The quality of your horse arena footing can significantly impact performance, horse safety, and rider experience. Arena footing is more than just the surface beneath your horse’s hooves—it’s a critical factor in ensuring long-term health and success across various disciplines, from dressage to jumping and beyond. It can lengthen training sessions, reduce maintenance time, and keep you on your horse longer rather than on the ground.

Each discipline places unique demands on a horse’s movement and body, and tailoring the footing to meet these needs can enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury. This guide will walk you through the essentials of customizing outdoor arena footing for different disciplines and explore some of the top footing solutions available today.

Why Good Arena Footing Matters

Horse arenas are high-traffic areas where the quality of footing directly affects training effectiveness and safety. The right footing should provide the ideal balance of cushioning and traction, absorption of shock, and ensuring consistent performance in varying weather conditions. A poorly maintained or inappropriate footing can cause uneven movement, discomfort for the horse, and an increased risk of injury over time.

General Key Factors to Consider in Arena Footing:

  • Cushioning: Softness and shock absorption are essential to reduce the impact on a horse’s joints and muscles, particularly in high-impact disciplines like jumping or in FEI level dressage as your horses are carrying themselves more.
  • Traction: Ensuring the horse has enough grip prevents slips and falls, especially in sports that require sharp turns or quick changes in direction.
  • Dust Control: Managing dust is critical not only for visibility but also for the respiratory health of both horses and riders. Poor dust control can lead to health issues and diminish the riding experience.
  • Drainage: Proper drainage prevents waterlogging and ensures a consistent surface across all weather conditions. This is particularly important for outdoor arenas that must endure the elements.
  • Maintenance: Footing that is low-maintenance reduces the time, effort, and costs involved in keeping the arena in top condition. However, different footing types require varying levels of upkeep.

Footing for Specific Disciplines

Each equestrian discipline has specific demands that should guide your footing choice. Let’s take a look at the key considerations for popular disciplines like dressage, jumping, and general-purpose arenas.

Dressage

Dressage requires a precise and level surface that allows the horse to move smoothly and execute detailed movements without interference. The key attributes of ideal dressage footing include:

Evenness:

A flat, uniform surface is crucial for dressage riders at all levels. For professionals, an even surface allows for the precise execution of advanced movements such as pirouettes, half-passes, and piaffes. These intricate maneuvers require the horse to maintain perfect balance and poise, which is only possible on a consistent surface. For beginners, an even footing helps build confidence and allows for the development of a correct seat and aids.

The depth of the footing should be uniform across the entire arena. This consistency ensures that horses remain sure-footed and confident with every stride, whether they’re performing an extended trot down the long side or a collected canter in a 10-meter circle. An uneven surface can cause horses to become tense or lose balance, compromising the quality of their gaits and movements.

Professional riders should look for footing that maintains its evenness even after heavy use, as they often train multiple horses daily. Beginners should prioritize evenness to help develop their feel for correct movement and to minimize the risk of trips or stumbles as they learn.

Cushioning:

While dressage doesn’t involve the high-impact landings associated with jumping, good cushioning in the arena footing is still essential. For professional riders, who often spend hours in the saddle daily, proper cushioning helps minimize the cumulative stress on their horses’ joints, tendons, and ligaments. This is particularly important during repetitive training sessions where movements are practiced multiple times.

Beginners should also prioritize cushioning, as it provides a more forgiving surface for horses that may not yet move with the efficiency and balance of a trained dressage mount. Good cushioning can help prevent early onset of joint issues in young or green horses.

Both groups should look for footing that provides shock absorption without being too deep or “cuppy.” The ideal cushioning allows the horse to move freely and confidently while still offering support and reducing concussion.

Traction:

Adequate traction is a critical factor in dressage footing for both professionals and beginners. For advanced riders performing lateral movements like half-passes or shoulder-in, or executing tight turns such as pirouettes, proper traction ensures the horse can push off effectively without slipping. This is crucial for maintaining the rhythm and impulsion required in higher-level dressage tests.

Beginners benefit from good traction as it helps build their confidence and their horse’s trust in the footing. As novice riders learn to ask for more engagement and collection, reliable traction allows the horse to respond without fear of slipping or losing balance.

However, it’s important to strike a balance – too much traction can cause excessive stress on the horse’s legs and joints, while too little can lead to slipping and loss of confidence. Professional riders might prefer slightly less traction to allow for easier sliding in movements like the piaffe, while beginners might opt for slightly more traction for added security.

Both groups should consider how the traction of their chosen footing performs in various weather conditions, especially for outdoor arenas. Some footings may become slippery when wet or too grippy when dry, so it’s important to choose a material that maintains consistent traction across different environments.

