Building a safe and functional arena for horses is important because every detail matters. Selecting the right footing material is one of the most crucial parts because it forms the foundation of your arena. The quality of the surface affects the safety and comfort of your horses, which makes it essential to choose carefully.

Since there are many types of sand available it can be difficult to figure out the best option for your needs. In this blog, we will go over the most popular arena sand choices for horse owners so you can make the best sand for horse arena.

Different types of arena sand for horses

There is no single type of arena sand for horses and you can choose several kinds of high quality for the foundation for your horse arena footing.

Masonry Sand:

Masonry sand is one of the most versatile all-purpose sands. It is typically used in landscaping projects but it is also perfect for dressage arenas. masonry sand is ground to be incredibly fine and uniform in texture makes it a great choice for dressage arenas. Good quality masonry sand should have a sleek, soft appearance that comes from extensive processing and quality control procedures.

River Sand:

Another excellent sand used in the production of construction materials is river sand or concrete sand. Like the masonry sand this sand undergoes a similar process but is designed to have a more coarse texture. It is what makes it an ideal for a wide range of applications.

River sand is made from finely crushed stone dust, which makes it a strong option for racing or riding arenas or any arena surface that needs extra durability.

Manufactured Sand:

Many arena owners choose manufactured sand because it is a cost-effective solution. This type of sand is made by breaking down large aggregate materials into smaller sand particles.

Manufactured sand is more affordable than natural sand options like masonry or river sand because it can be purchased in bulk. It also comes in different textures and densities, so you can customize the surface to fit your needs.

This makes manufactured sand a flexible and affordable choice for those who want a durable arena without spending too much. It is also easy to find and maintain in most regions.

How do you choose the best horse arena sand?

Choosing the best horse arena sand is important for the safety and comfort of both horses and riders. Here are some simple steps to help you make the right choice:

The Shape of The Sand Particles:

The shape of sand particles is very important when choosing sand. Sand particles can have different shapes based on where they come from. River or beach sand often has smooth, round particles because water has worn them down over time.

This makes round particles create a soft surface that is good for absorbing impacts. It is especially useful in places like horse arenas or sports fields where safety is important.

But on the other hand, sharp and angular particles offer more stability while round particles give a cushioning effect.

It is especially useful when horses need solid ground to perform their best and avoid injury.

It is often best to use both round and angular sand particles for horse arenas. This mix of round and angular sand shapes helps horses perform better and stay healthy over time.

The Size of The Sand Particles

The size of sand particles depends on the type of horse riding that happens in the arena. It is important that the sand is packed well for high-impact sports like horse jumping. It should support the weight of the horse while also giving enough cushioning.

The size of sand particles is measured in millimeters. A good particle size would be between 0.5 and 1 mm for horse jumping. Coarse sand with particles up to 2 mm can also be used. Mixing different sizes and types of sand helps create a more stable and connected surface for the horse.

How do I choose the right depth for horse arena footing?

You always require three layers to build an arena. Each level keeps riders and horses safe from injury.

The bottom layer is for drainage. The second layer is the support. The third layer is the sand for the horse arena. The layers must be correctly distributed to keep the horse and rider comfortable.

You will need a fourth layer if you are looking for an all-weather horse arena such as waxed sand or rubber mats. A depth of 0.5-1 mm of sand is recommended for a dressage arena. This provides good cushioning and traction for the horse's hooves.

A jumping arena should have 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of sand. This will cushion the horse's hooves and protect them from impact.

Conclusion:

The sand you use makes a big difference to your arena. The footing in your arena has a big impact on making a safe and supportive space for both rider and horse. You should take the time to think about your needs and ask for expert help if you need it.

Contact Western Materials if you are looking for best sand for horse arena. You can call us at (855)826-5565 or contact us via our website.

‍