The world’s most extensive study into the effect of surfaces on the health of horses has been published by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).
The Equine Surfaces white paper is the result of a four-year collaboration between equine experts from six universities, three equine and racing-specific research and testing centres, and two horse charities in Sweden, the UK and United States.
It brings together the latest data and published scientific papers on arena surfaces, and the effects these have on horses in training and in competition.
Key properties of footing, and the effects of footing on horses’ physiological and biomechanical responses, are described, as well as the optimal composition, construction and maintenance of arenas for maximising performance of horses while minimising the risk of injury.
Current methods of measuring the physical properties of surfaces, and the essential surface preparation and maintenance techniques, are also discussed, in order to guide future progress in building suitable competition and training surfaces for sport horses.
Alison Northrop, senior lecturer in zoology at Anglia Ruskin University, is one of the co-authors of the white paper. She said: “The opportunity to collaborate as an international group has allowed us to develop our understanding in a more meaningful and effective way.
“The white paper is an important step toward improving welfare for the ridden horse.
“The result of this work is that equestrian surfaces can be prepared and maintained in a way that helps us to minimise risk of injury whilst supporting optimal performance.”
Highlights of the white paper were presented at the FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne, Switzerland, on April 28, 2014, by Lars Roepstorff (SWE), professor of functional anatomy of domestic animals at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. He said: “We now have the latest scientific knowledge on equine surfaces contained in one place, thanks to an intensive global effort over several years.
The Equine Surfaces White Paper, and a layman's version entitled "Equestrian Surfaces - A Guide", can be downloaded from:
http://www.fei.org/fei/about-fei/publications/fei-books
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