Pounding | Matures

: Trainers often advise against "pounding work"—such as speed, tight spins, or heavy jumping—for young horses (ages 2–4) because their skeletons and spines are not fully developed. Pushing a horse too hard before it matures can lead to long-term issues like arthritis and joint damage .

The Mature Distance Runner: Fundamentally Speaking Part Five pounding matures

: For "mature" distance runners, footwear is often chosen to avoid the "pounding" impact on feet that can occur with poorly designed shoes, emphasizing a more natural, "barefoot-style" stride to protect joints. : Trainers often advise against "pounding work"—such as