Footing Options for Dressage

When it comes to enhancing your dressage arena, Levitare and FoamFooting™ stand out as premier footing additives. Levitare offers exceptional cushioning and stability, reducing the impact on your horse’s joints while maintaining the ideal level of traction for precise movements. FoamFooting™ excels in shock absorption and dust control, creating a comfortable and clean environment for both horse and rider during extended training sessions.

For those seeking a comprehensive footing solution, ArenaGreen™ is an excellent choice. This complete footing system provides a consistent, dust-free surface that can be installed directly onto your arena base. ArenaGreen™ combines the benefits of cushioning and stability, ensuring your horse’s joints are protected without sacrificing the firm footing necessary for dressage performance. Its low-maintenance properties make it an attractive option for riders looking for a reliable, all-in-one arena surface.

Eventing and Hunter/Jumpers

Let me tell you about the footing challenges we face in our hunter/jumper world. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked a course, feeling that mix of excitement and nerves, all while eyeing the footing beneath my boots.

You know how it is – we’re asking our horses to fly over fences, land with grace, and turn on a dime. It’s a tall order! In my years of riding hunters, I’ve learned to appreciate a surface that lets my horse cruise between fences like he’s floating on air. There’s nothing like the feeling of a perfect, quiet landing that sets you up for the next fence. And don’t get me started on jumpers! When I’m racing against the clock in a jump-off, I need to trust that my horse can dig in for those tight turns without slipping. It’s a heart-pounding balancing act – we need cushion for those hard landings, but enough firmness to push off powerfully. After a long day of riding multiple horses, I’ve really come to appreciate footing that holds up, no matter how many hooves have pounded across it. Below are some things to look for in footing:

Shock Absorption:

For hunter/jumper disciplines, exceptional shock absorption in arena footing is paramount. The repeated impact of landing from jumps puts significant stress on a horse’s legs, joints, and overall musculoskeletal system. Professional riders, who often train multiple horses daily over higher fences, require footing that can consistently absorb the force of these landings to prevent long-term wear and tear on their horses.

For professionals, the ideal footing should provide enough give to cushion the impact without compromising stability. It should allow horses to land softly after a jump while still providing a firm enough base for a powerful push-off into the next stride or jump. This balance is crucial for maintaining the horse’s confidence and preventing fatigue during lengthy training sessions or multiple rounds in competition.

Amateur and beginner riders also benefit greatly from shock-absorptive footing. As less experienced horses and riders are more likely to have awkward landings or misjudge distances, having a forgiving surface can help prevent injuries and build confidence. Good shock absorption can also help compensate for a rider’s less refined balance and timing, reducing the impact on the horse even if the rider is not yet adept at absorbing the motion of landing.

Both groups should look for footing materials or additives that maintain their shock-absorptive properties in various weather conditions and with frequent use. Some advanced footing systems incorporate materials like rubber or specialized fibers to enhance shock absorption while maintaining the necessary stability for jumping.

Traction:

Proper traction is critical in hunter/jumper arenas to ensure horses can approach, take off, and land from jumps with confidence. For professional riders, who often navigate complex courses at high speeds, the footing must provide enough grip for tight turns and sudden changes of direction without causing excessive strain on the horse’s legs.

The ideal footing allows horses to dig in slightly for a powerful push-off when approaching a jump, but not so much that it causes fatigue or puts undue stress on tendons and ligaments. Professional riders might prefer footing that allows for a bit of slide on landing, which can help absorb some of the impact and allow for smoother transitions between jumps.

For amateur and beginner riders, consistent traction is crucial for building confidence. As they develop their skills, riders need to trust that their horses can maintain secure footing through various approaches and landing scenarios. This is particularly important when learning to ride lines between jumps or practicing more technical aspects like rollbacks.

Both groups should consider how the footing’s traction performs in wet conditions, as outdoor arenas can be affected by rain. Some footings may become slippery when wet, while others might become too sticky, so it’s important to choose materials that maintain consistent traction across different weather scenarios.

Durability:

Hunter/jumper arenas endure intense and frequent use, making the durability of footing a top priority. Professional facilities might see dozens of horses schooling or competing over jumps each day, with the areas around jump landings and take-offs experiencing particularly high stress.

For professional arenas, the footing must be able to withstand this repeated impact without breaking down or becoming uneven. It should resist compaction and maintain its shock-absorptive and traction properties even after heavy use. Many professional facilities invest in advanced footing systems that incorporate stabilizing materials or specialized maintenance routines to ensure longevity.

Amateur and training facilities also benefit from durable footing, as it reduces the frequency of major renovations or replacements. Durable footing that retains its properties helps maintain consistent riding conditions, which is crucial for the progressive training of both horses and riders.

Both professional and amateur arenas should consider footing options that are resistant to erosion, especially in outdoor settings. The ability to withstand various weather conditions without washing away or becoming too deep is essential for maintaining a safe and effective jumping surface.

