Horses on hard ground face particular risks in summer, when weeks of dry weather bake the earth into a firm, unyielding surface that jars limbs and bruises feet. The soft going of spring gives way to ground that can cause real harm if a horse is worked on it carelessly. Heavenly Pastures, a specialist provider of horse cremations across the north west, works with a riding community that knows the summer brings its own challenges underfoot, and this guide sets out how to protect a horse when the ground turns hard. A little awareness of the risks, and some sensible adjustments to work and management, keep a horse sound through the driest months. The hard ground of high summer is as real a challenge to a horse’s soundness as the mud of winter, and it deserves the same thoughtful management. An owner who respects the going and adapts to it keeps a horse comfortable and injury free through the driest weeks.
Why Hard Ground Is a Problem
Hard, dry ground places stresses on a horse’s body that softer going does not, and understanding these helps an owner avoid them. Every stride on firm ground sends a jarring shock up the limb, and repeated concussion of this kind can bruise the sole of the foot, strain tendons and ligaments, and aggravate joints already worn by age or work. Older horses and those with arthritis feel the effects most keenly, as hard ground stiffens and pains their joints. The feet themselves can suffer, with dry, hard going contributing to bruising, cracks and general soreness. What is a pleasant hack on good going can become a source of harm on baked summer ground. The cumulative effect of repeated concussion is what does the harm, so it is the regular, unthinking work on hard ground, rather than a single outing, that tends to cause lasting trouble.
None of this means a horse cannot be enjoyed in summer, only that the ground must be respected and the work adjusted to protect a horse from lasting damage.
Adjusting Work to the Going
The most important response to hard ground is to adapt how and where a horse is worked. Reducing fast work and jumping on firm ground, which multiply the concussive forces, spares a horse the worst of the jarring. Seeking out softer surfaces, such as a maintained arena, grassy verges or woodland tracks, for faster or more demanding work protects the limbs. Where roadwork or hard ground cannot be avoided, keeping to steady paces reduces the impact. Being willing to ease off, or change the plan, when the ground is at its hardest is simply good horsemanship. There is no glory in working a horse hard on ground that could injure it, and a thoughtful owner is always willing to change the plan. Owners around Blacon horse cremations and Saltney horse cremations adjust their riding to the summer going.
Protecting the Feet and Limbs
A horse’s feet and limbs can be given extra protection against hard ground. A farrier can advise on shoeing that suits summer conditions, and pads or particular shoes may help a horse prone to bruised or footsore feet. Good, regular farriery to keep the feet balanced and in good condition matters all the more when the ground is unforgiving. For the limbs, appropriate support and protection during work, and careful attention to any heat or swelling afterwards, catch strain early. Watching a horse for the first signs of soreness allows trouble to be addressed before it worsens. Owners across Bretton horse cremations and Queensferry horse cremations work with their farriers to protect their horses’ feet in summer.
Managing Turnout on Hard Ground
Hard ground affects not only ridden work but turnout, as a field baked hard and rutted can be uncomfortable and even hazardous for horses moving about on it. Rutted, dried mud around gateways and troughs, formed in the wet and set hard by the sun, can trip and jar a horse, and is worth levelling where possible. Ensuring horses can still move comfortably to reach shade, water and shelter matters. For an arthritic or footsore horse, a softer area to stand and lie on brings real relief. Owners around Capenhurst horse cremations keep an eye on their fields as the ground bakes hard.
Caring for the Older Horse
Older horses and those with arthritis deserve particular consideration when the ground is hard, as the concussion and the effort of moving on firm going can cause them real discomfort. Keeping an arthritic horse gently moving without asking too much of it, providing soft footing to rest on, and taking veterinary advice on managing pain through the summer all help. For some older horses, the hard ground of summer is as challenging as the cold of winter, and adjusting their management accordingly keeps them comfortable. A little extra care sees a veteran comfortably through the dry months. Attentive owners watch their older horses closely on hard ground.
Waiting for Kinder Conditions
Sometimes the wisest response to hard ground is simply patience, easing back on demanding work until rain softens the going once more. There is rarely any real need to work a horse hard on ground that could harm it, and a short break, or a switch to gentler activity, does no lasting harm and may prevent an injury. Respecting the ground, and working with the conditions rather than against them, is the mark of a thoughtful owner. A horse kept sound through a hard summer is well placed to enjoy the softer going that follows.
Sound Horses and Lasting Care
Protecting a horse from the harm hard ground can do is part of the attentive care that keeps it sound and comfortable, and that devotion continues through the whole of a horse’s life. When the time comes, many owners choose an individual cremation with ashes returned so that a treasured horse can be kept close. For compassionate guidance on any aspect of equine care or aftercare, owners across the north west are welcome to call Heavenly Pastures on 01704 776976.