365 Days in Horse Country – Arena Footing
It’s not something many horse people think about, but it’s
an important part of your horse’s environment: the footing, that is, the dirt
under your horse’s feet in your arena.
Whether you have your own riding ring or are using a boarding stable facility or community arena, it’s important to take note of the footing. If the arena where you ride has good footing, your horse’s legs will be healthier for it. The footing will also encourage your horse to move forward with energy, something you want her to do when you ride.
When planning an arena, always consider the footing. High ground that drains well is imperative if you don’t want to be sloshing around in puddles for days after a rainstorm. The arena should also be level so you aren’t going uphill and downhill when you ride. A 2 degree grade is all you should have, and that’s just to encourage drainage.
The base material should be something that provides cushion to the horses and keeps rocks from coming to the surface. A lot of stables us decomposed granite. The top layer can be a mixture of surfaces. Sand is a great choice because it doesn’t turn into mud when it gets wet.
If the footing is too hard, it is tough on the horse’s joints. Footing that is too deep, on the other hand, puts horses at risk for strains and other injuries. Footings that become muddy or slippery are also a hazard to the horse’s well-being. Dusty footing can cause respiratory irritation for both horse and rider. Footing should also be consistent throughout the arena. Arenas that have deep dirt in some areas and hard dirt in others are tough on the horse’s legs.
If you have control over the footing in the arena where you ride, do some research and find out how to get the best footings possible for your horse. The expense will pay off in the long run in the form of fewer veterinary bills.
Michael