Footing Depth
Maintaining consistent footing depth is essential to protecting your base. To check it, use a hand shovel marked with depth measurements, such as a bulb shovel or one labeled with permanent marker. Once a month, walk the arena and push the shovel through the footing until it reaches the base.
Check several areas to confirm the depth is consistent and the footing has not shifted off the base. If the base becomes compromised, repair costs can increase significantly. Regular inspection helps protect your investment and extend the life of your arena.
Grooming your arena
Regular grooming is important for extending the life of your arena. Moving displaced footing back into place and keeping the surface level helps protect the base and reduce the risk of injury to your horse. We recommend Drag’N’Fly groomers from Carolina Arena Equipment. A few available models are shown here.
Regrading your arena
For many arenas, regrading is one of the simplest and most effective improvements. It can be an affordable way to address certain surface issues, and if the base is still intact, it is often a smart first step in upgrading your arena.
Depending on your location, regrading and leveling your arena may cost as little as $2,000. Regrading is also helpful before adding footing additives.