Arena Surfaces
What makes a Good Surface?
We understand how important it is for a horse to move efficiently through the three phases, and we strive to provide a surface that will help facilitate that movement. Our surfaces are designed to reduce concussion, absorb shock, provide support, and return energy back to the horse. We believe that a good surface is essential for the health and well-being of your horse. The following properties must be considered when providing a suitable surface for your horse.
FIRMNESS
The firmness, or hardness, of the surface affects the amount of support and how shock forces are distributed during the landing phase. A surface with ideal firmness offers support with minimal concussion to the bones and joints and is soft enough to aid in absorbing shock.
CUSHIONING
Cushioning refers to how the arena layers dampen shock during the loading phase. An ideal amount of cushion should distribute shock through the arena layers and provide enough resistance under the hoof for the horse to balance and move into the roll over/push-off phase.
CUPPING
During the loading phase, the hoof capsule expands. Pressure under the frog and digital cushion aid in supplying blood to the structures in the hoof capsule. As the weight is released the hoof contracts, pumping blood up the leg and through the body. This process is called hoof mechanism. The surface under the foot influences hoof mechanism.
To benefit from hoof mechanism, the surface should cup into the sole and collateral grooves of the frog. Resistance in the surface supports the weight and force placed under the foot, while the pressure under the frog and digital cushion encourage blood flow through the hoof capsule.
REBOUND
Closely related to cushioning is responsiveness and rebound. This refers to the resiliency of the surface to return to its original form, returning energy after the weight of the horse is applied.
An active and springy surface with ideal rebound returns energy to the horse at the same rate it was applied. This reduces the horses need to use its own additional energy for momentum. Rebound time is dependent on how the surface is used, for example for dressage or showjumping.
GRIP
The tightness of the surface affects the grip. Grip aids in absorbing shock during the landing phase, and provides support and traction during push off and turns. The hoof must be allowed to slide during landing and stopping enough for the ground to absorb impact forces. The amount of grip is dependent on how the surface will be used.
During landing and stopping, the hoof must be allowed to slide enough for the ground to absorb impact forces. During push off and turns, the tightness of the surface must provide stability for the horse without causing concussion.
Arena Surface Products
At Peter Morrison Arenas, we are committed to providing high-quality surfaces that will meet the needs of riders and their horses. Our surfaces are designed with the horse’s health and safety in mind, and we are proud to offer surfaces that can make a real difference in your horse’s performance. If you have any questions about our surfaces, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to help!
Sillica Sand
Equefibre
