Copyright © 2008 - 2012 Poynton Ltd. All rights reserved
The Performance Horse | Imprint Sport | Testimonials | News | Fitting Instructions | Training | Distributors | Site Map
Eventing
Eventing, is probably the most grueling of the equestrian disciplines and is designed to test the training, ability, and strength of a horse, along with the connection between horse and rider. This is because eventing combines dressage, cross country and show jumping - three equestrian disciplines which are typically kept separate. An event horse is a rare and extremely talented athlete with a strong connection with and loyalty to his or her rider.
The roots of eventing lie in testing military horses, which had to posses the highly disciplined traits of a dressage horse, the endurance of a cross country jumper, and the suppleness and flexibility required for show jumping. Each phase of a three day event is called a “test,” because it tests the abilities of horse and rider, and each test is judged on a time trial basis.
Event horses tend to be bold, muscular, and built for speed, stamina and immense power. What the horse runs on, at what speed, from what height, how tight it is expected to turn and how often has a great effect on its physique – especially its feet! The feet are the first to receive all this force, torque and shock which is why the hoof, its care and comfort are of paramount importance to horse, rider and farrier.
The Event horse and its rider usually weighs more than half a ton so the weight borne by any one foot at a time can be anywhere between two to three tons – depending on the activity being performed. Conventional metal shoes have been widely used in Event and have been the best option for many years but they transmit rather than absorb shock and limit the hoof’s natural ability to flex during high impact movement.
However, their protective role is essential in maintaining the integrity of the hoof wall.
