Unfortunately, there is no general consensus about which is the best footing for riding arenas. One professional will say that sand is the only way to go, while another will not ride in an engineered arena that doesn't have lofting agents.
There are lots of different options when it comes to choosing footing for riding arenas, so many people get frustrated when they decide to build one. It helps to understand each type of footing and why it may or may not be safe and healthy for horses.
Depth
The first thing to consider when choosing footing for riding arenas is the depth of the material. This will depend on the type of discipline preferred. For example, deep footing is required for dressage because the horses need more traction, while horses in speed events fair better with shallow footing.
Generally speaking, the surface of an engineered arena is safe with three to six inches of footing, so long as it is level and uniform. However, personal preference will adjust this somewhat.
Convenience
The type of footing used in riding arenas will have a large impact on the maintenance required to keep it in riding shape. For example, a pure sand arena will generate lots of dust, which means that it requires an irrigation system to keep it damp.
Additionally, it is important to choose footing for engineered arenas that will not be dangerous for the horses. Using toxic substances or materials laced with chemicals can result in lots of sick animals.
Materials
Sand is by far the most common type of footing surface used in riding arenas. However, the type of sand is important. It should be medium-sized, clean and sharp to prevent the generation of dust and to avoid too much compaction.
Rockdust is another option for riding arena surfaces, though it generates even more dust than sand and is harder to maintain. Riders who choose rockdust for riding arena footing should make sure to order a variety of granule sizes so it doesn't compact after hard rains.
Lifting Agents
Many times, riding arena surfaces are improved with "lifting agents", which are materials that are mixed in with the main footing to provide additional traction and cushion. There are several lifting agents common to riding arena footing, each of which can be beneficial.
Rubber is perhaps the most common, and usually consists of ground shoe or tire rubber that has been sifted clean of all metal. It is mixed in with sand or rockdust to create more cushion for horses, particularly in reining and dressage.
Wood chips are also common, though it is important to realize that larger chunks of wood will get caught in horses' hooves and may cause lameness. Wood shavings or chips do retain moisture, however, and can considerably reduce dust build-up.
Maintenance
Regardless of the type of footing chosen for a riding arena, the arena surface will need constant maintenance for the safety and comfort of the horses. Dragging an arena, for example, will ensure a level riding surface and keep footing materials and lifting agents properly mixed.
It is also important to hydrate riding arena surfaces on a regular basis, particularly during summer. Simply hosing down the footing is adequate, but sprinkler systems can make this much easier.
Laura Thompson - Laura Thompson is a horseback riding instructor and freelance writer living in Houston, Texas. She is proud to be the feature writer for ...
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