Whether you are an Olympic hopeful or a leisure rider, the surface you ride on plays a
pivotal role in your equestrian experience. Not only does it impact your horse’s performance,
but it also significantly affects their welfare and your success in training or competition.
From the robust Polytrack to the versatile Ecotrack, understanding the various types of surfaces and their maintenance is key for anyone involved in the equestrian world.
A Surface For Each Occasion, In competitive riding, every jump, stride, and dressage move counts. To better grasp the differences we looked at those surfaces offered by Martin Collins, which include a combination of cushioning for show jumping, resilience for dressage, and durability needed for extensive training sessions. Each surface is engineered to provide secure footing, essential for the horse’s confidence and safety, allowing them to perform at their peak. For competition arenas, where numerous events from showjumping to showing to dressage take place, the surface must be not only high quality but also capable of withstanding heavy use. Even the FEI has a section about competition surfaces in the FEI Code of Conduct, which is designed to ensure the least amount of impact on our equine athletes. At the more casual end of the spectrum, surfaces for riding schools and private use need to be both durable and safe. They must withstand frequent use across various disciplines without compromising on quality. What is best here is a multi-purpose surface that guarantees consistent performance and offers low
maintenance, excellent stability and energy return – which is crucial for the welfare and performance of horses in a more relaxed environment.
Specialised Surfaces for Equestrian Excellence, For those seeking top-tier arena solutions, several specialised surfaces stand out. Polytrack is renowned for its durability and consistency, making it a favourite for racetracks and training gallops. Its unique blend provides a dust-free experience that requires no irrigation and is ready to use immediately after installation, offering a cushioned ride with good energy return. Ecotrack, another premier choice, is designed with competition horses in mind, blending mixed fibres and high-grade silica sand coated with wax to ensure stability and energy return. This surface is ideal for professional arenas and international events where performance and durability are paramount. Additionally, Fibretrack Plus and CLOPF Fibre offer solutions tailored to various needs. Fibretrack Plus combines waxed, blended silica sand with CLOPF Fibre, creating a high-performance, frostresistant surface suitable for indoor and outdoor arenas. CLOPF Fibre, on the other hand, enhances existing sand arenas by adding structure and improving moisture retention, which ensures an even and secure footing. Overall, specialised surfaces provide significant benefits, including reduced risk of injury, enhanced performance consistency, and adaptability to different climatic conditions.
Maintaining Your Arena, The maintenance of equestrian surfaces is as crucial as their selection. Different surfaces require specific care techniques; for instance, waxed and dry surfaces must not be treated the same way. Regular grooming, avoiding repetitive use patterns, and ensuring proper moisture levels are essential to preserve the integrity and performance of the arena. Special equipment designed for equestrian surfaces such as a Radium Rake, can aid in this maintenance, ensuring the longevity and safety of the riding environment. Whether you manage a top-tier competition arena or enjoy riding as a leisure activity, understanding the nuances of each surface type and their maintenance needs will help you make informed decisions that contribute to the success and enjoyment of equestrian sports.
