Comfort and Safety: Arena Footing for Equestrian Jumpers

I’ve written about one my key responsibilities at Starfire Farm, which is raking the indoor arena. Personally, I believe the activity has a zen garden affect, albeit with hydraulic lift and diesel exhaust in the air. I do this every day, primarily, so riders and equine have stable safe footing for their jumps, but also because arena grooming can extend the life of its footing by years. This relatively simple task can save an equestrian operation thousands and thousands of dollars over the course of a decade or more.

As the horses canter, material is dispersed outwards and collects along the arena walls. It doesn’t take long for the footing to settle and begin to pack. When this happens, the footing is not where it is needed most; the jump off and landing areas.

Raking the arena floor keeps organic and natural materials blended with the footing additive, and prevents them from separating and packing along the arena perimeter.

The additive we use is German Geo Textile (GGT) jumping blend, which has an increased fiber content (30% fiber / 70% geo). It provides the comfort and safety that our trainers and riders expect for both, indoor and outdoor arena jumps.

This particular product has all the benefits of a dressage blend, but provides increased impact resistance and support for the jump off and landing areas (GGT, 2020).

Regardless of the size of your training facility, a footing additive should be considered. There are initial costs, and at close to a dollar per square foot, the size of your arena will determine that cost. In the long run however, it is an investment that will save money, and if properly maintained, be more comfortable and reduce injury to those relying on us the most; our horses and their riders.

I’d love to hear of other products you use, and the pros/cons of them!