Surveys of the arena by Lars Roepstorff, a professor in equine functional anatomy at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), have shown excellent results. One survey revealed that shock absorption at Falsterbo’s International jumping arena is somewhat better than the majority of comparable arenas (for international jumping competitions) examined by Professor Roepstorff. This is a positive finding, as it theoretically reduces the risk of injury.
After surveying Falsterbo’s main arena, Professor Roepstorff published a summary of his findings, saying,
“The surface consistency is such that it provides good hoof support on landing after jumps without being too hard. It is within limits that are on a par with other arenas used for the same purposes. There is good shock absorption of the maximum load during landing. It is somewhat better than the majority of comparable arenas (for international jumping competitions) we have surveyed.
“This is a positive finding, as it theoretically reduces the risk of injury. At the same time, the shock absorption is not so great that the arena can be deemed ‘deep’ or ‘soft’, which means conditions are ideal for the horses to perform well, and that there is less risk of injury.”
“We are extremely pleased with these findings. We know that Falsterbo’s arena is built on the site of an old lake bed, and the 15-metre-deep sand under the grass makes the surface fantastically springy,” says Jan-Olof ‘Jana’ Wannius, President of Falsterbo Horse Show.
“After this year’s competitions we will focus our attention on work to make the surface even more level than it is today,” continues Jana.