Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
RIDING ARENA DESIGN AND FOOTING
The working and riding surface in an arena and round pen should be safe and provide cush-
ion and traction to encourage a horse to move forward with energy and elasticity. Poor foot-
ing can cause a horse to trip, slip, or fall, resulting in injury to the horse and/or rider.
The type of footing you choose will depend on your climate, the native soil, whether the
arena is indoors or outdoors, and what type of activity you participate in. Before footing the
bill for a new arena surface or trying quick fixes for problem footing, be sure you have con-
sidered important design and management factors. Because every farm has different soil,
topography, climate, and arena uses, and because materials (sand, clay, stone dust) vary so
much by region, confer with an arena professional in your area for specific advice.
You might attain a desirable riding surface by adding the appropriate footing to the pre-
pared arena area. But maintaining good footing is a dynamic process that is affected by the
weather, the amount of use the arena gets, and your management. Once you get your per-
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