When it comes to equestrian arena footing, it seems like there are endless options on the market. So, how can you be sure that you’re picking the best riding arena footing for your needs?
Today we’re taking a look at the pros and cons of rubber mulch horse arena footing. This material is well-known for its ability to provide extra support for your animals, as well as being environmentally friendly and low-maintenance.
Here’s what you need to know…
What Is Rubber Footing?
Rubber footing, also known as rubber mulch, is a popular gardening and landscaping material that can be used as a filler for equestrian arena footing grids.
Made from 100% recycled rubber, sometimes including recycled tires, these rubber chips are considered an eco-friendly alternative to other heavy metals, which can pose a health risk to livestock and riders alike.
When being created, rubber mulch is finely shredded into chip-like pieces. This makes it easy to spread across riding arenas, paddocks, and other places where you need high-quality footing.
Rubber Mulch FAQs:
“Is rubber mulch safe for horses?”
Yes! In fact, many owners report that rubber chips actually help their horses perform better over the long term. That’s because the extra cushion provided by the recycled rubber is gentle on their joints, allowing them to trot comfortably for extended periods of time without the risk of injury.
“What is crumb rubber? And are there any alternatives?”
Crumb rubber refers to the materials used to create rubber mulch. In most cases, this includes recycled tires and other automotive scraps. Alternatively, you can also choose to use FoamFooting. FoamFooting comes with many of the same benefits as rubber mulch, but with moisture absorption that makes it easy to maintain a safe riding environment.
“How is rubber mulch shipped?”
Just like with organic mulches like wood chips and wood mulch, you can purchase rubber mulch in bulk. These bags of mulch can be shipped directly to your arena, allowing you to order as much or as little footing material as you need.
“Can it reduce watering or dust?”
One of the main benefits of using rubber footing is that it can greatly reduce how often you need to water your arena. That’s because the dense rubber chips prevent moisture from escaping, so you can cut back on your maintenance needs.
Plus, rubber mulch is also effective at reducing dust. This helps create a safe space for your animals, since excessive amounts of dust in the air can lead to serious respiratory side effects.
Pros And Cons Of Rubber Mulch
Of course, rubber footing does come with its fair share of drawbacks. And despite having many beneficial properties, there are some cons to using rubber mulch horse arena footing that you should know about.
Pros of Rubber Footing:
- Provides extra support and comfort for hardworking horses
- Doesn’t overheat in warm temperatures
- Won’t break down overtime
- Prevents weeds and fungus from growing on your footing
- Effective at reducing dust and watering needs
- Low-maintenance and cost-effective
Cons of Rubber Footing:
- Does not provide organic material for the top layer of soil
- May contain chemicals that are harmful to plants
- Less effective at absorbing moisture than FoamFooting
- May need to be replaced periodically
Where To Find High-Quality Equestrian Arena Footing
As a team of passionate equestrian business owners, Performance Footing knows that using the right arena footing material can have a drastic impact on your horses.
That’s why we provide industry-leading footing solutions, including innovative FoamFooting, which has been specially designed to give you all the benefits of using rubber mulch, delivered in a customizable package.
If you have questions about mulch costs, maintenance requirements, or anything in between, we’re here to help.
Learn more about how our materials can upgrade your operation today.
