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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2021; 11(10); 2896; doi: 10.3390/ani11102896

An Experimental Comparison of Simple Measurements Used for the Characterization of Sand Equestrian Surfaces.

Abstract: 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.
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Publication Date: 2021-10-05 PubMed ID: 34679917PubMed Central: PMC8532901DOI: 10.3390/ani11102896Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research explores how factors affecting the performance of sand equestrian surfaces can be measured quantitatively using simple and affordable testing tools. It aims to improve the consistency, performance, and safety of these surfaces.

Objective and Methodology of the Research

  • The study aims to measure performance parameters quantitatively in order to improve the consistency, performance and safety of sand equestrian surfaces. The factors considered include the introduction of a drainage package, moisture control, and geotextile reinforcement.
  • For the experiments, the researchers used sixteen boxes filled with arena materials at a constant depth. These were tested using various lightweight and affordable tools – the Going Stick (GS), which measures both penetration resistance and shear, the Impact Test Device (ITD), and the Rotational Peak Shear device (RPS). These tools are either readily available or can be easily constructed.
  • Volumetric moisture content (VMC %) was also tested using time-domain reflectometry (TDR).

Findings of the Research

  • Results from the GS, RPS, ITD, and TDR testing indicated that the presence of drainage packages, changes in moisture content, and the addition of geotextile material made detectable differences in the arena material measurements.
  • Additionally, the GS, ITD, and TDR tools could also detect alterations caused by combinations of these treatments.
  • Even though the testing showed some limitations of the devices, it arguably validated their potential for monitoring and controlling the quality of new installations as well as for monitoring the maintenance of the surfaces.

Significance of the Research

  • The study underscores the potential of simple, affordable tools to quantitatively assess factors affecting the performance of sand equestrian surfaces. Accurate measurements can contribute to the surfaces’ consistency, performance, and safety for both horses and riders.
  • A proper understanding and management of these factors can lead to long-term cost savings through improved maintenance efficiency and extended surface lifespan. They can also contribute to better horse performance and potentially reduce the risk of injuries.

Cite This Article

APA
Blanco MA, Hourquebie R, Dempsey K, Schmitt P, Peterson MM. (2021). An Experimental Comparison of Simple Measurements Used for the Characterization of Sand Equestrian Surfaces. Animals (Basel), 11(10), 2896. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11102896

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 11
Issue: 10
PII: 2896

Researcher Affiliations

Blanco, María Alejandra
  • Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Agropecuarias, Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina, Buenos Aires 1300, Argentina.
  • Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias Agroalimentarias, Universidad de Morón, Morón 1708, Argentina.
  • Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory, Lexington, KY 40502, USA.
Hourquebie, Raúl
  • Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias Agroalimentarias, Universidad de Morón, Morón 1708, Argentina.
Dempsey, Kaleb
  • Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory, Lexington, KY 40502, USA.
Schmitt, Peter
  • Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory, Lexington, KY 40502, USA.
  • Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503, USA.
Peterson, Michael Mick
  • Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory, Lexington, KY 40502, USA.
  • Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503, USA.

Grant Funding

  • Resol-2016-2141-APN.SCEPU#ME / Ministry of Education of Argentina
  • PI3-18-06-MB-005 / Secretaru00eda de Ciencia y Tu00e9cnica Universidad de Moru00f3n
  • xxx / Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
  1. Blanco MA, Di Rado FN, Peterson MM. Warm Season Turfgrass Equine Sports Surfaces: An Experimental Comparison of the Independence of Simple Measurements Used for Surface Characterization. Animals (Basel) 2023 Feb 23;13(5).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13050811pubmed: 36899668google scholar: lookup
  2. Chapman M, Fenner K, Thomas MJW. Lessons learnt from horse-related human fatalities: Accident analysis using HFACS-Equestrianism. Heliyon 2025 Feb 15;11(3):e42276.
    doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42276pubmed: 39991252google scholar: lookup
  3. Schmitt PR, Sanderson W, Rogers JT 3rd, Barzee TJ, Peterson MM. A Comparison of Devices for Race Day Characterization of North American Turfgrass Thoroughbred Racing Surfaces. Animals (Basel) 2023 Dec 21;14(1).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14010038pubmed: 38200768google scholar: lookup
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