Every arena owner faces the same dilemma: Your facility needs improvement, but a complete rebuild feels overwhelming—financially and logistically. The good news? Strategic upgrades can transform your arena’s performance without excavating a single inch of existing footing or shutting down operations for weeks.
After working with hundreds of facilities nationwide, we’ve identified five high-impact upgrades that deliver immediate, measurable improvements in horse performance. These aren’t Band-Aid solutions—they’re proven technologies that address the root causes of common arena problems. Best of all, each can be implemented independently or combined for exponential benefits, working with your existing setup rather than replacing it.
From automated watering that eliminates dust clouds to revolutionary additives that transform tired footing, these upgrades represent the smart path to arena excellence. Let’s explore how each innovation can elevate your facility from adequate to exceptional.
Upgrade #1: SprinklAir™ Automated Watering—Consistent Moisture Without the Hassle
Water management makes or breaks arena performance. Too dry, and dust clouds compromise respiratory health while creating unstable footing. Too wet, and you’re dealing with slippery, inconsistent surfaces that increase injury risk. Manual watering rarely achieves the perfect balance—but automated systems change everything.
The Performance Impact
Proper moisture content directly affects how horses move and perform. Research shows that optimally watered arenas reduce concussion forces by up to 40%, allowing horses to work longer with less fatigue. Consistent moisture also stabilizes footing depth, eliminating those frustrating deep spots that throw off balance and timing.
MOISTURE MATTERS
Studies indicate horses on properly moistened surfaces show:
- 25% reduction in limb loading during landing phases
- Improved stride consistency and confidence
- Decreased recovery time between sessions
- Lower incidence of soft tissue injuries
Why SprinklAir™ Outperforms Traditional Methods
Unlike permanent sprinkler systems requiring $20,000+ investments and constant maintenance, SprinklAir™ delivers professional results through ingenious simplicity. This self-propelled unit connects to any standard hose and automatically traverses your arena, applying precise moisture levels based on your settings.
The continuously variable transmission allows exact control—from light dust suppression to deep saturation. Coverage reaches up to 11,500 square feet per setup, sufficient for most arenas. When finished, it automatically shuts off, eliminating waste and overwatering concerns.
Real-World Implementation
Desert Springs Equestrian Center, Arizona: “We fought dust constantly with hand watering, using 3,000+ gallons daily with mediocre results. SprinklAir™ cut our water usage by 40% while completely eliminating dust. Our horses’ respiratory health improved dramatically, and performance times in our barrel racing events dropped noticeably. The $649 investment paid for itself in water savings within two months.” — Maria Rodriguez, Facility Manager
Installation Simplicity
No trenching. No plumbing. No electrical work. Simply:
- Position SprinklAir™ at arena edge
- Connect standard garden hose
- Set desired speed and flow rate
- Press start and walk away
The entire “installation” takes under five minutes. When not in use, SprinklAir™ stores compactly, freeing your arena for uninterrupted use.
Performance Gains You’ll See
Within days of implementing consistent automated watering:
- Dust levels drop 80-90%, improving respiratory function
- Footing consistency stabilizes across entire arena
- Horses show increased forward movement and confidence
- Maintenance time decreases as proper moisture reduces material migration
- Water usage drops 30-50% compared to manual methods
For facilities struggling with dust, inconsistent moisture, or excessive water bills, SprinklAir™ represents the single most impactful upgrade available—delivering immediate results without infrastructure changes.
Upgrade #2: Stall Comfort Mats—Recovery Enhancement That Shows in the Arena
Performance doesn’t happen only during riding sessions. The 12-16 hours horses spend in stalls profoundly impact their arena readiness. While it might seem counterintuitive to discuss stall upgrades in an arena improvement article, the connection between quality rest and peak performance is undeniable.
The Rest-Performance Connection
Horses require 2-3 hours of REM sleep daily for proper physical recovery and mental processing. This deep sleep only occurs when lying down completely—something horses avoid on uncomfortable surfaces. Studies show horses on inadequate stall flooring experience:
- 60% less REM sleep than those on comfortable surfaces
- Increased stress hormone levels affecting trainability
- Slower recovery from intense work
- Higher incidence of performance-limiting injuries
Performance Footing’s new 6×8 comfort mats transform stall environments into recovery zones that enhance arena performance. The orthopedic foam construction provides progressive support—firm for standing stability yet yielding for lying comfort.
RECOVERY REVOLUTION
Documented benefits from improved stall comfort:
- Horses lie down 40% more frequently and longer
- Reduced joint inflammation and filling
- Improved attitude and willingness to work
- Faster recovery between training sessions
- Extended competitive careers
Strategic Implementation
Rather than retrofitting every stall simultaneously, strategic placement maximizes impact:
Priority installations:
- Competition horses preparing for events
- Horses in intensive training programs
- Senior horses needing joint support
- Rehabilitation cases returning to work
As performance improvements become evident, expand to additional stalls. Many facilities report that horses actively seek out matted stalls when given choices, confirming the comfort difference.
