Many arenas have been built by tilling sand into the existing clay soil. This is a great way to make a consistent footing without layers. It is also a very affordable option to build and maintain. However, the existing soil must be suitable. Rocks may be an issue that continue to pop up. Be sure to use the right type of sand to maximize the value and reduce compaction.
A standard size horse arena will need anywhere from 50 to 300 tons of sand. The biggest determining factor is the dimensions, or size, of the arena and the depth of the footing. Many styles of riding only need 2 to 4 inches of footing for their arena while some need more than 8 inches of depth. You can use are calculator to input your dimensions and preferred depth to calculate the tons that you will need, or call us and we can help.
The best sand for arenas is a silica sand, sub-angular or angular, washed, and screened sand. Silica sand is durable and lasts longer under the constant horse traffic. The sub-angular shape shifts less than rounded particles. The washing and screening process removes unwanted pebbles and dust from the footing.
Arena Sand comes in many different forms. The type of sand depends on the style of riding and the needs of your arena. Dressage and Jumpers need a finer grade sand for a firm footing. Barrel racing and cutting horses prefer a looser, deeper coarse sand for adding protection in the sharp turns. Also, amending your existing arena usually needs the same coarser particles to relieve compaction that happens over time. New arenas may need either fine or coarse sand. So, there is not one size fits all sand for horse arenas. Masonry Sand, Concrete Sand, River Sand, and Manufactured Sand (m10s) can all work but you need to start with a basic knowledge of what type will work best for your project. RSI can help you decide, and since we offer all these types of sand we can supply the best Arena Sand for your needs.
Arena Sand is the sand you use in horse arenas and round pens. The sand is designed to be the best footing to provide traction and cushion for horses as they perform. The ideal sand is sub-angular in shape. It comes in a variety of colors, and gradations to best suit the rider’s preference. Arena Sand should be washed and screened to remove rocks and dust for safety of the horse and rider. It is also a critical part of the arena’s ability to retain moisture but also drain well after it rains.
Manufactured sand or m10s may be used for arena sand and footing. However, dust and compaction are the primary issues with using it. M10s make a firm compactable surface that adds to the traction of the horse. Over time it may have to be amended with a coarser sand as it wears rapidly with use. Irrigation can be a great tool to help keep the dust suppressed.
For many areas around the country, this winter has been above average in temperature and precipitation, especially in the southeast. If you own or operate equestrian grounds it’s likely this is making for some difficult spring maintenance. Before you start your maintenance process, consider these spring tips to ensure your equestrian sand or footing and base are in ideal condition for use.
One of the most common problems with warm, moist winters is that the precipitation can increase deterioration of your base as it becomes saturated. Also, as footing is moved by water flow it exposes the base to more disturbances. Considering the warmer winter temperatures it’s likely the area has also been used more throughout the season than usual leading to further stress on the base and wear on the footing. When starting your spring maintenance be sure to check the arena for shallow footing areas that may have resulted from water erosion, consistent riding in an area, or dragging patterns.
Many of the spring problems associated with warm winter weather is repairable. Once you’ve addressed any issues related to increased use or precipitation, you can redistribute the existing footing. Use your arena drag to smooth, level and fill any ruts, cracks or abnormalities in the surface. Be careful to only lightly till compacted footing with your drag and not disturb the shallow or exposed base material. Throughout this process it’s important to control dust by lightly watering the sand.
Once you’ve evaluated the footing and base problems of your arena, redistributed eroded or moved footing and have a solid perspective of how your ground has held up over the warm, wet months, it’s important to replace any materials that have been lost. It’s not uncommon for footing to be washed away by storm water and wind. When this happens it’s important to replace the footing. Having the appropriate mix and footing depth will reduce injuries, increase cushion and make riding safer. In the case that the footing remains over-compacted even after light tilling, the entire area may need amended or replaced, but regular maintenance will prevent larger, more expensive issues from arising.
Warm, wet winters don’t have to wreak havoc on your equestrian facilities. If you’re experiencing issues, looking to replace footing or considering having a new arena built, River Sand Inc. can help. Contact us today to learn more about our arena sand, custom arena footing mixes and construction experience.
No matter your unique needs, there is a perfect arena sand or equestrian footing option for you. Having the proper footing can provide better traction, increase cushion, improve drainage and reduce overall dust.
The most commonly used equestrian footing is sand based. It tends to be a less expensive option for basic arenas, stables and round pens. Depending on the supplier, the production process can remove unwanted dust and be designed to meet specific gradation for your unique needs. Basic sand may not provide the cushion or traction you need for a horse arena, so it’s important to find a custom formulated arena sand mixture.
As the name suggests, sand applications can be combined with certain additives to provide increased cushion, decreased impact and ease of maintenance. Additives include rubber, wood chips, soil, polymer coated sand, and even some fabrics such as synthetic fibers and felts. All of these materials provide a custom blend that is ideal for your unique needs. However, geotextiles and rubber are two of the most popular to improve footing performance.
Arena footing can include rubber based chips or a type of shredded rubber mulch. Often rubber is blended with proper sand to different ratios according to the manufacturer. This footing option often decreases maintenance needed and reduces the amount of dust. With that being said, it is a more expensive option compared to other footing types. It is also ideal for reducing impact injuries for horses. For areas exposed to large amounts of sun and heat, rubber-based footing can increase the footing temperatures when used as a footing alone. Adding it as a sand based additive can be a great way to gain the low-impact qualities without the negative heat-related downsides.
Geotextile material comes in different types and can even be blended with fiber. It is designed to blend with the sand footing to improve its properties including: additional stability, impact resistance, water retention, increased shear, and compaction prevention. Many competition facilities and professional trainers use geotextile materials incorporated into their arena footing. However, this material is available and affordable to the horse enthusiast. The improvements do come at a cost, but when premium equestrian footing is achieved, there is added value and enjoyment of your arena. Be sure to check with the supplier to make sure your arena drag is compatible with the synthetic additive of your choice.
If you’re looking to replace your current footing, or just starting to plan for a new arena build, River Sand has an application for you. Don’t settle for a low-quality product when you can have one specifically engineered for you. Contact us for more information.
