Build a Better Riding Surface with the Right Amendments
To enhance the performance of your arena footing, materials like textiles and fibers are blended with sand to improve stability, cushioning, and moisture retention.
One of the most effective options is Geo-Textile—a shredded textile that binds sand particles together much like the roots of turf grass stabilize soil. The result? A more resilient surface with reduced compaction, better moisture retention, and significantly less dust.
At Wordley Martin, we work closely with each client to design a custom footing solution. Whether you’re upgrading an existing arena or building from the ground up, we’ll help you choose the right combination of materials to achieve optimal performance.
Note: Not all sands are created equal. A blend that works beautifully in an indoor arena may fail in an outdoor, all-weather environment. The key to long-lasting, high-performance footing is selecting the correct sand and pairing it with the right amendment—like Geo-Textile.
Not sure where to start? Contact our team of experts at Wordley Martin today for tailored advice and footing solutions built specifically for your riding needs.
For help maintaining your arena, make sure to see our arena drag or if you are looking to build a horse arena or horse walker, get in touch, and we will guide you through the process.
Different Types of Arena Footings Available
Geo-Textile
Fiber
Elastic Fiber
Benefits
Geo-Textile footing additives are a powerful way to elevate your arena surface and enhances the integrity of your footing when mixed with sand. We can do the installation, or you can mix the material on site yourself.
- Reduces dust
- High water storage capability
- Optimal impact resistance
- Higher slide strength and additional stability
- Prevents packing
- Offers perfectly adapted spring
- Makes the surface fluffy to avoid injuries of the equine legs
- Facilitates a strong jump and a secure landing
- Improves the shear strength of the surface
- Guarantees equal soil conditions for each competitor
- Balances the different structure of the arena footing
- Extended lifetime of your arena surface (up to 10 years)
Benefits
- Increases impact and shear resistance
- Extends lifetime of your arena surface
Summary
PES Fibers are 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches long and work like a root system through the sand. These fibers are the ingredients integrated with the Geo-Textile products which can be added to other surfaces. An analysis of your existing footing surface must be performed to determine if your existing sand surface is compatible.
Benefits
- Increases shear
- Extends lifetime of your arena surface
- Keeps the footing elastic
Summary
Elastic Fiber are small cut elastic fibers which are about ½ inch long. This special fiber optimizes shear resistance and makes the footing flexible and springy. It is mainly being used for horse race tracks, gallops and jumping arenas in combination with our Geo-Textile product.
Elastic fiber acts like a root system, binds sand particles and other additives together resulting in a very high footing stability.