A well-maintained arena surface isn’t just about appearance it directly affects horse soundness, rider confidence, drainage performance, and the lifespan of your investment. Whether you ride daily or a few times a week, consistent upkeep is the difference between a surface that performs beautifully for over a decade and one that becomes uneven, deep, or unsafe within a couple of seasons.

This guide outlines the essential do’s and don’ts of equestrian surface maintenance, helping you get the best from your arena all year round.

Why Surface Upkeep Matters

Every riding surface whether fibre-sand, synthetic, waxed, or a blended surface naturally changes over time. Footfall, weather, moisture levels and organic matter all influence how it behaves.
Poorly maintained surfaces can cause:

• Deep or inconsistent patches
• Compaction and hard spots
• Reduced drainage and waterlogging
• Excessive tracking and displacement
• Premature breakdown of fibres or wax

In contrast, a well-maintained surface stays secure, consistent, and comfortable underfoot, bringing out the best in both horse and rider.

THE DO’S OF ARENA SURFACE UPKEEP

1. Do Groom and Harrow Regularly

Regular maintenance is the Cornerstone to a good surface

It keeps the surface evenly distributed, prevents tracks from becoming compacted, and blends fibres back through the sand.

• High-use arenas: maintain daily
• Moderate use: several times a week
• Light use: weekly

Correct grooming helps the surface ride consistently across the whole arena not just the main schooling lines.

2. Do Maintain Optimal Moisture Levels

Moisture directly affects stability and cushioning. Too dry, and a surface becomes loose and deep; too wet, and it can ride heavy or slick.

• Use irrigation or watering systems where needed
• Monitor moisture during hot, windy periods
• Keep an eye on areas that dry faster (gateways, sunny sides)

Sand-based surfaces especially rely on the right level of moisture to perform as intended.

3. Do Protect the Drainage System

Drainage is the foundation of arena performance.
Even the best surface can degrade quickly if water has nowhere to go.

• Clear leaves and debris from drains
• Check membrane edges and outflows
• Ensure no water is pooling after heavy rain

Healthy drainage helps the surface recover quickly from wet weather and prevents base saturation.

4. Do Remove Droppings Promptly

Manure breaks down into organic fines that bind with the sand and compromise the surface composition.

Left unmanaged, this leads to deep, inconsistent patches and dramatically shortens surface lifespan.

Removing droppings after every ride is one of the simplest ways to extend the life of your arena.

5. Do Rake Material Back Into the Track Lines

Horses naturally push footing towards the boards.

Redistributing this material:

• Maintains correct depth
• Prevents hard “bowl” formation
• Supports even wear across the arena

A few minutes spent raking back makes a big long-term difference.

6. Do Top Up When Needed

Every surface slowly diminishes through use, wind, and maintenance.

Small, periodic top-ups keep the surface performing as originally intended, maintaining the ideal depth for your chosen discipline.

7. Do Follow the Supplier’s Guidelines

Each surface behaves differently:

• Fibre-sand blends require consistent maintenance 
• Waxed surfaces need temperature-balanced care
• Rubber mixes require focused depth checks
• Synthetic blends may need moisture management but less compaction control

The best results come from maintaining the surface according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Importance of Area Surface Up Keep

1. Don’t Add Incompatible Materials

This is one of the most expensive mistakes yard owners make.

Adding:

• The wrong type of sand
• Unmatched fibre
• Cheap rubber chip
• Wood materials

All of these can disrupt the entire system.  Always check with your supplier before adding anything new.

2. Don’t Allow Organic Matter to Build Up

Leaves, moss, weeds, and droppings introduce moisture-holding organic fines that destabilise the footing.

Left unchecked, they accelerate surface breakdown and create unevenness.

3. Don’t Ignore Localised Issues

Hard spots, deep patches, or slippery areas are warning signs.

These problems often point to:

• Compaction
• Drainage issues
• Inconsistent moisture levels
• Uneven wear

Addressing them early prevents small issues from affecting the whole arena.

5. Don’t Let the Surface Get Too Deep

Deep footing increases strain on tendons and ligaments and reduces horse confidence.

This usually results from:

• Infrequent grooming
• Poor redistribution of kicked-out material
• Gradual loss of fibre or binder

Consistent depth checks keep the surface safe and rideable.

Final Thoughts

A well-maintained equestrian surface supports better performance, reduces injuries, and protects your investment for the long term. Most upkeep comes down to regular, light, preventative maintenance far easier and cheaper than major corrections later.

Whether your surface is brand new or several years old, following these do’s and don’ts will help it perform at its best, every day, in every season.