Equestrian Rubber Chippings
By Ben Parrot - Landscape Gardener & Amateur Geologist
Overview
Are you looking for an eco-friendly surface for your riding arena that combines safety, comfort, and durability? Using rubber for horse arenas offer these benefits and more, such as the need for very little maintenance.
In this article, we will explore rubber arena surfaces; what equestrian rubber chippings are, their advantages, installation, and maintenance, as well as alternative surface options, and how they compare to other surfaces in terms of cost and benefit. Giddy up!
Key Takeaways
What is the Best Surface for an Equestrian Arena?
The best surface for an equestrian arena depends on the specific discipline and the local climate conditions. Commonly favoured surfaces include: wood chip; a blend of sand and waxed geo-textile additives; and, rubber chippings with sand. They offer different levels of stability, cushioning, and drainage.
Equestrian Rubber Chippings as a Surface
Shredded rubber for horse arena floors are made from automotive tyres that are re-purposed to create chipped rubber. Using a specialised granulator results in a coarse grade of chipping, typically about 20mm in size. They provide a durable, low-maintenance surface for riding arenas and horse walkers.
However, in many cases they can't be used in isolation, although there are some options. Generally, rubber chippings must be laid on a minimum base 100mm of silica sand, followed by 50mm of rubber chippings, in order to create a firm, safe and stable surface.
Durable All-Weather Surface
One of the main advantages of using rubber chips for horse arenas is their ability to withstand various weather conditions. They can resist frost temperatures up to -5 degrees, making them an inexpensive surface material suitable for year-round use. This durable all-weather surface ensures that your riding arena remains usable even during the harshest weather conditions.
Equestrian Surface Drainage
Proper drainage is vital for a safe and optimal equestrian riding surface. Equestrian surface drainage encompasses methods like perforated pipes and gravel-filled trenches to manage water on riding arenas, ensuring performance, safety, and durability. With a heavy duty membrane installed, equestrian chippings complement these drainage systems, providing a consistent riding surface even during rainfall.
Understanding Equestrian Rubber Chippings
Equestrian rubber chippings, derived from recycled tires, offer a cushioned and stable riding surface, with chips measuring between 8-20mm and being 99% wire-free for the safety and comfort of horse and rider. Besides ensuring a quality riding experience, they promote an eco-friendly approach by using believed to be non-toxic, recycled materials, aiding in reducing our environmental impact.
Rubber Horse Arena Surface: Key Benefits
Using rubber for horse arenas, particularly in colder climates, presents multiple advantages. These include heightened safety and comfort for horses, superior frost resistance, suitability in all weather conditions, and impressive durability. Notably, rubber chippings lower the risk of leg concussions, favouring the overall health and performance of horses.
Minimising Leg Concussion Risk
Minimising leg concussion risk is crucial for the well-being and performance of horses, as such injuries can result from falls. Equestrian rubber chippings cushioning qualities provide added protection for horses, including their feet and tendons, reducing leg concussion risks.
Inexpensive Surface Material
Rubber chippings, although initially more costly than alternatives like sand or wood chips, are a cost-effective choice for equestrian surfaces due to their durability and low maintenance. Their versatility allows them to be combined with other materials, ensuring a tailored cushioning and stability, ultimately offering both flexibility and cost savings for users.
Enhanced Comfort and Safety
A key advantage of rubber chip surfaces is the comfort and safety they provide for both horse and rider. The benefits include:
By opting for a rubber equestrian chippings surface, your horses' added well-being and safety will translate into more enjoyable riding.
Low maintenance
Equestrian rubber chippings surfaces are favoured for their low maintenance, as they don't decompose or blow away easily, ideal for busy equestrian venues or those desiring minimal upkeep. Regularly loosening hard-packed spots and leveling deeper zones using tools like a flat bar harrow and sprinkler ensures the surface's longevity and optimal condition. Annual replenishment is not generally required.
Environmentally Friendly
Rubber chippings, crafted from recycled rubber, offer an eco-friendly option for equestrian surfaces. Re-purposing old tires minimizes waste, taps into existing resources, and benefits the environment. Furthermore, they're mostly non-toxic, don't emit chemicals (except in hot weather), and aid in dust reduction, enhancing the air quality.
New Riding Arenas
When constructing new outdoor riding arenas, it’s important to consider the recommended quantities of rubber chippings for optimal performance. Ensuring that you have the correct amount of material in your arena will result in the best surface.
