Driving in deep footing?

GwynethYogi · Feb 18, 2015

I am contemplating hauling out to an indoor arena once a week, it's a lovely well lite arena and is very close by, the only drawback is that the footing is deep. The arena was built for jumping for full sized horses. I am wondering if driving in deep footing could cause injuries to my horse? Or would it just make him stronger? My mini is finely built and stands at 32", we would mostly be working on dressage. If it would be better, I could drive him in my hyperbike?

Thanks in advance.

Marsha Cassada · Feb 18, 2015

I have a similar problem. The arena in my town is used for play days with big horses. I do not think I could even drive in it.

paintponylvr · Feb 19, 2015

It could injure your horse. Depends on how deep the sand is. Depends how heavy your cart and you are.

You can work up to doing some work - very short sessions (like you will spend more time grooming, harnessing and hooking; unhooking, unharnessing and grooming than yo will ever spend driving). Not much different than starting a young, green horse that isn't used to working. The body/legs/wind have to be built up. It could be a great working experience.

That said - the footing may still be too deep. Pulled ligaments, bowed tendons can result from working too hard in deep footing.

GwynethYogi · Feb 19, 2015

Thanks Paintponylvr. So, how do I know if the footing is too deep or just deep enough to be good muscle conditioning?

Margo_C-T · Feb 20, 2015

If you decide to try it, I'd definitely suggest the hyperbike, since it is so much lighter-weight than a conventional cart. Warm the horse up before harnessing up by a short session of longeing if possible; begin at the walk, take note of how hard the horse seems to be working to move forward. If you are satisfied that it isn't too difficult, harness and hook up,begin driving by again starting at the walk. IF the horse is really having to 'lean into' the breast collar/collar, I suggest not continuing. Anytime the ground is deep, I'd suggest if you DO drive, to keep the session minimal in duration, and the speed of travel low. There really isn't a 'way to tell' whether it's 'too deep' or 'just deep enough....' except by your good judgment and 'gut feeling', IMO...better to be safe than sorry, however!