--- title: East-West Arena Construction Blog | Footing description: Footing | 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. --- [![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 ## [Horse Lameness: Factors to Consider ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/horse-lameness-factors-to-consider) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Jul 13, 2015 1:00:00 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-942147673-jpg/how_to_keep_dust_down_in_arena.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/horse-lameness-factors-to-consider) [Horse lameness](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/) is probably one of the most frustrating things one faces as an equine owner. Nearly every horse will at some point or another go lame, and it can often be frustrating to figure out why. In the world of lameness, a few ounces of prevention can be worth several pounds of cure. Here are a few factors to consider when trying to prevent lameness in your equine partner. [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/horse-lameness-factors-to-consider) Topics: [Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/footing), [Lameness](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/lameness) ## [The Importance of Good Arena Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/the-importance-of-good-arena-footing) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Jul 10, 2015 1:00:00 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-416837574-jpg/equest.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/the-importance-of-good-arena-footing) Are you installing a riding arena on your property? When it comes to arenas, there are many factors to consider. You’ll need to decide whether you want an indoor or outdoor area; decide on lighting; and of course, pick a size. One thing that will have a huge impact on your arena’s potential is the footing you choose. [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/the-importance-of-good-arena-footing) Topics: [Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/footing) ## [The Elements of the Equestrian Arena Footing ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/the-elements-of-the-equestrian-arena-footing) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Jul 8, 2015 1:00:00 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-1012967070-jpg/Dressage_Arena_Size.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/the-elements-of-the-equestrian-arena-footing) The [arena footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/) design and construction is critical to the success of the equestrian arena. The optimum riding surface must meet three conditions and include shear strength, minimal concussion and viscoelastic rebound. Horses experience a great deal of stress while performing at high levels and the right footing design will meet the demands of trainers and riders. The ideal arena footing deters injuries to the horse and helps boost performance. [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/the-elements-of-the-equestrian-arena-footing) Topics: [Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/footing), [GGT Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/ggt-footing) ## [Maintain Your Dressage Arena Like A Pro](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/maintain-your-dressage-arena-like-a-pro) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Jun 12, 2015 12:00:00 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-527152535-jpg/2.14_Blog_image.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/maintain-your-dressage-arena-like-a-pro) Dressage is a discipline of subtle movements and beauty. A [dressage arena](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/) should reflect the standards stable owners hold for themselves and for their riders. Equine professionals strive to maintain an arena that looks as professional as the way they ride. Here is how they do it. [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/maintain-your-dressage-arena-like-a-pro) Topics: [Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/footing), [Dressage](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/dressage) ## [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) ## [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) ## [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) ## [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) ## [Dealing with Personalities in the Ring Versus Developing Personalities in the Barn](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/dealing-with-personalities-in-the-ring-versus-developing-personalities-in-the-barn) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Mar 4, 2015 12:16:07 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-1055677851-jpg/Featured_Equestrian_college_unh.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/dealing-with-personalities-in-the-ring-versus-developing-personalities-in-the-barn) [Dealing with personalities in the ring](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/) has been a challenge for trainers and competitors alike since the dawn of horse shows, this is nothing new. After all, horses have distinct and individualized personalities just like their human handlers. Since a horse has no control over who owns him or where and under what conditions he lives, bonding between a horse and his owner isn't always a smooth process. Unfortunately, sometimes this animal-to-human bond never becomes firmly established.  [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/dealing-with-personalities-in-the-ring-versus-developing-personalities-in-the-barn) Topics: [Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/footing), [GGT Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/ggt-footing) ## [Horse Footing in the Arena](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/horse-footing-in-the-arena) Posted by [East-West Arena Construction](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/author/east-west-arena-construction) on Feb 20, 2015 3:32:37 PM [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/hs-fs/hub/310088/file-1332199977-jpg/dressage-arena-construction.jpg) ](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/horse-footing-in-the-arena) A horse's legs and feet are his life. How the floor takes the impact of hooves is very important for the horse's performance and his health and safety. The way the floor is built and the carpet of footing on the floor surface of primary importance when designing or maintaining an arena. [Read More](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/horse-footing-in-the-arena) Topics: [Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/footing), [GGT Footing](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/ggt-footing) [All posts](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/all) [Next](https://www.eastwest-construction.com/blog/topic/footing/page/2) [![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/topic/footing/page/1#) ## 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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