East-West Arena Construction Blog

In many sports, being able to get good footing and traction can affect results. The quality of the field has an impact. Football players will wear different cleats if the field is grass or AstroTurf. Runners used to runon clay, cinder, dirt, sand or grass, which is easier on the body. More modern surfaces include a combination of asphalt and rubber, all-weather tracks which uses latex or rubber surfaces, and polyurethane, all with different effects requiring different equipment.

Choosing sand for your riding arena footing is an important step that goes beyond aesthetics. Riding arena footing must provide the proper stability, support and cushioning for the equine athletes traversing it daily, while at the same time, providing adequate drainage to prevent the arena from turning into a muddy swamp. Sand, a time-tested footing, offers both traction and drainage for a riding arena. When mixed with fiber-based footing materials such as GGT, it offers the best combination for durable, effective footing.

A number of factors come into play when planning an arena surface, including material availability, budget and arena use. The basic need is for an arena surface that is cushioned to reduce harm to horse legs, yet at the same time, the floor needs to be firm enough to allow for traction and reduce chances of unintended sliding. 

If you're considering building or improving an existing jumping arena, it's important to choose high-quality footing that provides both traction and impact resistance.  The sport of show jumping poses several challenges for athletes. Good footing for jumping arenas must take into account the bio-mechanics of the sport yet provide a surface that's easy to groom and maintain, especially in professional arenas and training facilities that see plenty of use. Fortunately, newer products on the market offer horses and riders greater comfort while offering farm and facilities managers less work.