The Best Footing for Horse Arenas

When building a horse arena, one of the first things you’ll need to consider is the horse arena footing. This material provides traction, cushioning, and stability for horses. Common footing materials include sand, rubber, wood chips, and geotextiles, each chosen to enhance safety, performance, and minimize injury risks.

With so many types and qualities of equestrian arena footing available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. How do you know what type of footing is best for your horses and environment? 

To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of the best arena footings for horses.  Let’s take a look.

Types of Horse Arena Footing Materials  

Let’s walk you through a few of the more popular horse arena footing options and highlight their pros and cons. As research at PennState found, there’s not necessarily a right choice for riding arena surfaces, but there is a good choice for every arena. 

1. Shredded Rubber

Shredded rubber is highly regarded as an ideal surface material for equestrian arenas. When mixed with sand, it helps reduce dust and offers several key benefits. This rubber-sand combination protects the surface from breaking down, minimizing the need for costly replacements. It also provides a cushioned surface for horses, reducing injuries and enhancing comfort. Additionally, shredded rubber helps minimize noise, creating a quieter, more enjoyable riding experience.

The key to getting the best shredded rubber for your equestrian arena is finding a trusted supplier of rubber materials. At Sparton Enterprises, we supply premium rubber granules and buffings for playgrounds, running tracks, and equestrian surfaces. Get in touch with our team to learn more.

If you’re thinking about shredded rubber for your horse arena, consider this:

What Are the Pros of Rubber Arenas?  

• Offers shock absorption  
• Reduces sound  
• Lowers the risk of injuries  
• Keeps dust levels down when combined with sand  

What Are the Cons of Rubber Arenas?

• May not be suitable for outdoor arenas in hot climates, as rubber can absorb heat  
• Needs regular topping off and replacement in heavily used arenas 
  

2. Sand

Many people prefer sand footing for horse arenas — and for good reason. Sand is affordable, easy to source, and provides solid traction when mixed with other materials. However, not all sand is the same.

Angular Sand

This type has sharp, irregular particles that interlock and pack down well. It’s often preferred in jumping arenas because it helps keep horses from slipping.  

Round Sand

With smoother, more rounded particles, this type tends to shift more underfoot. Although common, it may not be ideal for high-intensity riding or jumping as it doesn’t offer as much grip. 

What Are the Pros of Sand Arenas? 

• Affordable  
• Good traction, particularly with angular sand  
• Readily available in most regions  
  

What Are the Cons of Sand Arenas?

• Requires regular maintenance, like dragging, to keep it evenly distributed  
• Can become dusty, especially in dry climates

3. Wood Chips

Wood chips can be used as a standalone footing or combined with materials like sand or stone dust. They’re great for absorbing impact, locking in moisture, and, depending on the type of wood, can offer good binding.  

Additionally, wood chips are cost-effective; you can easily repurpose wood from the construction process as footing.

However, because they are organic, wood chips break down relatively quickly. Also, it’s important to be cautious about the type of wood you use. Certain types, like black walnut or oak, are toxic to horses.

What Are the Pros of Wood Chip Arenas?

• Organic and eco-friendly  
• Provides decent shock absorption  
• Cost-effective  
  

What Are the Cons of Wood Chip Arenas? 

• Can break down over time  
• Often become slippery when wet  
  

4. Textile Fibers

Geotextile fibers are an excellent option for primary footings and stabilizing existing surfaces. They’re typically made from materials like shredded bath mats, tennis shoe rubber, and carpet.   
Combined with a sand or rock sand base, geotextile fibers offer great traction and just the right amount of flexibility for a safer, more comfortable ride. 

What Are the Pros of Textile Fiber Arenas?

• Reduces dust  
• Improves stability  
• Reduces compaction over time

What Are the Cons of Textile Fiber Arenas? 

• More expensive compared to other options  
• Requires routine maintenance to keep the fibers evenly distributed

5. Stone Dust

 Much like sand, stone dust comes in a variety of particle shapes and sizes. It’s often chosen as a base material because of its excellent drainage properties. Many arenas use stone dust to help balance, thicken, or improve the overall consistency of their sand footing.

What Are the Pros of Stone Dust Arenas?  

• Allows for proper drainage, preventing puddles and water buildup 
• Creates a firm, stable base when packed down
• Can be used on its own or mixed with sand to enhance footing consistency

What Are the Cons of Stone Dust Arenas?  

• Can harden and become too compacted without consistent upkeep 
• May become slick and slippery when wet 
• Produces a lot of dust in dry conditions

How to Layer Equestrian Footing  

Choosing the right horse arena footing materials is only half the battle: you’ll also need to layer them correctly. Here's a quick breakdown of how to create the perfect footing from the ground up.

Base Layer

 The base layer is the foundation for everything above it. Without a solid base, your footing can become uneven and potentially unsafe.

To create a strong base, you'll want to use crushed stone or compacted clay. Both materials help prevent shifting and promote proper drainage. Make sure your base layer is at least 4-6 inches thick for optimal stability.

Cushion Layer

The cushion layer, usually made of sand or a sand mix, absorbs the impact of your horse’s movements. How much cushioning you’ll need depends on the type of riding you’re doing. High-impact disciplines, such as jumping or reining, require more cushioning to protect your horse’s legs and joints, while lighter activities may need less.

Top Layer

With this layer, you’ll improve the overall feel and performance of the surface. You can add materials like rubber, felt, or wood chips here to boost shock absorption, cut down on dust, and improve traction.

Maintenance Tips for Your Arena Footing  

Footing isn’t a one-time installation ー it needs regular maintenance to stay in good condition over time. Here are some of the most critical maintenance tasks to keep in mind:

Drag the Arena Regularly

Make it a habit to drag the arena and keep the footing evenly spread. Focus on high-traffic areas like corners and near jumps since they tend to shift more. Set a schedule, whether it’s weekly or after heavy use, and stick to it. 

As Christina Rohlf reported in her research at UC Davis, the amount of loose soil on the top of the footing surface is one of the leading factors that contributes to horse injuries. Regardless of what type of footing your arena has, make sure it’s properly dragged and maintained regularly. 

Water As Needed

Dust can be a significant issue with sand footing for horse arenas. Not only is it a nuisance, but it can also trigger allergic reactions and worsen respiratory issues for both horses and riders.

To control dust, water your arena as needed. For outdoor arenas, aim to water daily during hot, dry weather. In indoor arenas, adjust the watering schedule based on how dry the surface feels after use.  

However, be careful not to overwater. You don’t want your horse arena footing to be too moist or muddy.  

Looking for Rubber Arena Materials? 

At Sparton Enterprises, our premium recycled rubber granules and buffings offer the ideal balance of cushion, traction, and durability for your equestrian arena footing.   

Contact us today for a free estimate and see how our products can help you create a safer, more comfortable riding environment.