is it better for the horse to ride on grass or gravel?

Answer 1

grass, as it is softer on their hoves

Answer 2

I have been an Elite international groom for some of englands top riders and We would never pace more than a working trot on Gravel.

Gravel has little to no shock absorbtuion and stresses the horses joints and feet. This can lead to everything from sore feet to hairline fractures and arthritis or even strained tendons which could render your horse lame for life.

Grass is marginally better as it is the horses natural habitat, however a horse was never meant to be shod, shoeing a horse who is ridden soly on grass is never a good idea if it can be avoided as bare feet are far the best at gripping grass. If your horse is shod and ridden on grass i would suggest having two road nails put in each shoe to aid grip. If the grass area is prone to being wet or sloping I would also consider stud holes and grass studs to avoid a fall.

In my opinion the very best surface for riding of all diciplines is flexi fibre, however this can prove very expensive, a cheaper alternative is to combine the rubber chips with a specialist sand, this will require grading and watering regulary.

try this site:
www.william-morfoot.ltd.uk/Horse_Menage_Construction.htm

Answer 3

Grass. Horses can get gravel stuck in there hooves, grass is much softer on there hooves and gravel can sometimes make them trip and hurt there legs, it has happened to lots of horses.
I LOVE HORSES

Answer 4

There was some good answers here and the only thing I can add is that gravel is hard on their feet although rocky ground helps keep their hoofs trimmed down. Gravel is small and get into their hoof and hurts them. Grass is slick when wet but otherwise safe.

Answer 5

obviously grass is better. It's more like their natural environment and softer; therefore cushioning the feet, joints and legs. Gravel makes a harder surface and places more stress on the lower limbs. Also depends on the depth of the gravel. Too deep, and it can somewhat inhibit the movement, wreak havoc on the hooves and possibly causing lameness, even if shod.

Answer 6

It depends on what you are doing with the horse. If a Standardbred horse raced on grass, it would slow them down.

It also depends on the size and thickeness of the grass/gravel I suppose.

Answer 7

It depends on how muchthe horse is being ridden, if he has shoes on, and how much he is being ridden on the gravel. Grass is softer but under the right conditions gravel wont hinder the horse.

Answer 8

I can.t picture a horse riding grass or gravel

Answer 9

grass is more comfortable for the horse (this is just natural) but if the horse is shod properly then riding on gravel will make no difference to its hooves.

Answer 10

Grass is good, yet it is difficult to see obstacles that could cause an injury. Gravel isn't the best choice unless it is clean pea-gravel, & then it isn't good on their knees, hoofs & shoes. Dirt is the best.

Answer 11

grass is definitely better..gravel is not bad but grass makes i easier on them.