The Perfect Arena Footing...does it exist? 

We hear a lot of debate about the perfect arena surface and footing material. Every few years’ new footings come around claiming to be “it”. But if the perfect footing does exist then why are the products continually changing? We have done our share of research over many years and in many different arenas. While there are many opinions involved they are more about personal preference, riding disciplines, breed, and climate than about actual footing material, sand, and installation.

Yes, the perfect arena footing does exist…  A "perfect" arena surface should be cushioned to minimize concussion on the horses’ legs, firm enough to provide traction, not too slick, dust free, retain moisture and not be overly abrasive to horses’ hooves. The arena surface should be resistant to freezing during cold weather, inexpensive to obtain, and easy to maintain. Sod, for example, makes an ideal footing. However the sod must contain the proper amount of moisture and have maximum root depth with the grass blades spaced evenly. Sod allows the horse hoof to indent on impact offering cushioning, yet when the hoof pushes off, the sod provides a firm resistance to propel his gait or jump. Unfortunately, sod will not hold up in a small area (like a dressage arena or horse jump ring) so this is not going to be the “perfect” option for most people.

It’s all relative. The primary principle of selecting footing is to choose materials that maintain their loose nature without compacting while still providing stability and traction for riding. The major component of most footing is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay particles. The range of particle sizes is the first key component in selecting footing materials. Materials with one particle size cannot compact. In contrast, when material is used, consisting of different particle sizes, the smallest particles fill the gaps and voids and promote compaction.

Not-So-Sharp. Aggregate particle shape is another key component. Sharply angular materials (like manufactured sand or stone dust) are more prone to compaction than sub-angular particles. Sub-angular particles have already had the sharpest corners broken off so they do not fit as tightly together as sharp angular materials. Sub-angular particles will be relatively stable because they can nest together without rolling, and will resist compaction as the rounded edges have voids between them. Particles need some angularity to offer resistance to movement.

On a roll. Round particles (such as river or beach sand) create more voids and resist compaction, but because they are round they have poor stability causing the sand to roll and shift. Beach and river sand have rounded particles; the wear of water action has removed most angular corners. Round sands have more stability when moisture is added.

Footing Additives. What are they for?

Footing additives, like Premier Equestrian ProStride, GGT Arena Footing, ProTex and Hyrdo-Keep can help stabilize, maintain moisture, and add cushioning to your footing which greatly improves your riding surface.

So…. the Perfect Arena Footing?
Arena Depth and surface performance is determined by many factors; material, additives and particle sizes, how compactable the material is and at what depth it is set. Footing that is too deep can cause soft tissue injuries i.e. tendons, stifles, and suspensory problems. It can also negatively impact your horse's cardiovascular system and cause undue fatigue. Arena footing that is too hard can cause contusions. The perfect arena utilizes the best available materials to minimize these issues. 

Determining if arena is too deep or too hard. The indentation that the hoof prints makes should be between 1/2" - 1".  Photo 1 Illustrates a surface that is too deep, indentation is 2.5".

Too deep or loose arena surface; For deep footing start by removing some of the sand. If sand is made up of round particles this will also have the same effect as too deep of footing, causing shear and loss of traction for the hoof. Solutions for this type of footing would be GGT Textile or ProTex. Both products will stabilize the surface, bind the sand together as well as aid in moisture retention and dust control. ProTex will add an additional layer of cushioning with the added rubber particles. See Photo below showing same surface after removing sand and adding ProTex Arena Footing.

Compacted hard surfaces; Stone dust and sharp angulated sands that have compacted will benefit greatly by adding ProStride rubber arena footing. The rubber crumb will mix with the sharp angulated particles and create a void, thus providing cushioning and keep the surface from compacting.

Dusty Sand; Footing that possesses sub-angular particles and small fines, can easily become dusty. This type of footing will benefit by adding Premier Equestrian Hydro-Keep, a safe, non-toxic chemical crystal that rapidly absorbs and retains water. As the soil dries out, the water in the Hydro-Keep is gradually released, rehydrating the surrounding area. Our research shows it can also reduce your arena watering by 50%. The Hydro-Keep expands when watered and then contracts as the water is released over time. An added benefit provides additional cushion and reduces compaction.

Round, shifty sand; Sand that is round and therefore not very stable can benefit from adding GGT Textile. This new European additive now made in the US, will absorb small fines bind the sand particles together adding stability while reducing dust.GGT Textile mixed in the sand enhances traction and reduces shear. Shear is the twisting motion of the horse’s hoof and hock in an unstable surface.

For more information go to www.dressagearena.net/pages/articles.html