: 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
In animal husbandry and physical training, the term "pounding" is often used to describe high-impact or intense physical activity that must be avoided until a subject is fully mature: : Trainers often advise against "pounding work"—such as