Considerations in choosing the best equine arena footing
As a horse rider and owner, I remember that I got my fastest running time on a rubber track, and my horse had a glorious spring in his step too.
I decided it was high time to get my own equine arena footing and started reading and seeking advice on the matter.
As some of my horses are aging now, my first consideration was for them, as rubber footing could extend their riding years and their own comfort on the track. I recalled reading a recent article ‘Why Horses Love Surefoot Surfacing’ and I was almost convinced of my decision already!
However, a friend told me that about how black rubber footing can get really hot on a summer’s day, and your horse will start acting like a cat on a hot tin roof! But I found out this could easily be solved by adding sand to mix, or simply choosing another color.
I also had some concerns about the steel wire that was found in the rubber footing when they first started marketing it. I had heard of people, whose horses had sustained injuries, after installing a rubber surface. After a bit of research, I found that nowadays, reputable equine arena footing manufacturers guarantee their products are 99.9% steel free.
Two things clinched my decision to purchase rubber equine arena footing.
Firstly it is a low maintenance surface and I much prefer riding to forever raking!
And secondly, the fact that rubber equine arena footing is made out of recycled tires, means I can do my bit for the environment by installing it.
Lastly, I want to recommend the great manufacturer of rubber equine arena footing I found – Rubberecycle. They were very helpful and professionally answered all my ‘silly’ questions.
