In discussion with Sarah Hosmer, Principal Consultant
As the summer season arrives, a plethora of equine sport competitions are upon us. These events range from the grassroots pony club camps to the high-octane FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale) World Championships for Seniors. The linking factor across all levels of the sport is the surface. Whilst easily overlooked, the surface is key to the success of any equine competition, whatever the level, and it’s the turf or sand-based material under the horses’ hooves that can make all the difference in the outcome of an event.
Every stride, jump, turn and hoof placement creates forces that travel through a horse’s limbs and body. A well-designed, well maintained, footing can help absorb and manage these forces, while a poor surface can increase fatigue, reduce performance and increase the risk of injury. This is why the FEI has identified arena footing as a critical component of horse welfare and competition safety.
According to the FEI, quality footing is built around five key characteristics. The first is impact firmness – the shock felt when the hoof first meets the ground. Surfaces that are too hard increase concussion, while overly soft footing can feel unstable and require more effort from the horse.
The second is cushioning, or how much the surface supports the horse under load. Deep footing can place excessive strain on tendons and ligaments, while heavily compacted footing may increase stress on joints. The goal is a balanced, supportive surface. Responsiveness refers to the energy returned by the footing. A good surface feels active and springy without becoming overly reactive. Too little responsiveness can feel dead, while too much may compromise stability.
The fourth factor is grip. Horses need enough traction for confidence and control, but excessive grip can increase rotational forces on joints and soft tissues. The safest footing allows controlled movement rather than locking the hoof in place. Finally, uniformity may be the most overlooked characteristic. A surface should feel consistent across the entire arena, with no sudden changes in depth, moisture, or firmness. Inconsistencies can disrupt movement and contribute to the risk of injury.
Even the best arena will deteriorate without proper care. Regular maintenance, moisture management, surface levelling, and monitoring of surface depth are essential to maintaining safe and consistent conditions.
Ultimately, great footing is not about creating the softest, hardest, or grippiest surface. It is about balance; when impact firmness, cushioning, responsiveness, grip, and uniformity work together, horses can perform comfortably, confidently, and safely, making the arena surface a foundation of both equine welfare and sporting success. So, if you’re a rider, owner, or groom, don’t just walk the course, take note of what is under your feet, and how it might impact your horse.
As the summer season arrives, a plethora of equine sport competitions are upon us. These events range from the grassroots pony club camps to the high-octane FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale) World Championships for Seniors. The linking factor across all levels of the sport is the surface. Whilst easily overlooked, the surface is key to the success of any equine competition, whatever the level, and it’s the turf or sand-based material under the horses’ hooves that can make all the difference in the outcome of an event.
Every stride, jump, turn and hoof placement creates forces that travel through a horse’s limbs and body. A well-designed, well maintained, footing can help absorb and manage these forces, while a poor surface can increase fatigue, reduce performance and increase the risk of injury. This is why the FEI has identified arena footing as a critical component of horse welfare and competition safety.
According to the FEI, quality footing is built around five key characteristics. The first is impact firmness – the shock felt when the hoof first meets the ground. Surfaces that are too hard increase concussion, while overly soft footing can feel unstable and require more effort from the horse.
The second is cushioning, or how much the surface supports the horse under load. Deep footing can place excessive strain on tendons and ligaments, while heavily compacted footing may increase stress on joints. The goal is a balanced, supportive surface. Responsiveness refers to the energy returned by the footing. A good surface feels active and springy without becoming overly reactive. Too little responsiveness can feel dead, while too much may compromise stability.
The fourth factor is grip. Horses need enough traction for confidence and control, but excessive grip can increase rotational forces on joints and soft tissues. The safest footing allows controlled movement rather than locking the hoof in place. Finally, uniformity may be the most overlooked characteristic. A surface should feel consistent across the entire arena, with no sudden changes in depth, moisture, or firmness. Inconsistencies can disrupt movement and contribute to the risk of injury.
Even the best arena will deteriorate without proper care. Regular maintenance, moisture management, surface levelling, and monitoring of surface depth are essential to maintaining safe and consistent conditions.
Ultimately, great footing is not about creating the softest, hardest, or grippiest surface. It is about balance; when impact firmness, cushioning, responsiveness, grip, and uniformity work together, horses can perform comfortably, confidently, and safely, making the arena surface a foundation of both equine welfare and sporting success. So, if you’re a rider, owner, or groom, don’t just walk the course, take note of what is under your feet, and how it might impact your horse.
Having been in the industry for over 20 years, I have witnessed a clear shift in focus and interest towards equine performance and welfare. There is a growing understanding across the levels of equine sports that the surface is a key element in success. That said, there can remain a lack of understanding about what constitutes a good equine surface. The footing remains an easy scapegoat for poor performance, and commentary is often subjective rather than objective. There has long been an air of ‘black magic’ around surface provision and maintenance. But work by the FEI, the Horse Welfare Board and other equine bodies to better understand and educate the wider equestrian community signals a turning tide.
STRI is playing its part in that shift and has prepared a best practice guide on gallop maintenance (which has information that is applicable to all equine surfaces) which can be shared on request. If you want to know more about footing performance, please contact our team of equestrian experts.
