Why do racehorses love the beach?

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."

Because the rest of the year they are tied up in a box ?

We all love a trip to the seaside

Jip, I love the beach toooooo much

And here's me thinking they've cottoned on to surfing.

:lol: WHAT DO YOU CALL A HORSE AT THE BEACH :lol: :whistle:

Biggie626 wrote: :lol: WHAT DO YOU CALL A HORSE AT THE BEACH :lol: :whistle:

Ok, I bite........

Biggie626 wrote: :lol: WHAT DO YOU CALL A HORSE AT THE BEACH :lol: :whistle:

Sea horse

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.

It was said to be key to Terence. Millard's success!