Equestrian yards are worth their weight in gold for facility owners who are willing to go above and beyond for their horses.
However, slippery concrete in equestrian yards can instantly turn this valuable asset into a major liability. A horse slipping on concrete yard surfaces can be more than a costly trick, and more and more facility owners are looking for a solution to restore grip on concrete equestrian yard for safer footing and fewer headaches.
The reason why concrete is a popular option for equestrian yards is simple: It’s durable and relatively low-maintenance. However, years of wear and wet environmental conditions can make equestrian yards slippery for horse hooves in short order.
When horses themselves, and their handlers or riders, can’t get good traction, the results can be catastrophic. This can include straightforward slips and spills, which can be the stuff of viral videos, but in reality, the other kind of slip is much more common and much more costly. Horses stumbling onto their joints can lead to long-term lameness and chronic pain; they may also slip and fall on their knees, with similar injury repercussions. A horse may also go down and not be able to get up, risking muscle or nerve damage from fighting to right themselves. If a handler or rider is in the mix, they can also experience injuries if their horse doesn’t have a good grip, owning liability themselves because of the accident. These liabilities aside, the damage itself can also take significant money and months or years to recuperate enough to go back to work.
Slippery concrete in equestrian facilities is definitely a very common problem, and many factors may be contributing to the problem. For example, constant hoof traffic against concrete can actually wear away some of the friction of the surface over time. The more weight or force against the concrete, the more likely this friction will be eroded. In addition, any moisture on the ground that the concrete can’t drain properly will essentially be pushed against adjacent surfaces with the same force as the weight of the horse, be it mud or manure buildup or even a bit of hay mush.
Concrete grooving is one of the best solutions to help owners who are unhappy with their slippery concrete equestrian yards. It’s a decidedly permanent solution to alleviate slip problems, which can result in high injury and financial loss.
Obviously, improving the safety of your horse and helping them improve their performance is a priority for you — so get those slippery spots fixed now and reap the benefits down the road! Make sure that you find a good company to partner with, and they can help you correct the issue. Enjoy your safe and successful horse arena for years to come!
Other methods available include coating with anti-slip agents or placing textured surfaces. These treatments can be effective to some degree, but can break down over time and will need to be reapplied. Comparatively, concrete grooving provides a more lasting and cost-effective improvement to your horse’s footing.
Building a safe equestrian facility is a process. Working to address slick driveway surfaces effectively can give both horse and rider more confidence. By promoting horses’ health, securing workers’ compensation, and making your employees feel more comfortable during all-day work in all conditions. A long-lasting solution to improving the foothold for your horse on slippery driveways; horse owners can work to mitigate the risks around the barn, for workers and horses intermingled. Employ a proven safe work space and promote a more efficient work culture for you and all your staff.
