To a casual observer, a riding arena is nothing more than sand or dirt enclosed by a fence.
As an equestrian, though, you know there’s a lot more to an arena than meets the eye. There’s a complex science involved in creating a safe, consistent surface for horses and riders. Most importantly, arena footing has a profound effect on your horse’s performance and long-term health.
What can you do to keep your horses safe, healthy, and performing at their peak? Keep reading to learn about the best arena maintenance solutions for your needs.
Evaluate Your Arena Needs
To create the best possible footing for your horses, you first need to consider your unique needs. This includes analyzing:
- The amount of traffic the arena receives
- The main discipline(s) of your riders
- The type of sand or dirt
- The average weather and climate
- Surface irregularities
- Drainage issues
Footing that’s too hard or compact can lead to joint and hoof injuries, while footing that’s too soft often results in soft tissue injuries. Jumpers need a surface that’s more yielding than dressage horses while reining horses and cutting horses usually need deeper, more forgiving footing.
You also need to consider if your arena is primarily used for schooling or competition (or both), as well as how many horses use it on a daily or weekly basis.
Customize Your Arena Footing
With these thoughts in mind, it’s time to consider how arena footing additives can transform the surface and enhance your horses’ performances. Here are three riding arena maintenance solutions that could work for your facility.
TruTex Element
Do you need a straightforward, economical solution for your arena footing? Does your arena have overly loose or rounded sand that needs to be more stable?
TruTex Element is a 70/30 blend of fibers and geotextile that mixes well with most types of sand. It offers a low-maintenance solution for improving your arena’s surface. It has low moisture content and is non-toxic and non-allergenic for people and animals.
TruTex Eclipse
Do you use your arena mostly for jumping and dressage? Do you often deal with dust or over-compaction?
If so, consider TruTex Eclipse to enhance stability and moisture retention. Its 50/50 blend of geotextile and fibers offer more bounce and cushion for your performance horses.
TruTex Oasis
Do you operate a commercial facility or competitive venue? Would you like to offer premium world-class footing to everyone who trains and competes in your arena?
TruTex Oasis is “the best of the best” when it comes to arena maintenance solutions. Its 30/70 blend of fibers and geotextile patches offer incredible cushion and traction. It pairs best with fine silica or quartz sand and requires an arena groomer designed for synthetic surfaces.
How TruTex Footing Additives Can Help
After reviewing the information above, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by options. That’s why we’re standing by to help you make the best choice about your arena footing.
If you’re not sure which of our solutions is best for your needs, send us a sample for a free sand analysis. Once we get the results, we can recommend the best arena maintenance solutions to keep your horses healthy and safe.