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04.01
2022
Synthetic Riding Surfaces – The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about our range of synthetic riding surfaces
Purchasing a new equestrian surface is a big investment, and as the synthetic riding surfaces in our range have been designed with longevity in mind, it’s important that you have all the facts before making your decision.
With so many surface options available, it can be difficult to know which is the right one for your requirements. That’s where we come in!
Our comprehensive buying guide has been put together to give you everything you need to know about synthetic riding surfaces, so that you can make an informed decision on your next investment.
Our guide to waxed surfaces
Waxed surfaces are a popular choice for busy equestrian centres and schools which can expect a lot of heavy footfall on a regular basis. The wax within the surface’s composition not only increases its durability, but it also bears binding and adhesive properties, which will help to keep your surface free from dust.
Waxed synthetic riding surfaces are an equally popular choice for at-home arenas and private professionals, owing to their ability to adapt well to changes in climate, making them safe to use all year round, and their ease of maintenance, requiring no irrigation.
Maintaining a waxed riding surface
Although a waxed surface will be easier to maintain than a non-waxed surface, it will still require a regular maintenance routine in order to ensure it can continue to perform well and provide a good footing.
If a waxed surface is not properly maintained, you run the risk of your surface becoming over-compacted. This, in turn, will reduce its capacity to absorb impact, leaving your horse vulnerable to injury.
You will need to keep your surface light and even to provide a steady and supportive footing for your horse, so regular grading is a must.
We recommend getting to grips with your surface’s maintenance requirements as soon as possible after it’s been laid. Operating a daily maintenance programme in the first few months will enable you to become familiar with your surface and how it’s affected by different weather conditions and patterns of footfall.
For more information and advice on the best maintenance practices for your synthetic riding surface, visit our blog.
Winter maintenance for a waxed surface
Waxed surfaces are more resistant to frost than those made without wax, however there is still a small possibility for a waxed surface to become frozen in exceptionally cold weather, especially if there is excess moisture in the surface.
When the weather forecast predicts frost, or a significant drop in temperature, it’s best to prepare your surface by grading it deeper than you normally might, in order to loosen the mix and assist with drainage.
You can find out more about how to maintain your waxed surface in the winter months here.
Our waxed surface range
Our world-class racing and competition surface
The original waxed surface, offering top-quality results for all disciplines
Designed to promote soundness and user confidence
The affordable waxed surface for private or professional use
Our guide to non-waxed surfaces
Non-waxed surfaces are slightly lower in cost, but do require more regular maintenance. Perfect for arenas in wetter climates, the non-waxed surface will need to be watered often in dry climates so that it may retain its structure and continue to perform well.
For this reason, when considering investing in a non-waxed surface, the maintenance commitments should play a key part in your decision-making process.
Maintaining a non-waxed riding surface
Regular irrigation and grading will be key, particularly in dry weather conditions, as this will enable you to better manage the moisture levels within the surface and keep it performing at its best.
As a general rule, we recommend grading your surface at least once a day. However, if your surface only experiences very light footfall, perhaps with a few riders each day, grading every other day may be sufficient to keep it level and consistent.
If your surface experiences heavier footfall, it’s a good idea to carry out a more thorough maintenance routine on a weekly basis, in addition to your daily grooming routine.
For further advice and guidance on maintaining your non-waxed riding surface, visit our blog.
Winter maintenance for a non-waxed surface
Synthetic riding surfaces made without wax will be more susceptible to frost, so keeping up a more rigorous maintenance schedule will be key to keeping your surface in use. You might also consider using an arena cover to provide additional insulation and protection from the elements when your surface is not in use.
You can find out more about how to maintain your non-waxed surface in the winter months here.
Our non-waxed surface range
A high-grade surface teamed with our Ebb & Flow drainage system
A pre-blended, non-waxed surface guaranteeing consistent quality
Our cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for improved stability
Surfaces by discipline
Which is the best arena surface for competition?
With anywhere between 50 to 250+ horses using their surfaces on a daily basis, competition grounds see a high amount of footfall regularly, placing heavy demands on the surface.
