Is saltwater and sea air the secret to thriving racehorses?

The physical benefits  

One of the key advantages of beach training is the gentle yet effective conditioning it provides. The soft, forgiving surface of the sand reduces the impact on a horse’s joints, tendons, and hooves, making it ideal for both rehabilitation and high-performance training. Horses can engage in a range of exercises, from wading through shallow water to cantering and galloping on the firm sand, without the risk of over-exertion that could arise from harder training surfaces.

Beach training also strengthens the horse’s heart and lungs, especially when deep-sand running is incorporated into their regimen. The resistance provided by the sand enhances cardiovascular fitness, and because the surface is so forgiving, it’s easy on the horse’s body, reducing the chances of injury compared to training on harder, more abrasive surfaces. This makes it an excellent option for horses in rehabilitation, as it allows them to build strength without putting undue stress on their bodies

Mental health: a fun day out 

Just as a day at the beach can feel like a refreshing escape for humans, it can offer racehorses a similar mental reprieve. The beach environment is a significant break from the usual track routine, providing horses with a sensory-rich experience that can reduce mental fatigue.

The sight of the waves, the sound of the surf, and the smell of salt air create a novel atmosphere that stimulates the horses, keeping them mentally engaged and happy.

For racehorses accustomed to the routine of city tracks and training centres, a trip to the beach is a welcome change. The freedom to gallop along the shoreline or simply wade through the water can help ease stress, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mood. Trainers often notice a marked improvement in a horse’s temperament after spending time at the beach, as the change of pace refreshes them and reduces the mental strain of training for competitions. 

Horses also often enjoy the social aspect of beach training. Working in a relaxed environment with other horses, either in groups or alongside individual training, gives them the opportunity to bond and engage in natural behaviours, further improving their wellbeing.  

Saltwater therapy: nature’s healing touch 

Another notable benefit of beach training is the therapeutic effects of saltwater. After an intense training session, horses often take a plunge into the cool waters of the ocean. This immersion in saltwater helps to soothe muscles, reduce inflammation, and accelerate recovery.

Saltwater is widely used in human sports recovery for its anti-inflammatory properties, and horses can benefit from it in much the same way. 

The exposure to sea air can also have a positive impact on a horse’s respiratory system. The fresh, salty air helps clear the lungs, promoting better breathing and improving overall lung function. This is particularly valuable for racehorses, whose stamina and breath control are crucial for peak performance.

Practical considerations for trainers 

Incorporating beach training into a horse’s fitness program isn’t just about taking the horses to the sand, however, it requires careful planning and attention to detail. Trainers ensure that the beach environment is safe and clean, with proper access to water and facilities for cooling down after workouts. Additionally, the combination of saltwater and sand can be challenging for hooves, so farriers often need to adjust their shoeing techniques to ensure the horses’ hooves are protected and in top condition. 

However, the benefits of beach training far outweigh the considerations. From strengthening muscles and lungs to reducing the risk of injury and providing mental relaxation, the beach offers a holistic training environment that supports a horse’s development in ways that traditional training methods cannot. 

The quirky world of beach racing 

Sometimes horses at the beach aren’t just being trained. In Ireland, the Laytown Races, held each September, draws crowds to watch horses race along the beach, making it one of the last of its kind in Europe. Across the globe, Queensland’s Magic Millions Beach Run and Barrier Draw at Surfers Paradise takes place every January, where hundreds gather to watch celebrities, jockeys, and stars like Zara Tindall, Billy Slater, and Nacho Figueras race along the golden sands, offering a unique blend of sport and glamour. This year, 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup winner Robbie Dolan also took part.