Footing for equine arenas and round pens is important to any horses, but maybe especially important if you are working senior equids on the surface. The footing needs to provide a surface that absorbs shock but isn’t too deep, too hard, or requires a lot of daily maintenance.

The reality is, footing doesn’t last forever. Many arena footing experts will suggest you change the footing in your arena every two to 10 years. That’s about the time the sand breaks down and becomes dust.

What Makes Good Footing?

So, what makes good footing? The answer isn’t simple. It depends on where you’re located, how much use your arena/pens get, the type of riding they will be used for, how you plan on maintaining them, and user preference. 

Ideal footing is soft enough to absorb the shock and impact of a hoof, but firm enough to support the hoof without overextending the heel or causing toe damage.

The footing should drain well, with an approximate one percent slope in the base material. The base should be a flat and contain well-compacted aggregate no larger than one-quarter inch, as larger stones can bruise a hoof. The top layer should be four to six inches deep and should retain enough moisture to not be dusty.

Materials and Maintenance

There are many materials you can add to your footing. All of them do different things. The list includes sand, rubber, wood, leather, fabric, fibers, felt, synthetics, stone dust, peat moss, wax, wax coated sands, oils, salts, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride.

We have noticed that a combination of materials tends to serve our clients best. For instance, sand with rubber and a small amount of magnesium chloride work well in frosty winter climates.

Whatever mixture you select, you’ll want to make sure you maintain it properly. Surfaces will need to be dragged regularly, depending on use, and watered regularly, depending on climate. 

Regular maintenance on your footing will help it look and function well for years to come! 

You can learn more about Animal Arts by visiting their website  https://www.animalarts.com/

Further Reading

  • Heather Lewis, AIA, NCARB, AAA, joined Animal Arts architectural firm more than 20 years ago and is now a principal in the company. She has designed numerous award-winning veterinary hospitals, animal shelters, and assistant dog facility projects. She is a member of the Fear Free advisory board.
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