What sand is used on an arena?
Silica sand
Silica sand is commonly used for horse arenas due to the hardness of the sand particle. It is a natural sand that resists weather and breakdown due to the hardness so lasts longer as an arena or track footing. The sub-angular sand particles will lessen the ability to compact and provide traction under hoof.
How thick should arena sand?
Be careful to apply the proper depth of sand. With its deep, loose traction, sand deeper than 6 inches is stressful to horse tendons. Start with about 2 inches and add a ½ inch at a time as necessary. (Start with only 1½ inches for arenas used primarily for driving horses.)
How many loads of sand do you need for an arena?
You need 96 tons for an average depth of 2 inches, You will need 144 tons for a 3 inch average depth.
How deep should a riding arena be?
Typically when we quote customers with our dust-free footing, we start with a minimum depth of 3.5 inches. This depth is great for ground work, walk trot canter, and dressage. If there is any jumping happening in the arena, we bump the depth up to 4 inches. The 4 inches is only recommended for lower level jumping.
How deep should the sand be in a horse arena?
Generally, a 2”-2.5″ depth of quality sand is sufficient for the lower levels. However, if you’re training jumpers at the mid to upper levels, you’ll need more shock absorption and cushion in your arena footing than a shallow sand alone can provide.
What is Arena sand?
Arena sand is one of River Sand Inc.’s specialties, as we have consulted with numerous trainers and vets over the years to ensure our sand remains the best on the market. Our arena sand helps cushion horses’ fragile joints and cartilage and gives riders the feeling they crave in the arena.
What is arena sand?
Is deep sand bad for horses?
Sand is not a bad thing Horses that are worked hard are susceptible to injury due to deep sandy footing. You want it to be deep enough to provide some traction, and deep and springy enough to provide a little cushioning, but you don’t ever want it to be too deep because then it becomes a threat to the horses’ tendons.
Is concrete sand good for horse arenas?
Coarse sands, commonly called concrete sand, are the least expensive, but can cause shearing. “Silica sands are harder in composition, so they don’t break down, and pure silica sand is free of silt and clay, so it is dust-free,” Calhoun says. It offers excellent stability, but a harder ride.
Is fill sand good for horse arenas?
Sand is a great choice for horse arenas because it can be combined with topsoil, wood chips, rubber, and other materials to create the ideal surface.
How much sand do you need for an arena?
Eileen E. Fabian, PH.D. of Penn State University proposes starting with two inches of sand and then adding more in half-inch intervals as needed. For arenas specifically designated for driving, you can start with 1.5 inches, and you generally shouldn’t go above 6 inches.
What kind of sand is used for horse arenas?
Quartz and Silica are commonly used for horse arenas because the hardness of the particle. Different regions of the country will affect what minerals are available Sand shapes affect how the grains nest together and affects stability underfoot. Round particles create voids, which offers cushioning.
Why is sand depth important in horse arena?
All of these considerations are important in the planning process, but one of the most important, yet often under considered factors, is the horse arena sand depth. We know that this process can be difficult. We also know that maintaining the correct footing depth is essential for ensuring your horse’s comfort and health.
How is the gradation of sand in an arena measured?
Sand gradation is measured by vibrating a sample through a set of known mesh sizes (large to small). The percentage of sand that passes each numbered sieve is measured to create a sand gradation report. Higher sieve numbers equal smaller grain size, lower sieve numbers equal larger grain size.