--- title: East-West Arena Construction Blog (3) description: East-West provides throughout the United States with premium equestrian footing, complete arena design, start to finish arena construction, and existing arena refurbishments. We are staffed by individuals who not only know horses, but are experts in their field of excavation, fine grading, and drainage engineering. (3) --- [![East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-480211715.png?width=225&height=139&name=file-480211715.png "East-West Arena Construction")](https://www.eastwest-construction.com) # East-West Arena Construction Blog ## [Primary Causes of Equine Lameness](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/primary-causes-of-equine-lameness) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Apr 25, 2015 12:56:50 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-2611522408-jpg/BarefootHorse.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/primary-causes-of-equine-lameness) Horses literally spend almost all their lives on their feet. Except for brief periods of laying down during certain sleep stages, they even sleep on their feet with legs locked.  For an average-sized horse when standing still, each foot sustains 25 pounds per square foot (psi) of pressure continuously. When galloping, the horse sustains about 500 psi on the feet. That is slightly more than the pressure on a woman's stiletto heel and more than ten times the pressure on an elephant's feet. Because of the small size of the weight-bearing portion of the foot and the half-ton weight of the average horse, equine lameness is a significant risk. [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/primary-causes-of-equine-lameness) Topics: [Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/footing), [Lameness](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/lameness) ## [What is the Smallest Useable Arena Size?](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/what-is-the-smallest-useable-arena-size) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Apr 22, 2015 4:12:36 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-478373935-jpg/Mirrors.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/what-is-the-smallest-useable-arena-size) Most horse-owners would love to have their very own riding arena at home. In fact, most horse-owners would love to have an indoor arena, an outdoor arena, and access to miles of trails from home without having to trailer out. Alas, reality rarely manages to provide all of these features at once.  [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/what-is-the-smallest-useable-arena-size) Topics: [Dressage](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/dressage) ## [Farm Budget Management for Smarter Farming](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/farm-budget-management-for-smarter-farming) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Apr 17, 2015 12:14:54 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hubfs/11967-close-up-of-some-dollars-and-coins-on-a-white-background-pv.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/farm-budget-management-for-smarter-farming) According to [Google](https://www.google.com/search?q=current+population+of+the+us&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8) the U.S. is home to some 319 million people, and as our population is growing, so are the demands on the world of agriculture and farming. Farmers are looking for ways to improve conditions for their animals, increase their profits, and improve their farming systems. And many farmers are deploying systems to make their farms "smarter" too. "One way to address these issues and increase the quality and quantity of agricultural production is using sensing technology to make farms more “intelligent” and more connected through the so-called “precision agriculture” also known as smart farming," [Forbes](http://www.forbes.com/sites/federicoguerrini/2015/02/18/the-future-of-agriculture-smart-farming/). [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/farm-budget-management-for-smarter-farming) Topics: [Budget](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/budget) ## [The Top 5 Mistakes Found In Outdoor Horse Arena Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/the-top-5-mistakes-found-in-outdoor-horse-arena-footing) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Apr 14, 2015 12:00:00 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-2073486752-png/Fieldstone_email.png) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/the-top-5-mistakes-found-in-outdoor-horse-arena-footing) If you are thinking of building an equestrian arena, here are the top 5 missteps to avoid in the construction of outdoor [horse arena footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/ggt-footing-dressage-blend): [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/the-top-5-mistakes-found-in-outdoor-horse-arena-footing) Topics: [Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/footing), [GGT Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/ggt-footing) ## [Dealing With Hysterical Personalities in the Ring](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/dealing-with-hysterical-personalities-in-the-ring) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Apr 1, 2015 2:43:10 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-1517460591-jpg/prevent_drainage_problems_in_equestrian_arena.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/dealing-with-hysterical-personalities-in-the-ring) Several years ago, I was participating in a horseback riding lesson.  All was going well, I had my mother watching me and my riding instructor was telling me that I was improving.  When suddenly, a gust of wind spooked my horse, which sent me flying off his back.  A little dazed, I stood up and encountered my mother hysterically screaming.  It seemed like she couldn't get through the fence fast enough to get to me.  I tried saying that I was fine, but she kept screaming.  I looked over to my left and noticed that my horse was still freaking out and my instructor was desperately trying to calm him down.  My instructor began yelling at my mother to be quiet, but this only made her angry and more upset. [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/dealing-with-hysterical-personalities-in-the-ring) ## [Equestrian Footing and Horse Lameness](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/equestrian-footing-and-horse-lameness) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Mar 26, 2015 11:53:01 AM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-2073486752-png/Fieldstone_email.png) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/equestrian-footing-and-horse-lameness) The type of footing a horse is worked on is a major contributing factor to whether the horse will stay sound. One [study](http://www.thehorse.com/articles/26406/study-arena-footing-can-increase-risk-of-injury) of dressage horses found that the evenness of the surface was vitally important in preventing injuries. Wood chips were the most dangerous because they could never be turned into a completely even surface. Pure coarse sand was also dangerous because it rapidly became an uneven surface as horses worked on it.  [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/equestrian-footing-and-horse-lameness) Topics: [Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/footing), [Lameness](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/lameness) ## [Designing Horse Stalls](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/designing-horse-stalls) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Mar 18, 2015 12:00:00 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-503278466-jpg/equine_couture.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/designing-horse-stalls) Horse stalls are the most effective way to keep your horse out of the harsh weather.  They offer protection and warmth for your equine companion.  