As seen in Horse and Hound, July 2018

Jul 8, 2018Uncategorized

One downside of the warmer months is deep and dusty arena surfaces, which can damage horses’ joints, soft tissue, muscles, hooves, and the respiratory and vascular system.

A temporary solution is to level and water the arena, replacing the moisture which has been lost.

Surface top-ups are a quick and cost-effective long-term solution. A multi-purpose surface, such as Equestrian Direct’s Flexiride, can improve footing and retain moisture which is necessary to maintain horses’ safety, longevity, and performance.

Flexiride is cost effective, all-in-one all weather surface which is low maintenance, has high impact absorbency, is environmentally friendly and does not freeze, blow or rot.

Equestrian Direct has been a leading company in the area surface industry for 30 years.  

Why Summer Is the Toughest Test for Your Arena

Summer conditions expose weaknesses in arena surfaces faster than any other season. Heat and dry weather can lead to:

  • Dust build-up
  • Loose, unstable footing
  • Increased maintenance demands

What Makes a Good Summer Surface?

A high-performing summer arena surface should:

1. Retain Moisture

Reducing the need for constant watering.

2. Stay Structurally Stable

Preventing deep or shifting footing during use.

3. Minimise Dust

Protecting both horse and rider health.

Comparing Surface Options

Traditional Sand-Based Surfaces

  • Dry out quickly
  • Require frequent watering
  • Can become inconsistent  

Modern Blended Surfaces

Flexiride

  • Excellent moisture retention
  • Consistent performance in dry conditions
  • Ideal for high-use arenas

Turfloat

  • Strong structural integrity
  • Reduced movement under repeated work

Equiride

  • Balanced cushioning and support
  • Suitable for a variety of disciplines

Which Is Right for You?

The best surface depends on:

  • Arena usage (private vs commercial)
  • Discipline (flatwork, jumping, mixed use)
  • Maintenance capacity

Final Thoughts

Summer riding should be productive—not a constant battle with dust and dryness.

👉 Speak to Equestrian Direct Ltd to find the right surface for your arena this summer.