Additionally, the durability of footing often correlates with its ease of maintenance. Professional arenas might have dedicated staff for daily grooming, while amateur facilities might rely on less frequent maintenance. Choosing footing that remains stable and effective with the available level of maintenance is crucial for both groups.

Footing Options For Hunter/Jumper Barns

For jumping arenas, riders have several high-performance options to consider, with Noviun™ Fiber, Levitare, and EcoStride standing out as top choices for different reasons.

Noviun™ Fiber is an innovative blend of organic fiber and natural elastomers that excels in providing a stable and safe jumping surface. Its unique composition offers excellent shock absorption, which is crucial for reducing the risk of injury during the high-impact landings common in show jumping. The natural stability it provides allows horses to push off confidently when approaching jumps, while its water retention properties help maintain consistency in the footing — a key consideration for both horse and rider health.

Levitare, drawing inspiration from Nike’s advanced sports technology, brings cutting-edge performance to equestrian arenas. It offers an optimal balance of cushioning and traction, which is essential for the quick turns and powerful take-offs in jumping courses. What sets Levitare apart is its use of bio-based materials, ensuring sustainability without compromising on performance. This makes it an excellent choice for facilities looking to combine top-tier performance with environmental responsibility.

EcoStride joins Levitare in the category of 100% bio-based additives, offering another sustainable option for environmentally conscious riders and facilities. Like Levitare, EcoStride is designed to enhance the performance and safety of jumping arenas while minimizing environmental impact. Its plant-based composition provides excellent shock absorption to protect horses’ joints during repetitive jumping, while also offering the necessary stability for precise movements and landings. EcoStride’s natural properties help maintain consistent moisture levels in the footing, reducing dust and the need for excessive watering.

All three options – Noviun™ Fiber, Levitare, and EcoStride – address the critical needs of jumping arenas: safety, performance, and durability. They each provide excellent shock absorption to protect horses from the repeated impact of jumps, crucial for both immediate performance and long-term soundness. The traction they offer ensures that horses can approach jumps with confidence and execute tight turns without slipping.

The durability of these additives is particularly noteworthy for jumping arenas, which see intense and frequent use. Noviun™ Fiber’s organic composition, Levitare’s technologically advanced materials, and EcoStride’s plant-based formulation are all designed to withstand the rigors of jump training and competition, maintaining their performance characteristics even under heavy use.

Western Pleasure

 In my years of showing Western pleasure, I’ve come to appreciate a surface that lets my horse glide across the arena like he’s walking on clouds. There’s nothing like the feeling of a perfect, slow lope that showcases your horse’s natural grace and style. And don’t get me started on those extended gaits! When I’m asking for that long, flowing trot, I need to trust that my horse can stretch out without losing his footing. It’s all about finding that perfect balance – we need enough give for those slow, collected movements, but enough firmness to support those longer strides. After a long day of schooling multiple horses, I’ve really come to value footing that maintains its consistency, no matter how many sets of hooves have tracked across it. Below are some things to look for in Western pleasure footing:

Consistency:

For Western pleasure, consistent footing across the entire arena is crucial. The discipline demands smooth, controlled gaits, and any variation in the surface can disrupt the horse’s rhythm and cadence. Professional riders, who often train multiple horses daily, require footing that maintains its properties throughout long training sessions.

For professionals, the ideal footing should provide a uniform surface that allows horses to maintain their gait without having to adjust to different levels of firmness or depth. This consistency is essential for developing and showcasing the slow, collected movements that are the hallmark of Western pleasure.

Amateur and beginner riders also greatly benefit from consistent footing. As they work on developing their feel for the right pace and collection, having a reliable surface helps build confidence in both horse and rider. Consistent footing allows riders to focus on their equitation and cueing without worrying about sudden changes in the ground beneath them.

Both groups should look for footing materials or additives that maintain their properties evenly across the arena and hold up well to frequent use. Some advanced footing systems use specialized materials to ensure consistency in depth and firmness, which is crucial for the precise gaits required in Western pleasure.

Dust Control:

Effective dust control is a critical factor in Western pleasure arenas. The discipline often involves long training sessions and classes where horses and riders spend extended periods in the arena. For professional riders, who may spend hours each day schooling multiple horses, a dust-free environment is essential for the respiratory health of both humans and equines.

The ideal footing should suppress dust without becoming overly damp or slippery. It should maintain its dust-control properties even during intense use and in dry conditions. Professional riders might prefer footing systems that incorporate moisture-retaining materials or dust-suppressing additives to ensure a clean and healthy riding environment.

For amateur and beginner riders, good dust control contributes to a more enjoyable and comfortable riding experience. It allows riders to focus on their form and their horse’s performance without the distraction of dust clouds or concerns about respiratory issues.

