| Condition | Braking Distance Change | Mechanism | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | +40% longer | Wax melts; surface becomes greasy. Hooves hydroplane. | | Cold (40°F-) | -15% shorter | Wax hardens; surface becomes abrasive but predictable. | | After watering | Unpredictable | Water sits on top of wax. Braking induces a "slush plane." | | Deep harrowed | Safer | Loose top layer allows immediate penetration. |
Polytrack surfaces can vary in their composition and grip. Understanding how your horse or vehicle reacts on this specific surface is crucial. Polytrack can offer good grip but may feel different underfoot or under the vehicle's tires compared to traditional surfaces. how to brake in polytrack
To brake efficiently, you want to slow down as quickly as physics allows without locking the wheels. This is called "Threshold Braking." | Condition | Braking Distance Change | Mechanism
Once the drift begins, steer into the slide to maintain control. | | After watering | Unpredictable | Water
Primarily used to initiate sharp drifts and navigate tight hairpins where regular braking is too slow.