How to choose footing

In "How to Choose Footings," Carol Verbeeck gives objective information on materials used in arenas and helps you sift through tons of alternatives. Carol and her husband Bruce, run "Building the Equestrian Dream," a construction company specializing in grading and site work for equestrian properties. With over 40 years experience, this team knows how to give your riding the right foundation! If you have any questions contact Carol through their web site: www.buildingthe...

[@img1446]

12 years ago and still helpful

[@appygirl970]

I use the crushed rock and it's wonderful drains very nice and less maintenance a pluss as well it does not blow off like sand

[@FranciscoPDalo]

The impact-absorbing properties of Performance Footing's FoamFooting reduced the strain on my horse's joints and improved its jumping performance by allowing them to land more comfortably and confidently. Have you tried it?

[@Dustyshaven]

Title is misleading. Still need to find out the difference between all types of materials and what works best.

[@zeitgeist5134]

"...synthetic blends of sand-polymer coatings and fibers..." Do rich people ever consider the environmental impact of their choices? Just because you can afford the expensive synthetic material doesn't mean that you are not morally responsible for the harmful consequences of that option. Think about what happens when the polymer coatings and synthetic fibers break down from the impact of riding on this footing. We're talking micro-particles of plastic. The dust of micro-particles will invade inevitably invade the environment, negatively affecting organisms in the soil and water. In your own self-interest, note that you and your horse are going to breathe that dust.

[@Padmavideo]

Hi Zeitgeist, thanks so much for your thoughtful comment. Being morally responsible for what you bring into the environment is such a good point! One of the reasons people choose certain types of footing is the biomechanic effect the footing has on the horse. So, we are also ethically responsible for the choices we make that impact the soundness of the horse. Can you send a link or share where you got your information on polymer coatings breaking down? Interested in knowing more.

[@zeitgeist5134]

@@Padmavideo It's just logic. Think long term. Think ten years twenty years, of horses pounding away at those plastic coatings. Do you believe that the thin film of plastic surrounding the particles of sand will remain intact? Really? Think 100 years. The new owners of the property want to build something else where the arena is. They bulldoze away the arena sand. Where does all that plastic, including the dust particles created by the pounding hooves, go? And why is this luxury product necessary? The Spanish Riding School, existing for 100's of years, didn't need plastic footing, and their horses are sound into their 30's.

[@despondentmemories]

i ride near spring down

[@iceman2008able]

cant hear you