Managing Extended Standing on Concrete

Smart footing, micro-movement, and a tidy care routine—so your horse feels ready for the next ask.

Concrete is durable and easy to clean—but it’s not forgiving. Long hours on hard surfaces can leave horses feeling tight through the feet and soft tissue. Here’s a practical plan real barns use to take the edge off.

1) Add Cushion Where It Counts

• Stalls & tie areas: Rubber mats over a level base; top with adequate bedding for cushion and moisture control.
• Groom/wash zones: Non-slip matting with perimeter drainage so water moves away.
• Trailer floors: Mat + clean shavings for shock dampening while hauling.

2) Build Micro-Movement Into the Day

• Turnout breaks: Short, frequent pen or pasture time beats one long block.
• Walk sets: Five-minute hand walks between tasks; pole walks for gentle foot/limb articulation.
• Feed station shuffle: Place hay/water/salt to encourage small steps instead of standing square for hours.

3) Hoof Care on a Schedule

• Farrier rhythm: Keep trims/shoeing on time; discuss pads, soles, or materials suited to your work and footing.
• Daily hygiene: Pick, brush, and dry feet after wash racks or wet aisles.
• Watch list: Note sole tenderness, wall chips, or changes in landing—loop your farrier in early.

4) Surface Hygiene & Skin Care

• Clean & dry: Towel legs after bathing; avoid horses standing wet on concrete for long periods.
• Routine topicals: Use show-friendly, sensation-free products as part of grooming—not as a substitute for veterinary care.

Round Out the Program

• Bedding depth: Adjust seasonally; add where horses prefer to stand.
• Nutrition basics: Balanced minerals and adequate hydration support hoof and soft-tissue quality.
• Cooling & drying: After baths, scrape and towel before returning to concrete.