When it comes to equestrian and horse arenas, the type of footing is incredibly important. Not only does the right type of sand and fiber mixture provide a safe and comfortable footing for your horse, but it also helps ensure that the arena will be safe and easier to maintain over time. That’s why choosing the right kind of sand is essential. So what type of sand is best for horse arenas? Semi angular sand is an excellent option. Let’s take a closer look at why this type of sand is ideal for arenas and how to choose the right depth when getting quotes and setting up your arena!

What Is Semi Angular Sand:

Semi angular sand, also known as silica or quartz sand, is one of the most popular types of footing used in equestrian and horse arenas all over the world. It generally comes from pit mines and is loaded into dump trucks and brought to your farm. This type of sand provides horses with good cushioning and traction while still being firm enough to keep them from sinking too deeply into the ground. When you mix GGT with the sand, it creates an even better riding surface. In addition, semi angular sand mixed with GGT has great drainage capabilities, meaning it won’t become waterlogged during rainstorms or other wet weather conditions. This makes it an ideal option for outdoor arenas that need to be able to withstand regular precipitation (think: Florida in the summer) without becoming marshy or boggy or generally unrideable. Heres the biggest piece of the puzzle though...when you look at semi angular sand under the microscope, it has jagged edges. And that, friends, is the "secret sauce" of this sand.

The Benefits Of Semi Angular Sand For GGT Horse Arenas and the bond that occurs:

At the end of the day, we are trying to replicate grass roots in an environment that can be ridden on 24 hours a day (with time for grooming and water of course). To get the GGT fibers to mix with the sand, there has to be a bond. That bond is created when the jagged edges of the semi angular sand mix with the hair like fibers of the GGT. Boom. Fake roots are born. This is why the type of sand you use is crucial. Washed sand or beach sand or any other sand that has been washed over rocks or waves etc will NOT have the jagged edges needed to bond to the GGT.

Choosing The Right Arena Footing Depth:

When setting up your arena with semi angular sand and GGT, it’s important to make sure you choose the correct footing depth—too shallow and your arena will be uncomfortable for your horse; too deep and they may sink too far down into the ground during exercise and competition sessions which can cause dangerous conditions. Make sure you are working with a capable arena builder who understands your needs. The fiber-to-sand ratio will change depending on your use case and you want to make sure the company you choose knows how to help you and get it right the first time. Look at their testimonials and reviews carefully before choosing!

When it comes to equestrian and horse arenas, having quality footing installed by professionals makes all the difference in terms of safety and performance. Call Longwood Arenas today to get a free, no obligations quote. We are here to help you on your journey. We are equestrians building for equestrians.

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Semi Angular Sand:

Rounded Sand: