Do you trot on the road?

silvershadow81

silvershadow81

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I just wondered how many people do not trot on the road?

I used to work for a SJer and we would always trot on roads to harden the legs. Is this actually proven that this helps?

It is just that running on the road (for humans) can cause so many complications with joints, is it actually worth trotting on the road??
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With my older girl, I would never trot her on the road (or any hard ground now), but with the new girl, I have been doing lots of short trots uphill to try and make her use her backend and bring it under her. I have noticed that her feet have small cracks- well she is a TB and with the damp/ dry weather it would be expected, but am I doing more harm than good?? xx
 
If I didn't trot on the road it would take me ages to do the shortest hack!

I don't like it when people do a hard pounding trot on the road though
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I trot on the roads. Have always thought it hardens legs, and have been taught that in my HND. As long as you don't do too much I don't see it causing complications, but I'm not a vet or trainer so someone might know something I don't (highly likely
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i used to use trotting on the road as a fittening thing... and for the 'hardening the legs' thing... esp with hunters etc
but recently my farrier said i shouldn't do too much as the concussion is bad for the feet and legs.... seems like the fashion is changing for it....
 
I do - I want to get off them as quickly as possible. Plus FB used to slip a lot on hard surfaces when walking, but less so when trotting. Luckily, unless we are visiting friends 22km away, we don't do too much road work anyway.

I wouldn't go for kilometres at lunatic speed like some of the folks round here (they do a form of trotting or 'andadura' in my neck of the woods) and they think that flailing a horse up and down half a kilometer of road at top speed is OK. How there aren't more accidents I don't know.
 
Well especially in the winter- if you dont trot you'll freeze!

But is there a paper or something to actually prove it hardens legs- or that it damages joints??

I also cant stand it when people hammer it down the road - i definatly do not think that can help!
 
Repeated bone loading, like that of trotting on the road, increases bone density so it does 'harden legs'.
it only takes up to 30 repetitions of loading to start off the beneficial effects, so lots isnt needed but a little can be very good for them
 
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Repeated bone loading, like that of trotting on the road, increases bone density so it does 'harden legs'.
it only takes up to 30 repetitions of loading to start off the beneficial effects, so lots isnt needed but a little can be very good for them

[/ QUOTE ]

but what if the increase of bone density is around a joint? surley that will then lead to Arthritis? How can you control where the bone density occurs? x
 
I remember someone from Germany having an absolute fit when she found out that english people trot on roads - but then we don't have huge forests to ride round in.

I was actually told by a physio not to trot my horse on the road as the concussion was doing damage to him, but then my trainer said I had to get him fitter.

So I do trot a bit, at least the roads are level and smooth, and I have very little suitable off road places where I can trot and I don't have an arena where I can trot round for ages .............

When my horse has his shoes removed int he winter and I ride on the road in hoofboots it is just like riding in trainers,and he really likes to trot out then, much better than in metal shoes, so I suppose it shows that he doesn't really like trotting on the road much.
 
I think like everything in moderation is the best option, due to lack of school if we didn't trot on the roads in winter we would be doing a hell of a lot of walking.
 
you cant, but a strong bone would never be a negative point, the quality of the bone shouldnt affect the actual joint

i cant imagine it would be detrimental to the joint unless you were hammering about on a unconditioned horse? dont know tho!
 
I agree with Ester - everything in moderation. However, I don't trot anywhere near as much as I used to. I'm just too aware now of the damage I could be doing to my horses feet. I suspect I'm over cautious - but I choose to do most of my trotting work now on old turf tracks.
 
I completley understand that people have to do it, as we are not fortunate enough to have the freedoom to ride where we would like. Therefore we HAVE to base most of our work on hacks- and riding out is a great education for them, so does have bonuses.

I personally, like the others have only let her trot when the road is slightly uphil and a good surface. I just really dont want to have any other issues from doing so... such as her feet cracking/ joint issues. I want to make sure this new girl lasts as long as my older gal! xx
 
To be honest, like humans, any load bearing exercise will 'harden up the legs' by increasing bone density. I prefer to do longer amounts of trotting on slightly softer ground than shorter amounts on roads. I feel (probably incorrectly) that the hard impact creates more concussion and stress on the joints and tendons.

