ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: conditioning in sand

Re: conditioning in sand

Truman Prevatt (truman.prevatt@netsrq.com)
Tue, 11 Feb 1997 17:47:35 -0400

In FL we don't have many hills, no mountains so it is difficult to
condition and strengthen a horse without using speed which is risky. We do
have sand everywhere and sand can be used as a partial substitute for
hills. When a horse moves in sand two things happen that don't happen on
firm ground. First the heel of the hoof is narrower than the front and
middle so the hill sinks - hence putting stress on the tendons. Secondly,
as the horse pushes with its hind legs the sand absorbs much of the force
and the horse compensates by pulling with its front legs. if you ever
notice a horse that dose a lot of work in the sand it has big forarm
muscles and shoulder muscles.

The two things you need be aware of when you start conditioning in sand are
the above factors. Sand will place a lot of stress on the tendons so it
should be done with care at first. When a horse is conditioned correctly
using sand he will have tendons like steel cables. If you rush it you can
eailly blow a tendon. Also most horses have relatively small forearm
muscles and these need to be brought along slowly.

How you start depends on a lot of factors - the most important is the base
the horse already has. If the horse has a good base of several years then
the tendons should already be strong and starting with long stretches on
easy trotting should be no problem. This can be worked up to intervals of
trotting and cantering. I always watch the legs carefully for any sign of
inflamation. When a horse moves in the sand his fetlock joints move in
ways then don't normally move. This can cause inflamation. One well known
DVM told me one time that sandy conditions are harder on the joints than
hard surfaces. She recommended the use of such things as Adaquan for
horses that a lot of sand work. A lot of horses in FL develop windpuffs
because of the sand.

If your horse has a long low stride then trotting int the sand might make
his hocks sore since he will have to pick them up farther than he is used
to. This is also somthing to watch out for. I have found is that it seems
to be easier on the horse (after he is in shape to do it) to canter in the
sand than to trot. Cantering gets him up and out of the sand naturally
where horses with a long low trot have trouble getting up and out of the
sand.

I train once a week in an area that is rolling sandy hills. Nothing very
long or steep but very sandy in most places. There are some sand roads that
are "firm". My training consists of trotting and galloping up the sandy
hills and trotting on the flat. I also alternate between the sandy trails
and the firmer roads. When I started training Misty here she had about
500 competitive miles under her girth. I introduced the deep sand slowly
by doing more walking than normal, and trotting and cantering up the hills
to build strength. After about two months (decreasing the walking time) I
was basically trotting and cantering for about 12 miles, resting for a
while and troting and cantering back home for about 12 to 15 miles. In
about 3 months after I stared her sand training we did the Far Out Forest
100 (about 90 miles of deep sand) and she finished in great shape.

When I started Dan in the sand ( he is 8 and has about 100 miles) I did
mostly walking. I would walk and trot for mile stretches for about 12 to
15 miles. After about three months I am adding uphill canters. I would
think it will be about nine more months before he is caught up with Misty
as far as workout.

Going down sandy hills is one of the most stressfull things you can do the
the legs so I tend to walk the steeper downhills.

A lot of people fear the sand. The first question people ask about rides
in FL is the amount of sand. Sand is nothing to fear but it sure is
something to be respected. In the flatland sand may be the only thing that
you have to strengthen your horse.

Hope this has helped
Truman

Truman Prevatt
Sarasota, FL

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