When selecting the best surface for your arena, the following factors should be considered:
Recommended Quantities
The amount of rubber chip needed for an arena is contingent on its size and the intended depth of the surface; a 20 x 20m arena requires around 10 tonnes, while a 20 x 40m arena needs about 20 tonnes. These guidelines can help estimate your approximate requirements.
Horse Arena Installation
Proper installation and upkeep are essential for the durability and efficiency of equestrian rubber chippings surfaces. For a riding arena to be correctly constructed and maintained, it requires a minimum depth of rubber chippings, and a base of sand, preferable silica sand.
How deep should rubber be in a horse arena?
The suggested depth of equestrian rubber chippings for a riding arena is 50mm (2 inches), providing a durable equestrian arena footing. For a typical 40m x 20m riding arena, approximately 20 tonnes are required to provide a comfortable equestrian rubber chip surface. This guarantees a safe and stable riding environment, regardless of the weather.
Geo-textile Membrane
Before installing any kind of rubber chippings in your horse arena, it is vitally important to lay a high quality, non-woven geotextile membrane. Due to the demands that will be required of it, the recommended thickness of the fibre should be a minimum of 300gsm, but 500gsm would be ideal and offer a more durable and long-lasting result. It would be installed between the sand and the sub layer in order to prevent the sand from mixing with the sub base layer.
Laying Techniques
Before installing rubber chippings in an arena, ensure that the fencing and drainage stones are properly positioned. Laying techniques involve evenly spreading the rubber chippings across the arena's surface using tools like a shovel or spreader. Following this, a harrow or rake is used to incorporate the chippings into the arena's surface, for creating a dense and robust riding area.
Topping Up Your Arena
Periodically, arenas might require additional top ups of rubber chippings to maintain their optimal performance. Occasional topping up with a bulk bag ensures the surface maintains its desired depth and consistency. For a uniform riding experience and to prolong the lifespan of the surface, it helps to use rubber chippings that match the type and quality of the existing surface.
Alternative Equestrian Surface Options
While a sand arena surface can offer several benefits, it is also worth considering alternative options when determining the best choice for your specific needs. Some alternative options include waxed surfacing, sand and rubber mixtures, rubber crumb, and chopped rubber. All have their many benefits and here are some considerations for each.
Waxed Surfaces
Sand and Rubber Arena Surface
Equestrian Rubber Crumb
What is the cheapest horse arena surface?
The cheapest horse arena surface is sand, by far, although it is the least durable. However, over the long run, it really depends on factors such as material costs, installation, and maintenance requirements. While equestrian rubber chippings may not be the cheapest option upfront, they offer cost effective prices long-term, due to their durability and low maintenance requirements.
Arena Surfaces To Consider
A careful evaluation of the costs and benefits of the various surface options will guide you in making a decision that best aligns with your needs and budget, including:
Comparing Costs and Benefits
When selecting the best surface for your equestrian area, it is important to compare costs and benefits to determine the optimal choice for your specific needs. Factors to consider include:
Delivery Options
Suppliers offer delivery either on a lorry tipped straight into your arena or in 1-tonne bulk bags, making it convenient for you to receive your equestrian rubber chippings and start enjoying their benefits.
Summary
In conclusion, equestrian rubber chippings offer numerous benefits, including durability, comfort, safety, and eco-friendliness, making them an excellent choice for your riding arena surface, especially in cold climates. By considering factors such as drainage, installation, maintenance, and alternative surface options, you can make an informed decision that best meets your specific needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best surface for an equestrian arena?
For the best equestrian arena, it is recommended to avoid using bark as this surface will not last long and will absorb more water. Other surfaces are more suitable for exercises such as gallops, lunging rings, turn-out paddocks and horse-walkers. Rubber is best suited to outdoor arenas and can be used for all disciplines.
What is equestrian rubber?
Equestrian rubber is an economical and durable surface material designed for various uses, such as outdoor riding arenas, training gallops, canter tracks and horse walkers. It offers a quality and safe, non-toxic footing solution at a cost-effective price.
Is Rubber Mulch Safe For Horses ?
One concern that may arise when considering rubber mulch for your riding arena is its safety for horses. The good news is that rubber mulch made from recycled tyres, and should be free of wires in order to be deemed suitable and safe for horses.
What are equestrian rubber chippings made of, and how are they produced?
Equestrian rubber chippings are produced by shredding automotive tyres into pieces, providing a safe and effective surface for horses.
How deep should rubber be in a horse arena?
Equestrian rubber chippings should be around 50mm (2 inches) deep in a horse arena.
