Discover Our Arena Surfaces

Discover the right arena flooring surface for you

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Our Equestrian Surface Range

We pride ourselves on offering a broad range of equestrian surfaces that cater to every riding need. Understanding that each rider and discipline requires a specific type of surface. Our arena surfaces are designed to accommodate various levels of use and provide optimal performance for any equestrian activity, ensuring durability and safety for both horse and rider.

Explore our product range, including the innovative Flexiride®, known for its versatility and all-weather durability. Whether you are upgrading an existing facility or building a new one, our selection of horse arena surfaces will meet your highest expectations, helping you create a functional and aesthetically pleasing equestrian space.

The low maintenance all-in-one riding surface

Key features:

A year-round hero product useable in all weathers and for all equestrian disciplines. Extremely versatile and long lasting, exceptionally cushioning and kind to legs and joints

Manufactured from:

Industrial strength synthetic textile and polymer fibres carefully blended with cushioning foam.

Indoor or outdoor-use?

Both

Installation:

Lay either as a complete surface or a top-up added to most types of existing surface. Used on its own, Flexiride® can be installed directly on to a simple stone drainage layer, eliminating the need for large quantities of sand as well as expensive drainage, groundwork and membrane installations

Maintenance:

After installation, practically maintenance free

Best for:

Everything! Private yards, riding schools, competition venues or gallops

Advanced rubber surfacing

Key features:

A high-quality synthetic rubber surface that provides added spring, stands up to all weathers and can be used for all disciplines. Great at retaining moisture in sand during dry periods, which helps keep the surface stable

Manufactured from:

High-grade rubber crumb with fibre. Guaranteed 99.9% wire free.

Indoor or outdoor-use?

Both

Installation:

Best laid on top of a specialised silica sand

Maintenance:

After installation, requires regular maintenance

Best for:

Private yards and training centres

Total confidence under foot

Key features:

The ultimate performance surface designed to replicate the natural qualities of turf by mimicking the binding ability of topsoil. Providing a secure footing this encourages confidence and freedom of movement for great results

Manufactured from:

Chopped synthetic felts and fibre formed into a non-woven textile, which incorporates a reinforcing element

Indoor or outdoor-use?

Both

Installation:

TurfFloat® fibres can fix virtually any issue with an existing surface, such as deep, loose and dusty surfaces, as well as those prone to freezing and puddling. Used in this way, the fibres add turf-like performance to an existing surface

Maintenance:

After installation, regular rolling and potential watering in long, dry periods.

Best for:

Performance users and gallops

Equestrian
Sand

The sub-surface riding layer

Key features:

The perfect base for an additional surface, Equestrian Direct offers two types of sand – Leisure Sand, which is great for those on a budget, and the higher-grade EquiSilicaSand

Manufactured from:

Only the best silica sand, sourced from Equestrian Direct’s carefully selected network of UK sand quarries

Indoor or outdoor-use?

Both

Installation:

Use with Flexiride, TurfFloat and EquiRide

Best for:

From small private yards to performance users

Common Arena Flooring Questions

What is the best surface for an arena?

The best surface for an arena depends on the specific needs of the disciplines practiced and the level of usage. Generally, surfaces  such as Flexiride are very popular using this as a complete surface or topping up an existing surface sand and rubber mix that needs refurbing. The Flexiride offers good drainage and cushioning and is low maintenance.

What is the cheapest arena surface?

Basic sand is often the most economical choice for an arena surface. However, costs can vary depending on local availability and the need for additional materials for stability and drainage.

Sand on its own has the potential to dry out and ride deep in the summer and freeze in the winter.

What are the surface materials for riding arenas?

Common materials include sand, wood chips, rubber chips, and synthetic fibers. Each material offers different benefits and is chosen based on the discipline and performance requirements.

Equestrian Sand, Synthetic fibres such as Flexiride and Turffloat.

What is the best surface for an equestrian yard?

Type of surface depends on where the arena is based, drainage and durability and potential use of the arena . Flexiride with Equestrian sand through the top is ideal for equestrian yards to handel high traffic and varied disciplines, and is very low maintenance

 

What are the surfaces for horse arenas?

Horse arenas commonly use materials like sand, rubber, fiber additives, and specialty synthetic products designed for durability and horse safety.

