| dc.description.abstract | Abstract: Consistency of equestrian surfaces can contribute to safety and performance. An
optimal surface is influenced by the design and material selection as well as maintenance and climate.
To improve surfaces the quantitative testing of functional surface properties must expand
beyond the current testing at the highest levels of competition. More widespread quantitative measurements
would have a positive influence on animal welfare and rider safety. To expand beyond
the current top levels of the sport, simple tools are required that can be shown to detect relevant
changes in construction and maintenance. Our work suggests that the appropriate use of simple
devices can help with both quality control of new surfaces and the monitoring of existing surfaces.
Performance modifications to the layered surface design and addition of Geotextile were detected
using the Going Stick and a simple impact test. These measured results are also influenced by other
factors related to the surface condition such as moisture. Caution must be exercised in the interpretation
of the results since these tools have not been demonstrated to correlate to either performance
or safety of the surface. However, these results are encouraging and provide a justification for future
development of this type of equipment. Quantitative measurements of performance parameters have the potential to increase consistency
and enhance performance of the surfaces as well as to contribute to the safety of horses and
riders. This study investigates how factors known to influence the performance of the surface, incorporation
of a drainage package, control of the moisture control, and introduction of a geotextile
reinforcement, affect quantitative measurements of arena materials. The measurements are made
by using affordable lightweight testing tools which are readily available or easily constructed. Sixteen
boxes with arena materials at a consistent depth were tested with the Going Stick (GS), both
penetration resistance and shear, the impact test device (ITD), and the rotational peak shear device
(RPS). Volumetric moisture content (VMC %) was also tested with time–domain reflectometry
(TDR). Results obtained using GS, RPS, ITD, and TDR indicate that the presence of the drainage
package, moisture content, and geotextile addition were detected. Alterations due to combinations
of treatments could also be detected by GS, ITD, and TDR. While the testing showed some limitations
of these devices, the potential exists to utilize them for quality control of new installations as
well as for the monitoring of maintenance of the surfaces. | |
