Effects of a synthetic all-weather waxed track versus a crushed sand track on 3D acceleration of the front hoof in three horses trotting at high speed.
Authors: Chateau H, Robin D, Falala S, Pourcelot P, Valette J P, Ravary B, Denoix J M, Crevier-Denoix N
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Understanding how different training surfaces transmit impact forces through the equine limb is crucial for injury prevention, yet quantitative data comparing modern synthetic tracks to traditional alternatives remain sparse—particularly under the high-speed conditions that trotters routinely experience. Researchers used three-dimensional accelerometers mounted on the front hooves of three trotters to measure shock and vibration patterns whilst the horses worked at speed on both a synthetic waxed all-weather track and a crushed sand surface, capturing detailed biomechanical responses to hoof impact on each substrate. The synthetic waxed track produced significantly lower acceleration values in multiple planes of motion compared to the crushed sand track, suggesting superior shock attenuation and reduced vibrational transmission through the distal limb during high-speed trotting. These findings have direct relevance to farriers, veterinarians and trainers making surface selection decisions, as the data-driven evidence supports synthetic track use as a potentially protective measure against cumulative microtrauma that might predispose to musculoskeletal injury. However, the small sample size warrants cautious interpretation, and further research across varied synthetic formulations and larger populations would strengthen confidence in these preliminary observations for clinical decision-making.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Track surface choice significantly affects the magnitude of concussive forces transmitted through the hoof during high-speed work; synthetic and natural surfaces have measurably different shock profiles
- •Facilities should consider track surface selection as a modifiable risk factor in injury prevention programs, particularly for high-speed trotting training
- •Objective biomechanical data on track surfaces can inform management decisions about which surfaces are suitable for different training intensities and injury-prone horses
Key Findings
- •Study compared 3D acceleration of front hoof impact between synthetic all-weather waxed track and crushed sand track in three horses trotting at high speed
- •Different track surfaces produce quantifiable differences in hoof impact shocks and vibrations during high-speed training
- •Synthetic waxed tracks and crushed sand tracks demonstrated distinct biomechanical characteristics relevant to musculoskeletal injury risk