Use of surface testing devices to identify potential risk factors for synthetic equestrian surfaces

Mechanical properties of sports surfaces have previously been shown to be influenced by surface drainage, moisture content and compaction but these factors have not yet been quantified for equestrian surfaces. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of three moisture levels (11.96 +/- 1.63%, 17.31 +/- 1.14%, 19.08 +/- 0.78%) and three rates of compaction (1.647 +/- 0.02 g/cm(3), 1.748 +/- 0.046 g/cm(3), 1.766 +/- 0.039 g/cm(3)) on the functional properties of a synthetic equestrian surface constructed over two distinct drainage profiles. The surfaces with a high (19.08%) moisture content and medium density when laid on permavoid (TM) had the most favourable results when taking into account all of the measured parameters with regards to reducing the risk of injury yet potentially offering sufficient support to the horse for efficient locomotion. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd.