Why do racehorses love the beach?
- naresh
-
Topic Author
- Platinum Member
-
- Posts: 6385
- Thanks: 1497
Why do racehorses love the beach?
8 years 1 month ago - 8 years 1 month ago
edition.cnn.com/2017/04/25/sport/race-ho...aterhouse/index.html
(CNN)Training horses can be a tough, exhausting business, so what better than a ride to the seaside?
Racehorse trainer Gai Waterhouse, known as the first lady of Australian racing, is a firm believer in time spent at the beach.
But it's not for her benefit, it's for the well-being of her horses, she tells CNN.
Rehabilitation
Firstly, training on the sand is low impact on a horse's tendons and joints. The sand is soft underfoot and has more "give" than turf, reducing impact and the likelihood of jarring.
"It's particularly good for horses that might have been injured," Waterhouse explains.
Exercise
Not all animals love the water, but when it comes to horses, cantering in the sea is effective exercise.
Waterhouse compares it to professional athletes running in a hydrotherapy pool, with joints and muscles supported by the water.
It's good strength and conditioning work, with minimal stress on the horse both physically and mentally.
'Massage'
The seawater also soothes a horse's skin, cleaning any cuts and loosening muscles.
Like a sports massage, this can be particularly beneficial when training levels have increased.
Down time
It's also healthy for horses and their riders to have some down time away from the stables.
"Playing in the sea and sand lets the horses relax," says Waterhouse. "It gives them something else to do other than running hard in circles."
A horse's performance can drop if it gets bored of training, so a trip to the beach rejuvenates both horse and rider.
As Waterhouse puts it, "It's playtime as well as good exercise."
(CNN)Training horses can be a tough, exhausting business, so what better than a ride to the seaside?
Racehorse trainer Gai Waterhouse, known as the first lady of Australian racing, is a firm believer in time spent at the beach.
But it's not for her benefit, it's for the well-being of her horses, she tells CNN.
Rehabilitation
Firstly, training on the sand is low impact on a horse's tendons and joints. The sand is soft underfoot and has more "give" than turf, reducing impact and the likelihood of jarring.
"It's particularly good for horses that might have been injured," Waterhouse explains.
Exercise
Not all animals love the water, but when it comes to horses, cantering in the sea is effective exercise.
Waterhouse compares it to professional athletes running in a hydrotherapy pool, with joints and muscles supported by the water.
It's good strength and conditioning work, with minimal stress on the horse both physically and mentally.
'Massage'
The seawater also soothes a horse's skin, cleaning any cuts and loosening muscles.
Like a sports massage, this can be particularly beneficial when training levels have increased.
Down time
It's also healthy for horses and their riders to have some down time away from the stables.
"Playing in the sea and sand lets the horses relax," says Waterhouse. "It gives them something else to do other than running hard in circles."
A horse's performance can drop if it gets bored of training, so a trip to the beach rejuvenates both horse and rider.
As Waterhouse puts it, "It's playtime as well as good exercise."
Last edit: 8 years 1 month ago by naresh.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Bob Brogan
-
- Administrator
-
- Posts: 82475
- Thanks: 6449
Re: Why do racehorses love the beach?
8 years 1 month ago
Because the rest of the year they are tied up in a box ?
We all love a trip to the seaside
We all love a trip to the seaside
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Saint Tropez
-
- Premium Member
-
- Posts: 833
- Thanks: 93
Re: Why do racehorses love the beach?
8 years 1 month ago
Jip, I love the beach toooooo much

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- bayern
-
- Platinum Member
-
- Posts: 11808
- Thanks: 2611
Re: Why do racehorses love the beach?
8 years 1 month ago
And here's me thinking they've cottoned on to surfing.
Guessing has never been widely acclaimed as a good gambling strategy.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Biggie626
-
- New Member
-
- Thanks: 0
Re: Why do racehorses love the beach?
8 years 1 month ago
:lol: WHAT DO YOU CALL A HORSE AT THE BEACH :lol: :whistle:
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Magi
-
- Platinum Member
-
- Posts: 9391
- Thanks: 1252
Re: Why do racehorses love the beach?
8 years 1 month agoBiggie626 wrote: :lol: WHAT DO YOU CALL A HORSE AT THE BEACH :lol: :whistle:
Ok, I bite........
The following user(s) said Thank You: Biggie626
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Mac
-
- Platinum Member
-
- Posts: 12013
- Thanks: 940
Re: Why do racehorses love the beach?
8 years 1 month agoBiggie626 wrote: :lol: WHAT DO YOU CALL A HORSE AT THE BEACH :lol: :whistle:
Sea horse
The following user(s) said Thank You: Biggie626
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- sugahorse
-
- New Member
-
- Thanks: 0
Re: Why do racehorses love the beach?
8 years 1 month ago
There are plenty of Cape Trainers that regularly go to the beach, not limited to Snaith, Crawford, Mike Stewart...
The cold water of the cape also helps with the rehab process, as well as the salt levels. The horses enjoy splashing and rolling in the soft sand.
Working on the water's edge also is a very nice surface; not too hard and still forgiving.
The cold water of the cape also helps with the rehab process, as well as the salt levels. The horses enjoy splashing and rolling in the soft sand.
Working on the water's edge also is a very nice surface; not too hard and still forgiving.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- rob faux
-
- New Member
-
- Thanks: 0
Re: Why do racehorses love the beach?
8 years 1 month ago - 8 years 1 month ago
It was said to be key to Terence. Millard's success!
Last edit: 8 years 1 month ago by rob faux.
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
Time to create page: 0.110 seconds