However, horses are not necessarily meant to stay cooped up in a barn all day, so how can you maximize your resources in order to give your horse the protection he needs while giving him the freedom he deserves? [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/designing-horse-stalls) Topics: [GGT Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/ggt-footing), [GGT Stall-EZ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/ggt-stall-ez), [Horse Stalls](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/horse-stalls) ## [The Best Arena Footing for the Barefoot Horse](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/the-best-arena-footing-for-the-barefoot-horse) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Mar 13, 2015 11:49:32 AM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-2611522408-jpg/BarefootHorse.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/the-best-arena-footing-for-the-barefoot-horse) More and more people are reconsidering the use of metal, nailed-on horse shoes. The health benefits to the horse of going barefoot are becoming more widely known. As barefoot trimmers become more readily available and commercial hoof boots continue to improve, the barefoot option looks more attractive each day.  [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/the-best-arena-footing-for-the-barefoot-horse) Topics: [Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/footing), [GGT Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/ggt-footing) ## [A Look at Top University Equestrian Arenas](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/a-look-at-top-university-equestrian-arenas) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Mar 11, 2015 12:48:17 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-1222686000-jpg/Becker_College.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/a-look-at-top-university-equestrian-arenas) Equestrian/Equine Studies are offered at many colleges and universities around the nation. The curriculums are similar and most programs support a competitive equestrian riding team. Each university stands proud of their equine program not only for the academic value but the learning and training facility they offer their students and the riding program where teams compete in many regional and national horse shows sponsored by The Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) and The Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). Many universities use boarding and training facilities out in their communities while others have acquired or built their own equine centers on campus or in close proximity. [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/a-look-at-top-university-equestrian-arenas) Topics: [College Equestrian](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/college-equestrian) ## [4 Reasons Indoor Riding Arenas are Ideal for Training Purposes](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/4-reasons-indoor-riding-arenas-are-ideal-for-training-purposes) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Mar 6, 2015 12:26:06 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-660172486-jpg/equestrian_arena_lighting.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/4-reasons-indoor-riding-arenas-are-ideal-for-training-purposes) An [indoor riding arena](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/) has probably been on every horse owner's wish list at some time (especially this winter!), but trainers might benefit from them most of all, for four reasons:   - An indoor arena provides a "controlled environment" for lessons; - An indoor arena completely eliminates outside distractions; - An indoor arena provides superior footing, thereby decreasing the risk of horse and rider injuries; - Indoor arenas modification allows pupils to gain more even benefit from their lessons. When dealing with horses, the benefits of a controlled environment cannot be overstated. Having an area where weather (whether rainy, cold or overly hot) will not interfere with riding is of immense benefit, especially for trainers, who may work with multiple pupils each day. [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/4-reasons-indoor-riding-arenas-are-ideal-for-training-purposes) Topics: [GGT Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/ggt-footing), [indoor Riding Arena](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/indoor-riding-arena) [Previous](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/page/2) [All posts](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/all) [Next](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/page/4) [![GGT Stall-EZ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-2010909782-png/GGT_STALL_EZ_CTA.png?width=1024&name=GGT_STALL_EZ_CTA.png "GGT Stall-EZ")](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/ggt-stall-ez) ## [![Prevent Drainage Problems eBook](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-1740721836.jpg?width=533&name=file-1740721836.jpg "Prevent Drainage Problems eBook")](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/preventing-drainage-problems) ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Footing (34)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/footing) - [Arena Construction (29)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/arena-construction) - [GGT Footing (20)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/ggt-footing) - [College Equestrian (13)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/college-equestrian) - [Dressage (12)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/dressage) - [jumpers (6)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/jumpers) - [Lameness (5)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/lameness) - [Reducing Dust (5)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/reducing-dust) - [Drainage (4)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/drainage) - [GGT Stall-EZ (4)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/ggt-stall-ez) - [Health (4)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/health) - [Arena Lighting (3)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/arena-lighting) - [Horse Stalls (3)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/horse-stalls) - [Safety (3)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/safety) - [Travel (3)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/travel) - [indoor Riding Arena (3)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/indoor-riding-arena) - [Blanketing (2)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/blanketing) - [Budget (2)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/budget) - [Dragging (2)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/dragging) - [Fieldstone Show Park (2)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/fieldstone-show-park) - [Horses (2)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/horses) - [Hydration (2)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/hydration) - [Maintenance (2)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/maintenance) - [Nutrition (2)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/nutrition) - [Sand Selection (2)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/sand-selection) - [Arena Design (1)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/arena-design) - [Hunt Seat (1)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/hunt-seat) - [Prep Schools (1)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/prep-schools) - [Round-Pen Arena (1)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/round-pen-arena) - [Rubber Pavers (1)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/rubber-pavers) - [Technology (1)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/technology) - [hygiene (1)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/hygiene) - [laser grading (1)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/laser-grading) - [saddle (1)](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/saddle) [see all](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/page/3#) ## About [Our Story](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/about-us) [FAQs](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/frequently-asked-questions) [Our Work](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/our-work) ## Free Resources [East-West Blog](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog) [eBook: Intro to Arena Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/arena-footing) eBook: Buyer's Guide to Arena Footing (new!) 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