Let's face it.  Unless we're on the rodeo road, the majority of the runs we make are probably in our own horse arena.  No doubt, you've put hours of time into planning the layout, box dimensions, return alley and chute placement. But how much thought and effort did you put into the footing of your horse arena? We all know that footing in your horse arena is probably one of the most important elements to keeping horses sound, but you might be surprised just how deep it goes.

Footing in general is critical to the overall safety and performance of any horse.  It has been proven that approximately 80% percent of all soundness-related issues come from poorly constructed and maintained arenas.   The footing on which you train and perform is essential to the horse, cattle and even the rider.  We, as riders, know the amount of strain and compaction we feel on our own knees and body. Imagine what it’s like for a horse at 1,200 pounds on poor arena footing.

It's important that the footing material be approximately three to four inches deep and made from a product that retains water (unlike normal sand).  Both the horses and the calves need a footing that is stable and won’t allow their legs to give out underneath them. This is why pure sand won’t work—it’s too loose and is dangerous for the horse.

Often you will see people compensate and make the sand eight to 10 inches deep trying to create stability, but this creates another issue; sore muscles from having to work twice as hard as they need to for both speed and maneuverability. If your ground is too deep, wet and sticky your horses and calves will get their feet caught up in it and it puts strain on their muscles and tendons. If the ground is too shallow, hard and compacted, the concussion on the joints creates incredible soreness and long-term injuries.

With the right arena sand product, the footing will have both stability and cushion. Of course, this top material has to be on a good solid base.