The success of your horse arena starts with the footing. Whether you’re building a new arena or upgrading an existing one, the footing you choose will impact the performance, safety, and longevity. It’s not just about having a surface to ride on—it’s about creating a safe and comfortable environment for both horse and rider.
Not every footing option works in every climate. The climate where your arena is located plays a big role in what you need. Dry, dusty climates, rainy areas, and freezing winters each require different solutions. On top of that, the unique demands of equestrian disciplines like dressage can make the choices feel overwhelming.
That’s where Performance Footing comes in. We offer a range of products designed to perform in any climate. Our durable, sustainable, and effective footing solutions allow you to focus on creating the perfect arena for your horses.
Check out our footing options here.
Why Footing is the Foundation of a Great Arena
Footing is the foundation. It affects every stride, jump, and turn. Choosing the right footing not only boosts performance but also keeps horses safe.
Shock Absorption for Joint Protection
Horses put strain on their joints and tendons during high-impact activities like jumping or galloping. Proper footing cushions each stride and reduces stress, helping prevent injuries.
Traction for Stability and Confidence
Slips and falls can happen when the footing surface is unstable or uneven. These accidents can cause horses to feel less confident in their performance. Horses need stable footing to feel confident when performing, whether they’re turning, jumping, or moving at speed.
Consistency for Optimal Riding Conditions
Uneven footing disrupts rhythm and focus. A consistent surface supports smooth and reliable movement, no matter the part of the arena.
Durability and Low Maintenance
High-quality footing lasts longer and saves money. Cheap and low-quality materials wear down quickly, leading to uneven surfaces, dust problems, or mud after rain. This leads to costly repairs down the road. Investing in quality footing reduces long-term maintenance and keeps your arena safe.
In short, the right footing is the foundation of a safe, high-performing, and cost-effective arena. By addressing these critical needs, you set your arena up for long-term success. Footing is the foundation for a great arena, but how do you know which is the best option?
Key Considerations When Choosing Arena Footing
Choosing footing requires planning. The right footing depends on how you use your arena, where it’s located, and how much time and money you want to spend on maintenance.
Purpose of Your Arena
The type of riding and training activities your arena supports will heavily influence your choice of footing:
- Dressage Arenas: Footing should offer reliable traction and cushioning to support precise movements and protect against joint strain.
- Jumping Arenas: Shock absorption is needed for soft landings and stability to ensure safe take-offs and turns.
- Multipurpose Arenas: Balanced footing to handle every discipline.
Climate-Specific Needs
Climate plays a huge role in footing performance:
- Dry Climates: Dust control and moisture retention are needed to maintain air and surface quality.
- Rainy Climates: Footing must have good drainage and prevent mud from building up.
- Cold Climates: Flexibility and impact absorption are key to avoiding frozen, unsafe surfaces.
Choosing footing based on climate conditions ensures reliable performance regardless of the weather.
Durability
High-quality footing materials are well worth the investment. Reduced maintenance and extended lifespan are just some of the many advantages. Other materials often wear down quickly, leading to uneven surfaces, higher repair costs, and frequent replacements.
Safety and Comfort
Quality footing can enhance performance, but more importantly, it helps keep your horses safe. Materials that absorb impact protect their joints, while good traction reduces the risk of slips.
Easy Maintenance
Even the best footing needs regular maintenance. Tools like arena drags help keep an even surface for improved traction and cushioning. A regular maintenance routine will extend the life of your footing.
Performance Footing Products for Any Climate
At Performance Footing, we know the types and challenges arena owners face. That’s why we offer a range of footing solutions designed to perform in any climate all while considering the durability, safety, and maintenance needs.
FoamFooting™
- Overview: FoamFooting™ is a sustainable solution that retains moisture, reduces dust, and provides excellent shock absorption. Perfect for dry climates, this footing minimizes watering needs and creates a softer surface to protect horses’ joints.
- Benefits:
- Moisture retention reduces dust and conserves water.
- Softens hoof impact for improved joint protection.
- Hypoallergenic and odor-free for enhanced comfort.
- Ideal For: Arid, dusty environments where air quality and moisture management are critical.
- Learn More About FoamFooting™
Levitare
- Overview: Levitare blends natural rubber, elastomers, and high-quality fabrics to create a footing that excels in wet, humid conditions. With superior drainage and stability, it’s designed to handle the challenges of rainy climates.
- Benefits:
- Excellent drainage prevents waterlogging and instability.
- Durable materials resist wear and tear from frequent use.
- Reduces dust while maintaining a soft, stable surface.
- Ideal For: Rainy or humid environments where moisture management is key.
- Learn More About Levitare
EcoStride
- Overview: Crafted from bio-based, sustainable materials, EcoStride remains flexible and weather-resistant even in freezing climates. It offers consistent impact absorption and a safe surface for winter training.
- Benefits:
- Retains flexibility in freezing conditions.
- Absorbs impact to reduce strain on horses’ joints.
- Environmentally friendly and 100% neoprene-free.
- Ideal For: Cold climates where frozen footing poses a risk to safety and performance.
- Learn More About EcoStride
These are some of the fantastic footing options available at Performance Footing, but what are some ways you can make your arena footing even better?
Practical Tips for Arena Owners
Start with a Strong Base
A geocell base is the backbone of a durable arena. A geocell base improves drainage and prevents water pooling, reducing erosion and uneven spots. Without a solid arena base, even the best footing will struggle to perform over time.
Regular Maintenance is Key
Use tools like arena drags to maintain an even, consistent surface. Regular maintenance prevents compaction, preserves traction, and extends the life of your footing.
Plan for Long-Term Performance
Invest in high-quality footing that lasts. Durable footing like FoamFooting™, Levitare, and EcoStride saves money by reducing repairs and replacements over time.
Why Choose Performance Footing?
At Performance Footing, we specialize in footing solutions for every climate and arena purpose. Our products are:
- Climate-Specific: Designed to perform in dry, wet, or freezing conditions.
- Sustainable: Eco-friendly materials that reduce water usage and environmental impact.
- Proven: Trusted by equestrian professionals for their durability and performance.
The footing you choose is the cornerstone of your arena’s success. By matching your footing to the climate and specific needs, you create a safer, more durable, and cost-effective environment for horses and riders alike. Ready to upgrade your arena? Explore our range of footing solutions or contact us for expert advice. Let Performance Footing help you build an arena that’s designed to last.