Rubber Mulch for Horse Arenas

People who are passionate about riding would understandably want to spend more time on their horses than on a riding arena’s upkeep. Still, it’s important to choose the right materials to maintain an arena in tip-top shape for a long time.

For years now, rubber mulch has become a popular choice as horse footing, thanks to the many benefits it offers. Let’s take a look at some specific ones as described by ranch owners and riding enthusiasts.

Superior dust control

One of the biggest concerns among horse owners is the presence of dust that comes with a hard clay ground or sand infill. A dusty arena can be dangerous for you and your horse especially in hot weather. Breathing in too much dust can cause serious lung ailments for both horse and rider.

Wetting it down is one solution, but it could also cause injuries for your horse (more on this later). Using a sprinkler or hosing system for watering the arena will also mean huge water bills. An effective preventive measure would be to select an infill that doesn’t create dust in the first place - for instance, a rubber mulch footing is practically dust-free and won’t need to be watered down for any reason.

Virtually no maintenance

Infill maintenance can be a hassle with organic material like sand, wood chips, straw, or pine needles. Aside from dealing with the dust and dirt that go with them, they make a general mess after a ride, or even with a slight breeze blowing them about. They have to be smoothed down for reuse, which means frequently. With rubber mulch footing, the upkeep is definitely lesser. Depending on the number of horses, some arena keepers claim to having a pristine, maintenance-free track and barn coverage for over a year. You won’t have to worry about the presence of weeds, fungi, or pests, too - especially termites, which are scary things to have in a wooden barn!

Reliable shock absorbency

More than one rider described their first time to ride on a rubber mulch arena as “It feels like my horse is wearing running shoes!”  The innate springiness of rubber protects the delicate ankles of horses, as well as their hooves, and can actually improve their performance. With the right depth, rubber mulch also provides reliable shock absorption for riders during a fall.

Lessens injuries for both horse and rider

A hard clay footing is prone to cracks in hot weather, and can become virtual mud pits during the rainy season. In both instances, your horse’s feet can suffer, and your back and legs can take a beating, as well. A hard uneven ground can also wreak havoc on a rider’s spine, neck, and hips. Watering it down as maintenance can give the arena slippery spots, which is highly dangerous for both you and your horse.

Rubber mulch has become a much-favored infill material for playgrounds, too - so much so that the White House chose it for their official playground. In case of falls, trips, or other accidents, a rubber mulch horse arena offers more protection than any other infill material.

So it sounds like a rubber mulch horse arena is a really good idea, doesn’t it? There is one con brought up by many riding enthusiasts, though.

Could cost more, initially

...and the infill cost is directly proportional to the size of the arena. It’s true that you’re going to have to pony up (pun intended!) more money for the initial purchase and installation. However, weighing the cost versus the long-term benefits, safety pros, and minimal upkeep of a rubber mulch arena will show you just how much you will be saving in the long run.

Why has rubber mulch become a popular choice for horse arena footing?

Rubber mulch has gained popularity in horse arenas because it offers several benefits over traditional materials like sand or clay. One of the primary advantages is its superior dust control. Unlike hard clay ground or sand, rubber mulch does not produce dust, reducing the risk of lung ailments for both horses and riders. This is especially beneficial in hot weather when dust levels can increase. Moreover, rubber mulch requires virtually no maintenance compared to organic materials, which need regular smoothing and can create a mess. Its ability to absorb shocks effectively and reduce injuries for both horse and rider further adds to its appeal. Additionally, rubber mulch does not foster the growth of weeds, fungi, or pests, making it a safer and cleaner choice for horse arenas.

What makes rubber mulch an effective solution for dust control in horse arenas?

Rubber mulch is effective for dust control because, unlike sand or clay, it does not generate dust. This quality makes it a safer option for horse arenas, particularly in hot climates where dust can be a significant issue. Dust from traditional footing materials can cause lung problems for both horses and riders. An alternative like wetting the arena to control dust can lead to other issues like injuries from slippery surfaces or high water bills. Rubber mulch, being practically dust-free, eliminates the need for watering down the arena, thus preventing these associated risks and inconveniences.

How does rubber mulch reduce the maintenance needs of horse arenas?

Rubber mulch significantly reduces the maintenance required for horse arenas. Traditional infill materials like sand, wood chips, straw, or pine needles can create dust, dirt, and general mess, requiring frequent smoothing and cleaning. In contrast, rubber mulch footing minimizes these issues. It does not get blown away easily and maintains its form, reducing the need for regular upkeep. Some arena keepers have reported maintaining a pristine, maintenance-free track and barn coverage for over a year with rubber mulch. Additionally, it does not support the growth of weeds, fungi, or pests, including termites, further reducing the need for maintenance.

In what ways does rubber mulch enhance safety and performance in horse arenas?

Rubber mulch enhances safety and performance in horse arenas through its shock-absorbing qualities and even surface. The springiness of rubber helps protect the delicate ankles and hooves of horses, potentially improving their performance. It offers reliable shock absorption, which is beneficial for riders during a fall, reducing the risk of injuries. Traditional hard clay footing can crack in hot weather or turn muddy in the rainy season, posing risks to both horses and riders. Rubber mulch, being more even and softer, lessens the likelihood of injuries and provides a more comfortable and safer riding experience.

What are the financial considerations when choosing rubber mulch for horse arenas?

While rubber mulch offers numerous benefits for horse arenas, it does come with a higher initial cost. The expense is directly proportional to the arena's size, meaning larger arenas will require a more significant investment upfront. However, when considering the long-term advantages such as safety, minimal maintenance, and durability, the initial cost can be offset. In the long run, the reduced need for regular upkeep and the safer riding environment can lead to savings, making rubber mulch a cost-effective choice despite its higher initial price.

Resources:

http://www.fivestarranch.com/articles/arena-footing.html

http://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-351605.html

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