How a Trip to the Beach Can Improve your Horse’s Wellbeing
A day at the beach is great fun. Splashing around in the water, sun-baking on the sand - and maybe even an ice cream or two.
But did you know your horse benefits from the beach just as much as you?
Beach trips offer unique mental stimulation and physical benefits that can improve your horse's health.
From the excitement of new sights and sounds to the healing properties of salt water, it’s one of the best things you can do for your horse.
Let’s explore how these coastal adventures can boost your horse’s wellness, particularly for their hooves and overall health. Your next beach day might be just what your horse needs!
What are the Benefits of Taking Your Horse to the Beach?
Horses are creatures of habit, and sometimes, a new environment can work wonders for their mental health.
Taking your horse to the beach introduces them to many new sights, sounds, and smells. The crashing waves, rustling sand, and flapping birds can help desensitize them to unfamiliar stimuli.
Dressage rider Tristan Merret has a special ritual that brings joy and rejuvenation to his life with his Holsteiner gelding, Flynn.
“I simply take Flynn to the beach for his mental stimulation and well-being,” he explains. “Our horses spend most of their time in their paddock or competition horses in an arena working hard.”
“It’s so important we remember they’re animals who experience feelings just like we do - boredom, repetition, and they get sick of the same thing day to day.”
Tristan continues, “As soon as we arrive at the beach, I can tell Flynn is excited to be there. He loves the change of scenery.”
This exposure is crucial for training and can make your horse more adaptable to various situations.
After all, a happy horse is a better performer, and those seaside adventures make all the difference.
How the Beach Can be Used to Train Your Horse
Beach outings aren't just about fun; they also offer a unique exercise opportunity for both horse and rider.
The beach is the perfect place to let your horse stretch out and go for a gallop! The wet sand provides a firm yet soft surface, reducing the risk of stone bruises and injuries.
Tristan Merret has even incorporated the beach into his training regime.
“If you want to continue with your training, you can easily do this indirectly at the beach. For example, practice shoulder-in along the shore, leg yields across the width of the beach, or an extended canter along the sand. The horse finds it so much more enjoyable!”
“My favourite exercise with Flynn at the beach is working on our trot in the water,” Tristan says.
“Not only does he thoroughly enjoy it, but it builds up a great top line with the resistance in the water. You can really work on your trot rhythm, and it’s a fantastic way to start training early passage.”
He adds, “I absolutely love taking Flynn to the beach after a competition day or a tough training session. The cool, salty water helps relieve any tight, tired, or sore muscles, but most importantly, it gives his mind a relaxed change.”
Walking through deep sand offers a great workout without being overly taxing while swimming in the ocean provides an excellent way to build strength and endurance.
How does salt water help horse’s hooves?
One of the standout benefits of a beach trip is the salt water. Saltwater is known to promote hoof health, encouraging growth and strength.
This natural remedy has been utilized for centuries, as the minerals in saltwater can aid in enhancing circulation, which is crucial for healthy hoof development.
For horses prone to laminitis, walking through knee-deep salt water can alleviate pain and inflammation. The cold water cools their feet and legs, providing immediate relief and comfort, making it an excellent therapy option after a strenuous workout or during recovery.
Moreover, salt water is effective in combating various bacterial infections, such as seedy toe, mud fever, thrush, and abscesses.
The saline solution creates an inhospitable environment for harmful bacteria, while also promoting healing of any existing wounds.
This is particularly beneficial for horses that frequently encounter wet or muddy conditions, where these infections are more likely to thrive.
In addition to these benefits, salt water can also protect against possible bacteria caused by horseshoe nails inside the white line.
By regularly exposing hooves to saltwater, you can help maintain a clean, healthy hoof environment, reducing the risk of infections and promoting overall hoof integrity.
Post-Workout Recovery
Just like humans benefit from a swim after a workout, your horse will appreciate a dip in the ocean after a strenuous ride.
Walking through cold salt water can significantly decrease muscle fatigue and aid in recovery. The cool water helps reduce heat and inflammation in the legs, providing a soothing “muscle massage” that can help your horse bounce back quickly.
What if I can’t take my horse to the beach?
We understand that not everyone can get to the beach, but you can still reap the benefits of water for your horse's hoof health. Even if it’s not salt water, cold water has a lot of advantages - especially after exercise.
If you can get your horse to a river, dam, lake, or any body of water, it will be incredibly beneficial! The cool water can help soothe tired muscles and reduce inflammation, just like a refreshing dip at the beach.
If you can't access any body of water, soaking their hooves in a bucket of cool, salty water can work wonders for any hoof pathologies. This simple treatment can promote healing and keep hooves healthy.
Additionally, hosing down their legs after exercise is effective for reducing inflammation and keeping them cool.
For those looking for specialized treatments, there are businesses that offer salt water therapies, such as Seawalker, which provide unique options for equine care. These facilities use the therapeutic properties of salt water in controlled environments, allowing horses to experience the benefits without needing a trip to the beach. Exploring these options can be a great way to enhance your horse’s hoof health, even if you can’t make it to the shore!
How Scoot Boots Can Help
If your horse is barefoot and you’re ready to take them to the beach, consider riding them there in your Scoot Boots to protect their hooves during the journey.
Once you arrive, remove the boots and let your horse walk or swim through the salt water. This simple transition will maximize the benefits while ensuring your horse is safe and comfortable.
