Sand vs. Grass Training for Horses: Understanding the Rationale

Question
QUESTION: hello sir, at few centres, horses are trained in the sand and raced on the grass. may i know why??

ANSWER: hi-- i have no idea why that would be the training choice. but if you train on deep sand , you will have a very fit horse on any surface you race on. in the USA , we are not allowed to train our horses on the turf course , as it tears up the grass too much. you are allowed to work on the grass if you are entered to run on the grass. thanks ED HESS

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QUESTION: sir, how does a horse become fit when trained on deep sand??

ANSWER: hi , just try it for a experiment in your training of a horse of your choice. i would rope the horse 20 mins one way and 20 mains the other way for 30 days. you will see a big difference in the horse. i would have a sand ring about 60 feet in diameter for a good training pen. you will build up his endurance and wind this way.  hope this helps you.   thanks ED HESS   

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QUESTION: sir, what do you mean by "build up his endurance and wind"??

Answer
hi-- deep sand will pull on all of the mussels of the horse when roping in a sand arena. it will also cause the horse to breath more deeply, thus making him or her build up their lungs for better breathing when racing. i have won many racing out of a sand arena. roping in a sand arena keeps the weight off the horses legs and back keeping them sounder longer. hope this helps you. thanks ED HESS