roadwork!

[justmycob]

hi everyone -

I used to canter on roads, only uphill mind you and not overly fast, because I was told it was ok. I have done research and read on here and have come to my own conclusion that its very bad and shouldn't be done.

I did this for maybe 2 years, once a week on average. I'm just very concerned now that I've permanently damaged my pony's legs with the sheer amount of concussion I used to exert on them. He is a small cob, and 12 years old. I now do not do this, and am very picky about surfacing where I canter on hacks, e.g. safe grass verges and woodland paths.

I just want some feedback as to do you think he will be ok? Or do I need to do something? I was 15/16 at the time, and was very irresponsible and followed along what I thought was ok.

 

[Auslander]

I wouldn't worry about it if he is unshod, and even if he has shoes on, a quick canter uphill is probably les concussive than hammering round the roads in trot

 

[poiuytrewq]

As above. I went through bit of a letting my horse canter up a hill because he was getting so wound up that I figured a slow controlled canter was better for him than the completely idiotic moves he was pulling out of frustration at now being allowed forward. He’s far more settled now so not a problem but I’m sure your lad will be fine.

 

[Peglo]

I did a lot of trotting on roads with my shod TB. Was always told not to canter but trot was good to get them fit. It’s now thought to be pretty bad for them so I feel your pain. My TB got arthritis definitely at 24, maybe earlier but as she was retired showed no signs. She was an ex racehorse so wether it was my trotting, racing so young or she would’ve gotten it anyway I will never know but I know for going forwards to stick to walk as much as possible on the roads.

 

[scruffyponies]

The main reason not to canter on a road would be slipping, which is a real issue with shod horses, but not with barefoot ones. Mine canter on roads regularly. Of course I can't guarantee that if they all live to 40 it might not show, but if it causes problems then we have been quite remarkably unaffected.

 

[TheMule]

The main reason not to canter on a road would be slipping, which is a real issue with shod horses, but not with barefoot ones. Mine canter on roads regularly. Of course I can't guarantee that if they all live to 40 it might not show, but if it causes problems then we have been quite remarkably unaffected.

I have to disagree- the main reason not to canter on the roads is because canter involves the whole weight being on once 1 foot within the sequence, rather than 2. That, combined with increased speed, means the force going through that foot is much higher than at trot.

 

[Sossigpoker]

Trotting and indeed cantering on roads will put a lot of force through the joints. This is reduced in the unshod horse but the concussion is still there.
This is why I only walk on roads (and pretty much walk everywhere now that the ground is rock hard). My cob has hock arthritis and vet said that now in particular avoiding that unnecessary force through the joints should be avoided.

Just because a lot of horses get away with doesn't mean it doesn't cause damage

 

[Barton Bounty]

I try to only canter on softer surfaces as he was a racehorse , hes already had a rough enough career. Although today he wanted to canter on the grassy stony surface ?

 

[Squeak]

hi everyone -

I used to canter on roads, only uphill mind you and not overly fast, because I was told it was ok. I have done research and read on here and have come to my own conclusion that its very bad and shouldn't be done.

I did this for maybe 2 years, once a week on average. I'm just very concerned now that I've permanently damaged my pony's legs with the sheer amount of concussion I used to exert on them. He is a small cob, and 12 years old. I now do not do this, and am very picky about surfacing where I canter on hacks, e.g. safe grass verges and woodland paths.

I just want some feedback as to do you think he will be ok? Or do I need to do something? I was 15/16 at the time, and was very irresponsible and followed along what I thought was ok.

To be honest, without having before and after x-rays there's no way of knowing if it did any damage. There seems to be a lot of luck involved as to horses getting or not getting arthritis - some horses who have owners who've been really careful get arthritis young or some 3 or 4 year olds who haven't ever done any work.

If you're worried you could try a joint supplement for him. You won't necessarily see a difference in terms of performance but it might slow or help prevent any damage.