The surface on which horses work has a major impact on their musculoskeletal health and welfare, with poor footing being a leading cause of lameness and injury.
Horses cannot choose or modify the surfaces they work on, making arena footing a human responsibility with direct welfare implications. Surfaces that are too hard increase concussive forces on joints and limbs. Surfaces that are too deep cause excessive tendon loading. Slippery surfaces lead to over-striding and falls. Good footing is not a luxury but a welfare requirement for working horses.