Unexpected Arena Benefits
Beyond obvious recovery advantages, comfort mats deliver surprising arena-related benefits:
Reduced warm-up time: Well-rested horses require 20-30% less warm-up to achieve suppleness, saving wear on both horse and arena footing.
Improved focus: Horses getting adequate rest show better attention spans and learning retention during training sessions.
Consistent performance: Daily performance variations decrease when horses maintain steady recovery patterns.
Extended work capacity: Properly rested horses can handle longer, more productive training sessions without fatigue-related form breakdown.
Investment Perspective
At $649 per mat, stall upgrades might seem unrelated to arena improvement budgets. However, consider this: A single soft tissue injury from inadequate recovery costs $2,000-5,000 in veterinary care and months of downtime. Prevention through proper stall flooring pays dividends in sustained performance and reduced arena maintenance from consistent, balanced movement patterns.
Upgrade #3: Levitare Additive—Transform Tired Footing Without Starting Over
Your arena footing has served well but now feels tired—too loose in corners, too hard on straightaways, dusty despite watering. Complete replacement seems inevitable until you discover what modern additives can achieve. Levitare represents a new generation of footing amendments that revitalize existing surfaces without removal or replacement.
Understanding Footing Fatigue
Arena sand doesn’t wear out—it breaks down. Angular particles become rounded through repeated compression. Smaller particles migrate deeper, leaving larger particles to shift freely on top. The result? Inconsistent surfaces that frustrate riders and stress horses.
Levitare addresses these issues at the particle level. These bio-based rubber cells integrate throughout your existing footing, creating a three-dimensional matrix that:
- Binds particles together without creating hardness
- Maintains consistent depth through traffic patterns
- Holds moisture where it’s needed most
- Provides progressive cushioning that adapts to impact forces
The Science of Performance Enhancement
Independent studies reveal Levitare’s impact on equine biomechanics:
Shock absorption: 35% reduction in peak impact forces compared to sand alone, decreasing concussion-related injuries and extending athletic careers.
Energy return: The cellular structure stores and returns energy, reducing muscular effort required for propulsion by 15-20%.
Surface consistency: Variation in footing depth across arenas decreases by 70%, allowing horses to develop consistent movement patterns.
Moisture retention: Water requirements drop 50-60% while maintaining optimal moisture content 3x longer than untreated sand.
Installation Without Interruption
Unlike major renovations, Levitare installation works around your schedule:
Day 1—Morning: Spread Levitare from convenient 25lb bags across arena surface. The lightweight material distributes easily by hand or spreader.
Day 1—Afternoon: Use existing arena groomer to blend Levitare into top 2-3 inches of footing. Multiple passes ensure thorough integration.
Day 2: Light watering activates binding properties. Arena remains usable for light work.
Day 3: Resume full training schedule on transformed footing.
No equipment rental. No specialized contractors. No extended downtime. Just measurable improvement using tools you already own.
TRAINER TESTIMONY
“We added Levitare to our 10-year-old sand arena that had become impossibly loose and dusty. Within a week, the surface felt completely different—supportive but not hard, consistent throughout, and virtually dust-free. My horses are moving better than ever, and I’m grooming half as often. Why didn’t we do this years ago?”
— Jennifer Walsh, Dressage Trainer
Discipline-Specific Benefits
Dressage: Enhanced stability improves collection and extension. Consistent surfaces allow precise movements without compensation for footing variations.
Jumping: Superior shock absorption protects legs on landing while stable takeoff zones improve confidence and timing.
Western: Controlled slide characteristics support reining and cutting movements while reducing joint stress during quick direction changes.
General riding: All-around improvement in comfort and consistency makes every ride more productive and enjoyable.
Long-Term Value
Initial investment in Levitare costs fraction of footing replacement while delivering comparable performance improvements. The additive’s durability means benefits last 5-7 years with proper maintenance. When eventual replacement comes, Levitare-enhanced footing can often be recycled as an excellent base material, further extending value.
Upgrade #4: DustHalt™—The Invisible Upgrade with Visible Results
Dust isn’t just annoying—it’s a performance killer. Respiratory irritation reduces oxygen uptake, affecting stamina and recovery. Riders struggle with visibility and comfort. Yet traditional dust control methods create new problems: excessive watering leads to inconsistent footing, while oil-based suppressants can damage hooves and create slippery conditions.
DustHalt™ revolutionizes dust control through molecular innovation rather than masking symptoms.
How DustHalt™ Works Differently
Traditional dust suppressants rely on coating particles or creating surface barriers. DustHalt™ operates at the particle physics level, creating electromagnetic charges that fundamentally change how dust behaves.
When applied, DustHalt™ gives dust particles a negative charge. This causes them to attract back to the larger footing particles rather than becoming airborne. It’s not suppression—it’s prevention at the source.
