When you’re designing a new indoor riding arena, there are many factors to consider. One of the most important considerations is the type of footing material you’ll use. Different types of footing materials have different properties that affect how your horse performs on it. The type of footing material you use also affects the amount of maintenance required and how often it needs to be replaced. Depending on the size of your facility, cost, climate, and other factors, there are multiple types of footing materials available for indoor arenas. Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of footing materials used for indoor arenas:

Sand

Sand is one of the most common types of footing material used in indoor arenas. Sand is porous and does not retain water, making it a good choice for areas that are subject to high amounts of moisture.Sand is very lightweight, so it is not very dense and can be easily compacted.Sand may also be used for outdoor arenas as long as it is properly stabilized to prevent shifting.

Sand Mix

Sand mix is a mixture of sand and organic materials that is often used as a base for growing plants.Sand mix is often used in indoor arenas because it is easy to replace and is low-maintenance.Sand mix is not as dense as sand alone, so it is not as heavy and will not compact as easily.Sand mix is often mixed with organic materials such as compost or peat moss.

Bare Soil

Bare soil is a type of footing material that is often used outdoors and in smaller indoor arenas.Bare soil is very porous and can be very heavy, so it is not recommended for large indoor arenas.Bare soil is low-maintenance, but it may need to be replaced more frequently than other types of footing materials.Bare soil is often used in indoor arenas for small areas that do not require a lot of space for other types of footing material.

Cinder/Limestone Mix

Cinder/limestone mix is a blend of sand, cinder, and limestone. This type of footing material is often used outdoors, but it can also be used in indoor arenas.Cinder/limestone mix is generally used in outdoor arenas because it can be used to create different types of footing.Cinder/limestone mix is very porous and must be properly compacted to prevent degradation.Cinder/limestone mix may also be used in indoor arenas if the climate is suitable for growing plants.

Concrete/Brick Paving

Concrete/brick paving is a type of footing material that is often used in outdoor arenas.Concrete/brick paving is heavy and may require heavy equipment to move it.Concrete/brick paving is often used in indoor arenas if the climate is suitable for growing plants.Concrete/brick paving is very porous and may need to be replaced more frequently than other types of footing materials.

Conclusion

There are many different types of footing materials used in indoor arenas. The type of footing material you use affects the way your horse performs in the arena, the amount of maintenance required, and how often it needs to be replaced.When designing a new indoor arena, it is important to consider the type of footing material you want to use so you can make the most of your space.Sand, sand mix, and cinder/limestone mix are good for smaller spaces, while concrete/brick paving is usually used in larger indoor arenas.

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.