An optimal surface can help contribute to horse and rider safety. | Photo: iStock

This is the second article in a series looking at how researchers test and maintain equine competition surfaces worldwide.

As we learned last month, no matter the discipline—be it a horse race, show jumping competition, dressage test, reining pattern, or any other equine events that take place every year—all have one singular requirement they need to take place: appropriate and safe footing.

Mick Peterson, PhD, is the current director of University of Kentucky (UK) Ag Equine Programs, faculty member within UK’s Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department, and executive director of the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory (RSTL). With the RSTL, he has a 10-year history of examining competition surfaces at racetracks and equestrian sports venues around the world, developing maintenance protocols and standards, and offering recommendations. In this role, Peterson is considered one of the world’s premiere experts in testing of high-level competition surfaces