 

What surface is best for horses?

The best surface for horses provides cushioning to minimize injury risk and is durable enough to withstand frequent use. Equestrian sand based Surfaces with a fibre topping often recommended.

 

What is all weather equestrian surfaces?

All-weather equestrian surfaces are designed to drain quickly and perform well in various weather conditions, typically made from materials like wax-coated sand or synthetic mixtures.

Flexiride is low maintenance doesn’t dry out and get loose and dusty I the summer and doesn’t freeze solid in the winter, enabling to stay consistent all year round

What are the environmental considerations of different arena surfaces?

Environmental considerations include the sustainability of materials used, potential runoff issues, and the recyclability of the surface materials after their usable life.

 

How often should equestrian surfaces be replaced or topped up?

This depends on usage levels and how often they are maintained . A surface such as Flexiride if maintained regularly you would be looking between 5 to 6 year for a topping

 

What are the differences between synthetic and natural arena surfaces?

Synthetic surfaces often offer more consistency and require less maintenance than natural surfaces like sand but they can be more expensive initially.

 

How does weather affect the different types of equestrian surfaces?

Weather can have a huge impact on how a surface may perform. Equestrian Sand with Fibres rotavated in tend to dry out and become loose deep and dusty in long dry spell, and a surface that has the sand exposed to the element has the potential to freeze in the winter. Using Flexiride works as an insulating layer and helps eliminate these issues.

 

How do I choose the right surface for different equestrian disciplines (e.g., jumping, dressage, western)?

Consider the impact absorption needed, the stability of the footing, and the level of grip required. Jumping requires a surface that offers good lift, while dressage might benefit from a firmer footing that allows for precise movements. Always talk to an experienced Sales advisor with experience within the industry to point you in the right direction.

 

Are there specific equestrian surfaces recommended for rehabilitation or older horses?

Surfaces with increased cushioning and reduced concussion, such as those incorporating cushioning foam or fibre, are often recommended to aid in rehabilitation or to accommodate older horses more comfortably such as the Flexiride surface.

 

How do equestrian surfaces affect horse performance?

Equestrian surfaces can significantly impact horse performance and health. A well-designed equestrian surface can enhance performance by providing adequate cushioning and support, reducing the risk of injury, and allowing for better hoof grip.

Poor surfaces may lead to increased strain on ligaments and joints, potentially resulting in injuries and long-term health issues.

How often should equestrian surfaces be maintained?

The frequency of maintenance for equestrian surfaces depends on the type of material used and the level of use. Generally, horse arena surfaces should be groomed regularly to prevent compaction and maintain evenness.

Daily dragging or harrowing is common in heavily used arenas to keep the footing level and loose. Deeper maintenance, such as replenishing footing materials or addressing drainage issues, might be required annually or biannually.

What is the ideal depth for an equestrian surface?

The ideal depth of an equestrian surface can vary based on the discipline and the type of footing material. Typically, for most riding disciplines, a depth of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) is recommended.

This depth provides enough cushioning for impact absorption without being too deep, which can cause excessive strain on tendons and make it difficult for horses to move.

Is rubber mulch safe for horses?

Rubber mulch is generally considered safe for horses and is often used in equestrian arenas due to its shock-absorbent properties and durability.

However, it’s important to use rubber mulch products that are specifically designed for equestrian use, as they are made without harmful chemicals or metal contaminants that can be found in other types of recycled rubber products.

How deep should rubber be in a horse arena?

When using rubber as a footing material in horse arenas, a depth of 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of rubber on top of a compacted base layer is typical. This should be combined with other materials like sand to ensure proper stability and drainage. The exact mixture and depth may vary depending on the specific needs of the discipline and personal preference for the arena’s feel and responsiveness.

What is a horse menage

In British English, a “horse ménage” refers to a riding arena or an enclosed area specifically designed for training horses and practicing equestrian activities. The term comes from the French word “ménage” but is often incorrectly used in place of “manège,” which refers to a place where horses are trained or exercised. A ménage is typically a flat, surfaced area with materials like sand or rubber to provide safe footing for the horse.

 

 

 

For me, the Flexiride surface ticks all the boxes.

Izzy Taylor