian Direct knows that training a horse to a high level while maintaining soundness, involves an integrated approach to equine management and training. The surface on which a horse is worked is an important part of this, both in terms of the physical properties of the surface and the way in which it is used. Equestrian Direct offer ‘try before you buy’ service at its Warwickshire base.
For more information, please visit
www.equestriandirectltd.co.uk or call 01564 794020.
86
MARCH/APRIL 2019
For the latest news
visitwww.centralhorsenews.co.uk
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