Both groups should consider how the footing’s dust control performs in various weather conditions, especially in outdoor arenas subject to wind and sun exposure. Some footings may require more frequent watering or treatment to maintain dust suppression, so it’s important to choose materials that align with the available maintenance resources.

Firmness with Cushion:

Western pleasure requires a unique balance of firmness and cushion in arena footing. The discipline demands slow, collected gaits that require a firm enough surface for the horse to push off and maintain its pace, but with enough give to support joint health during long rides.

For professional riders, the footing should provide enough firmness to support the horse’s movements without causing fatigue, while also offering sufficient cushion to protect against the repetitive stress of collected gaits. This balance is crucial for maintaining the horse’s soundness during intensive training and showing schedules.

Amateur and beginner riders benefit from footing that offers this balance as well. A surface with the right mix of firmness and cushion helps horses maintain their gait more easily, which can be especially helpful as riders develop their skills in achieving and maintaining the proper pace and collection.

Both groups should look for footing options that provide stability without being unyielding. Many modern footing systems use a combination of materials to achieve this balance, often incorporating elements that provide both support and shock absorption. The ability to fine-tune this balance through proper maintenance and grooming is also an important consideration for Western pleasure arenas.

Footing Options For Western Pleasure

Levitare is a game-changer in the arena footing world. It’s a bio-based additive that’s been turning heads in all disciplines, and it’s got a lot to offer us Western pleasure folks. What I love about Levitare is how it gives that perfect balance of firmness and cushion we’re always chasing. It helps create a surface that lets our horses move with confidence at those slow, collected gaits, but still offers enough give to keep them comfortable during long riding sessions. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly, which is always a bonus in my book.

Now, let’s talk about EquiFiber. This stuff is great for adding some structure to your arena. It’s a synthetic fiber that mixes in with your existing footing to improve stability and reduce compaction. For Western pleasure, that means a more consistent surface that holds up well, even when you’re working multiple horses or hosting a show. I’ve found it really helps maintain that ideal footing depth we need for those smooth, floating gaits.

DustHalt is another product that’s been making waves, especially for those of us dealing with dusty conditions. As you know, dust is the enemy in Western pleasure – it’s not just uncomfortable, it can affect our horses’ breathing and overall performance. DustHalt is a liquid additive that binds with the arena surface to keep dust down. It’s been a real lifesaver during those dry summer months when dust can be a major issue.

Last but not least, there’s Noviun. This is an organic fiber additive that’s blended with natural elastomers. What sets Noviun apart is its excellent shock absorption properties combined with natural stability. For Western pleasure, this translates to a surface that’s gentle on our horses’ joints during those long, slow gaits, but still provides the stability needed for crisp transitions and extended movements. It also helps retain moisture, which is great for dust control and maintaining consistency in the footing.

Each of these options brings something unique to the table, and the best choice often depends on your specific needs, climate, and existing arena base. Some folks even combine two or more of these products to create a custom blend that’s perfect for their situation. Whatever you choose, investing in quality footing is one of the best things you can do for your Western pleasure horse – it’ll pay off in better performance, happier horses, and more enjoyable riding for years to come.

Conclusion

Whether you’re executing a perfect piaffe in the dressage ring, navigating a challenging cross-country course, or showcasing a smooth jog in Western pleasure, the right footing is crucial to your success and your horse’s well-being. Each discipline has its unique demands, but they all share the need for safe, consistent, and performance-enhancing surfaces.

For dressage riders, the ideal footing provides the perfect stage for precision and elegance, offering stability for collected movements and enough give for expressive gaits. Eventers require versatile footing that can withstand the rigors of jumping while providing the necessary traction and shock absorption for varied movements. Western pleasure enthusiasts need a surface that supports those slow, collected gaits while maintaining consistency and dust control.

No matter your riding style, investing in quality arena footing is one of the most important decisions you can make for your equine partner. It’s not just about performance – it’s about long-term soundness, confidence, and enjoyment for both horse and rider.

With options like Levitare, EquiFiber, DustHalt, and Noviun, today’s horse owners have access to innovative solutions that can be tailored to their specific needs. However, choosing the right footing can be a complex decision, influenced by factors such as your discipline, climate, budget, and maintenance capabilities.

That’s where the expertise of Performance Footing comes in. Their experienced arena guides understand the nuances of different riding disciplines and can help you navigate the world of arena footing options. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your unique situation, ensuring you get a surface that will serve you and your horses well for years to come.

Don’t leave your arena footing to chance. Reach out to the knowledgeable team at Performance Footing today. Their guidance can help you create the optimal riding surface, allowing you and your horse to perform at your best, stay sound, and enjoy your time in the saddle. Your perfect arena is just a conversation away!