When it comes to choosing the best footing material for your horse arena, there are many factors to consider. Each type of surface has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand the differences between them before making your decision. There are many factors to consider when choosing the best footing material for your horse arena including the type of horse you have, your climate, the amount of traffic expected, and the budget for construction. The right type of footing will not only improve the quality of your riding experience but also extend the life of your arena and reduce maintenance costs in the long run. Let’s take a closer look at each type of footing and its benefits:

Sand

Sand is one of the oldest and most commonly used types of footing material for horse arenas. Sand is a natural material that can be found in most parts of the world and is very easy to install.Sand is typically used for outdoor arenas in areas with mild winters, although it can be used in indoor arenas as well.Sand is often used as a base layer under other types of footing materials such as rubber mats, rubber mulch, or sand-filled rubber mats.Sand is an excellent choice for beginner or casual riders who don’t plan on competing. It’s also a good choice if you have a high-maintenance horse that needs a softer, less abrasive surface.Sand is typically less expensive than other types of footing materials and can last for several years before needing to be replaced.

Sand-filled rubber mats

Sand-filled rubber mats are one of the most common types of footing material for horse arenas.Sand-filled rubber mats are a synthetic material that is usually made from recycled tires.Sand-filled rubber mats are usually installed on top of a sand base or between sand layers.Sand-filled rubber mats are ideal for high-volume horse arenas, as they are very durable and can withstand heavy use.Sand-filled rubber mats are a good choice for beginners or casual riders who don’t plan on competing. They are also a good choice for horse arenas that are subject to heavy rainfall or high water tables.Sand-filled rubber mats are an excellent choice for horse arenas located in wet or muddy areas. They are very durable and can be easily cleaned to avoid buildup from muddy conditions.

Sand-rubber mulch

Sand-rubber mulch is one of the most common types of footing material for horse arenas.Sand-rubber mulch is typically installed on top of a sand base or between sand layers.Sand-rubber mulch is a synthetic material that is usually made from recycled tires.Sand-rubber mulch is ideal for high-volume horse arenas, as it is very durable and can withstand heavy use.Sand-rubber mulch is a good choice for beginners or casual riders who don’t plan on competing. It is also a good choice for horse arenas that are subject to heavy rainfall or high water tables.Sand-rubber mulch is an excellent choice for horse arenas located in wet or muddy areas. It is very durable and can be easily cleaned to avoid buildup from muddy conditions.

Sand-elevated sand

Sand-elevated sand is one of the most common types of footing material for horse arenas.Sand-elevated sand is typically installed on top of a sand base or between sand layers.Sand-elevated sand is an excellent choice for high-volume horse arenas, as it is very durable and can withstand heavy use.Sand-elevated sand is a good choice for beginners or casual riders who don’t plan on competing. It is also a good choice for horse arenas that are subject to heavy rainfall or high water tables.Sand-elevated sand is an excellent choice for horse arenas located in wet or muddy areas. It is very durable and can be easily cleaned to avoid buildup from muddy conditions.

Conclusion

Choosing the best footing material for your horse arena is an important decision that will have a significant impact on the quality of your riding experience and the long-term maintenance costs of your arena.Sand, sand-filled rubber mats, sand-rubber mulch, and sand-elevated sand are all good choices for horse arenas. Each type of footing has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand the differences between them before making your decision.There are many factors to consider when choosing the best footing material for your horse arena including the type of horse you have, your climate, the amount of traffic expected, and the budget for construction. The right type of footing will not only improve the quality of your riding experience but also extend the life of your arena and reduce maintenance costs in the long run.

Frequently Asked Question

The best surface for a horse arena is sand. The sand should be a medium, to coarse, sharp sand that has been cleaned (washed) so it becomes less compacted over time and give off less dust
Olympic Equestrian Arena surfaces tend to be made up of sand with a small percentage of polyester textile fibres.
Normally 8 - 12 centimeters of fine sand combined with a small amount of textile fibres and a sand additive will be sufficient for dressage or show jumping.
Olympic Equestrian Arena surfaces tend to be made up of sand with a small percentage of polyester textile fibres.