How does increased bone density around the joints lead to arthritis? Why do doctors recommend that us ladies do weight bearing exercise to increase our bone density if it is then going to give us arthritis?
 
I do short steady bursts, i think with everything a little bit is ok - i do trot up hills to build up bum muscles but again at a steady pace and not everyday. I agree with the idea of needing to a in winter and b on hacks or we would all be frozen and take ages to get anywhere!!!

i have heard the same stuff about hardening legs etc- the place to look for papers would be BEVA or animal health trust type or similar xx
 
Yup, our horses are always on the roads trotting or walking I think they're legs are very used to it now and there's no way it could be avoided. Obviously if they have any problems with their legs we keep them on walk ex only and build up trot on soft ground when ready
 
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How does increased bone density around the joints lead to arthritis? Why do doctors recommend that us ladies do weight bearing exercise to increase our bone density if it is then going to give us arthritis?

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I completley put my hands up to this, as I am no expert, but I was under the impression that arthritis can be caused when there is trauma to a joint- and the constant banging on a hard road surface could be classified as a form of trauma?? xx
 
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Repeated bone loading, like that of trotting on the road, increases bone density so it does 'harden legs'.
it only takes up to 30 repetitions of loading to start off the beneficial effects, so lots isnt needed but a little can be very good for them

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It is a complete myth that trotting on roads 'hardens legs'. However there is considerable evidence that excessive trotting on roads can cause harm. Cactus is half right - repeated bone loading has been shown to increase bone density, but it is just as effective, and less harmful, to work in a school or on grass!
 
I used to because I only had lanes to ride around and very short canter tracks. Now I have access to off-road riding for miles to stick to this instead.

Generally though, I'm with the 'everything in moderation' group.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I have a feeling there have been more recent studies suggesting that trotting on hard surfaces doesn't result in the bone density increase it was once thought to. Or that the detriment to joints was greater than the benefits to bones it produces, or something along those lines. But I cant for the life of me remember where I got this information from so it could very well be nonsense and I'd be interesting in seeing a proper study on it!
 
I did notice however that FB, if given the choice between trotting on the road or the verge when out on long distance work, prefers to trot on the road!!!
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I can only assume he likes the noise
 
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Or that the detriment to joints was greater than the benefits to bones it produces, or something along those lines. But I cant for the life of me remember where I got this information from so it could very well be nonsense and I'd be interesting in seeing a proper study on it!

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This is what my (small) logical brain was thinking!

If you manage to remember where you heard this and can provide a link, that would be great.
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I am not in anyway anti - or pro- just interested in facts!! xx (and a Geek!)
 
Yes as most of our hacking involves roadwork. I trot for about 1 1/2 miles on flat and uphill with a couple of short canters on grass in between. I never trot on any downhills tho, even if only a slight slope. Doesnt seem to have done zippy any harm, none that i can see anyway. I do like to use polo bandages tho for a bit of support, although they are probably more of a psycological thing for me than anything. Also i would take it steady with anything in soft condition or unused to roadwork.
 
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I did notice however that FB, if given the choice between trotting on the road or the verge when out on long distance work, prefers to trot on the road!!!
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I can only assume he likes the noise

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Mine is also like that!
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I assumed it was because they could see the floor better so more willing to go forward- the longer grass can hide dips. Only because given a field of grass and a concrete road- it is the field of grass she would rather shift down!
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xx
 
So heres my new thinking:

Does anyone trot downhill on grass?

I have been to try and improve her balance- I am of the thinking that if she has to event, she will need to be able to jump downhill, so will start with trotting.

We take it very slowly and her back end sometimes feels as though it is overtaking the front, but she is getting better each time. (I make sure the ground is soft also!) xx
 
No evidence apart from horses I know but I think working too much in arenas (particularly not very good ones) are just as bad for them as trotting on the roads.

I like to think this anyway it makes me feel less bad for not having an arena
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A little bit of everything suits us fine. (and another one that prefers to trot on road than verge, however if I am going to let him canter on the verge thats completely different!)
 
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