Updated
Choosing an arena surface depends on how the arena is used, whether it is outdoors or indoors, and how you can water and maintain it. The top layer needs to suit both the arena's conditions and your routines. This guide compares four options from Sport Surface Group; no material is best for everyone.
The questions that guide your choice
Start with how the arena will be used: dressage, jumping, general riding, training or competition. Describe how often it is used and which surface properties you are looking for. This gives SSG a basis for discussing the choice of material.
SSG's four options can be used in both outdoor and indoor arenas. Outdoors, weather and drainage need to be considered. Indoors, watering needs to be arranged to meet the material's requirements.
A good water supply and regular watering are requirements for SSG's fibre sand and wood chip mix. SSG advises against these options if adequate watering facilities are unavailable.
Include maintenance in your decision. Which arena harrow do you have, how can it be adjusted, and who handles harrowing, watering and removing droppings? The material needs to work with the equipment and routines you can put in place.
- Use: discipline, training or competition level, and how often the arena is used.
- Location: outdoors or indoors, the existing construction, and how water leaves the arena.
- Water: supply, watering equipment, and the ability to water regularly.
- Maintenance: harrow, towing vehicle, and time for routine care.
Compare the materials SSG offers
The top layer is the uppermost material on which the horse works. This comparison covers SSG's own options and their requirements. A material's name alone does not tell you how the whole arena will perform.
SSG's four top layer options – requirements and maintenance
SSG Ridbanemix
- Material
- Sand and stone dust.
- Suitable for
- Outdoor and indoor arenas. An option for those who prioritise simpler maintenance.
- Moisture / watering
- Discuss watering needs based on how the arena is used and how the surface feels.
- Maintenance
- Harrowing with a suitable arena harrow. Equipment and settings need to be checked.
- Points to consider
- May feel hard if maintained incorrectly. SSG needs to assess whether this option meets your requirements for the surface's performance.
SSG Fibersand
- Material
- Sand and synthetic fibre.
- Suitable for
- Outdoor and indoor arenas. Used for recreational riding through to elite level.
- Moisture / watering
- A good water supply and regular watering are required.
- Maintenance
- Watering and harrowing with a suitable arena harrow. Equipment and settings need to be checked.
- Points to consider
- SSG advises against this option if adequate watering facilities are unavailable. Insufficient regular watering is a problem SSG encounters.
Silica sand and wood chips
- Material
- Sand and wood chips.
- Suitable for
- Outdoor and indoor arenas. Used for recreational riding through to elite level.
- Moisture / watering
- A good water supply and regular watering are required.
- Maintenance
- Watering and harrowing with a suitable arena harrow. Equipment and settings need to be checked.
- Points to consider
- SSG advises against this option if adequate watering facilities are unavailable. The wood content breaks down over time; the need for top-ups and renewal needs to be monitored.
SSG Grusbana
- Material
- With stone dust.
- Suitable for
- Outdoor and indoor arenas. An option for those who prioritise simpler maintenance.
- Moisture / watering
- Discuss watering needs based on how the arena is used and how the surface feels.
- Maintenance
- Harrowing with a suitable arena harrow. Equipment and settings need to be checked.
- Points to consider
- May feel hard if maintained incorrectly. SSG needs to assess whether this option meets your requirements for the surface's performance.
Fibre sand and wood chip mix – different additives
SSG fibre sand contains synthetic fibre. The wood chip mix contains wood chips. Both options require regular watering and maintenance with a suitable arena harrow.
The wood content breaks down over time. The need for top-ups and renewal therefore needs to be monitored according to the arena's condition.
What do higher demands on the surface mean?
The aim is a surface that performs well and is gentle on the horse during work. SSG tailors the choice of material to the arena's use and the customer's needs. Where performance requirements are higher, SSG needs to assess whether Ridbanemix or Grusbana is the right option and discuss other materials if needed.
When new top layer material does not help
When a customer finds that the surface does not perform as expected, SSG often starts by reviewing how the arena is watered. Describe how the problems change when the arena is dry or wet, how you water it, and how the surface is maintained.
Problems can also lie beneath the top layer. The base layer supports the riding surface, and drainage helps water leave the arena. Problems there may need to be addressed before new top layer material is added. The construction guide and maintenance page describe the next steps.
Read about arena construction, from the ground to the top layer
Compare the cost for your arena
Compare what is included in each material option and what work your arena needs. Include watering and routine maintenance requirements in the discussion. Following advice and agreement, SSG sends a quote. The cost guide helps you prepare questions about building a new arena.
How SSG helps you choose
Before selecting a material, SSG reviews water availability, maintenance equipment, and what the customer needs from the surface. The company offers advice and inspection, as well as maintenance and renovation. The appropriate service needs to be discussed in relation to your arena.
Following advice and agreement with you, SSG sends a quote. Describe the arena when you first get in touch so that the discussion can start from your circumstances.
- Where the facility is located and whether the arena is outdoors or indoors.
- The arena's size and use, and the surface properties you are looking for.
- Existing material and previous work, if you already have an arena.
- Water availability, how the arena is watered, and how water leaves the surface.
- Which harrow and towing vehicle you have, and your current maintenance routines.
- Any problems and when you notice them. Photos showing the problems are helpful.
Read about advice and inspection for arena surfaces
Explore Hagen Design arena harrows when choosing maintenance equipment
Common questions about choosing an arena surface
What is the best surface for a riding arena?
The choice depends on use, location, water availability, and the maintenance you can provide. SSG reviews your needs and conditions before choosing a material; one option does not suit every arena.
Is fibre sand a good choice?
SSG uses fibre sand for recreational riding through to elite level, both outdoors and indoors. A good water supply, regular watering, and a suitable harrow are requirements. SSG advises against it if watering cannot be arranged.
Can I choose fibre sand or a wood chip mix without adequate watering?
SSG advises against both options if adequate watering facilities are unavailable. Describe your water supply and equipment before choosing a material.
Can these materials be used in an indoor arena?
Yes, SSG's four options can be used in both indoor and outdoor arenas. Fibre sand and wood chip mix require a good water supply and regular watering indoors too.
What is the difference between fibre sand and sand with wood chips?
Fibre sand contains synthetic fibre, while the wood chip mix contains wood chips. The wood content breaks down over time, and the need for top-ups or renewal needs to be monitored.
Do I need to replace the top layer if the arena performs poorly?
The cause needs to be investigated first. SSG often starts by reviewing watering. If the problem lies in the base layer or drainage, it may need to be addressed there before new material is added.