Article originally published in May 2024.
Because riding arenas and maneges are places where horses are trained or competed with for hours every day, their condition is a key factor in both rider safety and horse well-being. A good riding surface provides adequate flexibility and shock absorption, but its maintenance requires constant attention throughout the year.
The first step in creating a good riding surface is choosing the right base material. The most common materials are traditional sand, rubber chips, fiber, or various mixtures of these.
The ideal riding arena floor is flexible, does not roll and the horse dares to trust it. - It all depends on the money available to build the floor. The materials are chosen accordingly, says riding arena construction consultant Ismo “Immi” Lätti .
A professional involved in the project
Ismo Lätti himself started riding at the age of eight, and immediately developed a passion for the sport. He has competed in the 120-130 cm classes, played horse polo and been involved in riding school activities . Lätti has practically dedicated his life to improving and maintaining the surfaces of riding arenas. His expertise and years of experience make him a valuable resource, especially for competitive riding.
In 1985, Lätti volunteered at the Helsinki International Horse Show. The competition director asked who would like to become an apprentice to the then-foundation expert. Lätti agreed, and since then he has been working with various foundation materials. - I have worked as a foundation construction consultant with the Finnish Equestrian Federation for years. I have designed and supervised hundreds of different foundations and provided countless maintenance advice. I have also given various lectures on foundation construction.
There is a lot of literature on building riding arenas, but it is usually difficult to understand if you have not made plans before. - However, building a riding arena costs thousands of euros, so it is crazy not to use a professional in the field as a design assistant or supervisor, Lätti sums up. He always starts the design with the intended use. Is it a riding school or something else? The type also has an impact.
Structural layers are crucial in building foundations. "It's not worth repairing the walls of a house if the foundations are bad. Properly constructed foundations ensure that rainwater and irrigation water are absorbed into the soil or the drainage system," he adds.
What is a good riding surface?
A good riding surface should be even and flexible, but at the same time sufficiently sturdy. A surface that is too soft can cause imbalance in movements and increase the risk of injury. A surface that is too hard can also cause strain injuries and make movement uncomfortable. To achieve the ideal surface, it is important to adjust the composition and thickness of the surface material to suit the purpose of the riding arena or manege and the road conditions in the area.
In Finland, a normal riding arena is usually made of sand. When building an arena, the budget determines what materials are used. Most arenas today are built with a sand-fiber mixture. Fibers are often used to increase flexibility and improve the durability of the base. They can also be used to reduce dust.
In the future, we may return to traditional sand/eco-mix materials. - We already have a salt substitute that prevents dusting and freezing of the bottoms (Eco Meltter), Lätti says. - We want to protect groundwater and possible replacement of surfaces is not problematic. The fibers are often largely synthetic, which may be problematic to dispose of, he continues.
Biohansa has in its product range Bacher ArenaGrip fibre sole , which can be used to improve flexibility of movement and create a grippy surface material. This fibre is completely safe for animals and humans, making it suitable and therefore also environmentally friendly. The fibre is suitable for use on outdoor fields and in maneges and in all weather conditions, and it does not harden.
ArenaGrip fiber base requires little maintenance and fiber can be added at any time. UV-resistant, made of 100% polyester. The price of fibers in Finland is 1-1.70 euros per kilo, depending on the quality. The price of sand depends on its suitability for surface structures; quartz sand can cost 40-50 euros per ton.
The type of competition affects the course surface
In large competitions, the base is usually made with a quartz sand-fiber mixture base, and the best results are obtained when the materials are mixed together before spreading. In dressage competitions, the base is desired to be flexible so that the horses can move freely. The exercise tracks are wide, so in dressage competitions it is important that the base is of uniform quality.
In steeplechase competitions, the base also needs to be flexible, but also have support in tight curves, and the base should not be rolling sand. Usually, fiber-sand mixture bases are desired. Ideally, the training area is made of the same material as the competition field. - The most challenging sites are temporary fields, where you can't always influence the basic structures. If it's pouring rain, you can't really do anything but hope for the rain to stop, Lätti says.
Riders give feedback about bad fields, especially experienced GP-level riders. - Fiber and quartz soles are not suitable for some horses. According to some top riders, quartz soles are good for competition use, but bad for daily use because they are too dense and put strain on the joints.
Regular maintenance at the center
Maintenance of the riding surface is an ongoing process that requires varying levels of attention at different times of the year. Excessive dryness can make the surface harder and increase dust. If the surfaces are made correctly, daily maintenance as needed is usually sufficient. In autumn and winter, rain and snow can make the surface too soft and eventually slippery. In this case, compacting and balancing the surface is key. In addition, the surface should be mulched regularly, which can remove potholes and puddles that could cause potential hazards.
The need for maintenance usually depends on use. - Water as needed. The base should be suitably moist so that it does not become dusty. When the moisture is good, the base will remain slightly snowball-like. The bases are usually maintenance-free until the next day. The bases should not be stressed with large machines, but use specially designed equipment. Manure should be collected, Lätti instructs.
While regular maintenance can extend the life of your riding surface, it is a good idea to be aware and plan ahead when your surface needs to be completely replaced. The general recommendation is to replace the surface every ten years or so, but this can vary depending on the intensity of use and the type of surface material. Signs that your surface needs to be completely replaced can include large unevenness, deep pits, or excessive dust.
A good riding surface not only improves the safety of the rider, but also affects the well-being and performance of the horse. The right surface reduces the risk of injury and stress on joints and tendons, which prevents injuries in the long term. Regular maintenance and, if necessary, a complete replacement of the surface ensures that the riding environment remains safe and optimal for both horses and riders.
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