An indoor horse arena has a lot of needs to meet. Is the arena large enough for a variety of events, or is it sized specifically for smaller shows? Is there adequate seating for spectators, and will there be enough space for horses and trainers on the premises? Will it be used year round, or simply during seasonal events?
While all of these concerns are valid, they're putting the cart before the horse, so to speak. One of the first concerns you should address is your indoor horse arena footing. It might be the last thing to go in, but it should be close to the top of your list.
Why is Arena Footing So Important?
Indoor horse arena footing affects everything, from the horse's performance to the crowd's enjoyment. Silica-based footing can produce dust which is both irritating to the lungs, and which can make vision problematic. Hard clay can cause injuries to horses, while sand can lead to a lack of traction.
The arena footing you use affects everyone, from the horses who will be using it, to the attendees in the back row.
What Qualities Should Indoor Horse Arena Footing Have?
Indoor horse arena footing needs to meet certain requirements. These include:
- Support: Arena footing should be firm and supportive in order to avoid causing injury to horses. Hard-packed footing makes injury more likely.
- Dust: While some dust is unavoidable it's important for your indoor footing to put up as little dust as possible. Natural footing that's mixed with cloth fibers will help keep dust down, for example.
- Longevity: Your arena footing will need to be changed with some regularity. How often you need to change it depends on how long it should last. Keep long-term costs in mind and see what will be best for the amount your arena will be used, and how often you intend to change the footing.
These are the basic qualities you need to review when choosing your arena footing. For expert advice on which footing will be best for your arena simply contact us today to talk to one of our professional staff members.