A good competition surface will need to be:
- Durable
- Consistent
- Supportive for all disciplines
- Easy to maintain
We recommend:
Cushion Track Premier
Our premium surface, well suited to busy equestrian schools and competition centres
Premier Track
A professional surface, teamed with our Ebb & Flow automatic, sub-surface drainage and irrigation system for ease of maintenance
Find out more about our competition surfaces here.
Which is the best arena surface for eventing?
As eventing is multidisciplinary in nature, the surface used needs to be both dynamic and adaptable, supporting the complex movements of dressage whilst also providing cushioning, impact absorption and durability for the jumping elements.
A good eventing surface will need to be:
- Adaptable
- Durable
- Supportive for all disciplines
We recommend:
Cushion Track Classic
A quality surface designed for high-level use and heavy footfall
Premier Track
A professional surface, teamed with our Ebb & Flow automatic, sub-surface drainage and irrigation system for ease of maintenance
Economy Track
A cost-effective, non-waxed surface option offering optimal consistency and performance
Find out more about our eventing surfaces here.
Which is the best arena surface for dressage?
A dressage arena surface needs to be properly maintained and engineered to support the complex movements and accuracy demanded by the sport. The best way to prevent concussion and reduce the risk of sustained injury, repetitive strain, or long-term structural damage to the horse’s joints, is to invest in a high-quality riding surface which offers the right level of cushioning and support.
A good eventing surface will need to:
- Have an open tilth and a softer finish
- Support dynamic movement
- Provide excellent grip
- Be consistent
We recommend:
Sound Track
A waxed surface, providing excellent levels of comfort, support, shock absorption and energy return, and promoting soundness in horses
Cushion Track Classic
A quality surface designed for high-level use and heavy footfall
Wax Track
An economical waxed surface option which reduces the need for irrigation whilst providing excellent consistency and support
Find out more about our dressage surfaces here.
Which is the best arena surface for showjumping?
When jumping, it’s important that both horse and rider are completely confident in their footing, and the best way to ensure confidence is to invest in a surface that can provide a consistent footing and security and in take-offs and landings.
A good showjumping surface will need to:
- Be stable and supportive
- Offer good cushioning and traction
- Reduce the risk of injury
- Effectively absorb impact
We recommend:
Cushion Track Premier
Our premium surface, well suited to busy equestrian schools and competition centres
Cushion Track Classic
A quality surface designed for high-level use and heavy footfall
Premier Track
A professional surface, teamed with our Ebb & Flow automatic, sub-surface drainage and irrigation system for ease of maintenance
Find out more about our showjumping surfaces here.
Which is the best surface for arena polo?
As a fast-paced, high-impact sport, polo can be tough on a horse’s joints, with the risk of injury being particularly high. When it comes to selecting your polo surface, it’s key to invest in a fast surface that provides optimal grip and can keep up with the pace of the sport.
A good arena polo surface will need to be:
- Fast
- Supportive
- Durable
- Consistent
We recommend:
Cushion Track Premier
Our premium surface, supporting freedom of movement and providing security in turns and at high speed
Find out more about our polo surfaces here.
Which is the best synthetic racing surface?
Seeing heavy footfall and a lot of fast movement, the demands placed on a racing surface, whether it’s being used for training or for the race itself, are quite high. As such, it’s important to invest in a surface that is of the highest quality.
A good synthetic racing surface will need to:
- Replicate turf as closely as possible
- Offer reduced kickback
- Provide a consistent footing that’s not jarring
- Drain well and be easy to maintain
We recommend:
Cushion Track Racing
Our premium waxed racing surface which supports horses at high speed and in turns, reducing the likelihood of injury
Wax Track+
A high-performance surface, designed to support the training needs of horses for National Hunt and flat racing
Still not sure which is the best surface for you?
Our team strives to provide the highest level of customer service, and with over 35 years of industry experience, they’re always on hand to provide you with sound advice and guidance to help you choose the right surface for you.
Ready to make a start? Get in touch with our team today!