DUST DYNAMICS DISRUPTED
Independent testing shows DustHalt™ delivers:
- 85% reduction in airborne particles
- 50% less water required for dust control
- 6-12 month effectiveness per application
- No hoof or equipment damage
- Maintains footing’s natural characteristics
Performance Improvements Beyond Air Quality
While respiratory benefits are obvious, DustHalt™’s impact on performance extends further:
Enhanced visibility: Riders can see precise distances and approaches without dust clouds obscuring vision, improving jumping accuracy and pattern execution.
Consistent moisture: By reducing water needs, footing maintains optimal moisture levels longer, providing predictable surfaces throughout training sessions.
Reduced maintenance: Less frequent watering means less footing displacement and compaction from water application, maintaining designed performance characteristics.
Equipment longevity: Reduced dust means less wear on tack, equipment, and facility infrastructure, lowering replacement costs.
Application Strategy
DustHalt™’s concentrated formula covers up to 22,000 square feet per bucket, making it economical for full-arena treatment. However, strategic application can maximize benefits:
High-impact zones first:
- Gate areas where horses congregate
- Common track patterns along rail
- Approach and landing zones for jumps
- Collection points for western disciplines
Seasonal timing: Apply before dry seasons for preventive control. In year-round facilities, spring application provides protection through summer’s peak dust months.
Integration technique: Mix DustHalt™ with minimal water and apply during regular grooming. The product integrates with existing footing maintenance routines—no special equipment or downtime required.
Real Results from Real Facilities
Mountain View Equestrian Center, Colorado: “Our indoor arena became unbearable during winter when we couldn’t water due to freezing concerns. DustHalt™ solved our problem completely. We applied it in November and had virtually no dust through March despite no watering. Lesson cancellations due to air quality dropped to zero, and our horses’ coughing issues resolved within weeks.” — Robert Chen, Owner
Cost-Benefit Analysis
At $349 per bucket, DustHalt™ might seem expensive compared to water. But consider:
- Water costs for dust control: $2,000-4,000 annually
- Lost revenue from dust-related cancellations: Variable but significant
- Veterinary costs for respiratory issues: $500-2,000 per affected horse
- Reduced lifespan of equipment: $1,000+ annually
One application delivering 6-12 months of control makes DustHalt™ one of the most cost-effective performance upgrades available.
Upgrade #5: BaseCore™ Geocell—Foundation Fixes Without Excavation
The most frustrating arena problems often originate below the surface. Poor drainage creates puddles and inconsistent moisture. Base instability leads to shifting footing and dangerous depressions. Traditional solutions require complete excavation—until now.
BaseCore™ geocell technology allows targeted base improvements without disturbing your entire arena.
Understanding Geocell Innovation
Developed for military applications requiring instant, stable surfaces, geocell systems create three-dimensional honeycombs that confine and stabilize base materials. When filled with appropriate aggregate, these cells:
- Distribute weight across wider areas, preventing point loading
- Allow water movement while preventing material migration
- Create stable platforms that resist shifting and erosion
- Reduce required base material thickness by up to 50%
Performance Footing’s BaseCore™ adapts this technology specifically for equestrian applications, creating solutions for common arena problems without complete reconstruction.
Targeted Problem-Solving Applications
Persistent wet spots: Remove footing from problem areas and excavate 6-8 inches. Install BaseCore™ with drainage aggregate, then replace footing. Water now moves through rather than pooling, eliminating dangerous soft spots.
High-traffic deterioration: Gate areas, barrel patterns, and jump approaches suffer extreme wear. Installing BaseCore™ beneath these zones creates reinforced areas that maintain consistency despite intensive use.
Perimeter drainage issues: Water accumulation along arena edges creates progressive problems. A BaseCore™ French drain system around the perimeter intercepts and redirects water without affecting the main riding surface.
New construction optimization: For new arenas, BaseCore™ reduces base material requirements while improving performance. Less excavation, less imported material, and better long-term stability make it cost-effective from day one.
Installation Without Disruption
Strategic BaseCore™ installation minimizes facility disruption:
Problem area renovation:
- Week 1: Map problem areas and order materials
- Weekend 1: Excavate and install BaseCore™ in sections
- Week 2: Monitor performance and adjust as needed
- Ongoing: Expand to additional areas as budget allows
Most facilities complete targeted improvements over several weekends without closing operations.
Performance Gains
Arenas with BaseCore™ reinforcement show measurable improvements:
Drainage efficiency: 300% improvement in water movement through treated areas
Surface stability: 70% reduction in depth variations across high-traffic zones
Maintenance reduction: 40% less frequent grooming required in reinforced areas
Longevity: Expected 20+ year lifespan for BaseCore™ installations
FACILITY SPOTLIGHT
“Our outdoor arena had three spots that became lakes after any rain. Excavating the entire arena would have cost $30,000 and shut us down for weeks. Instead, we installed BaseCore™ in just the problem areas over two weekends for under $3,000. Two years later, those spots drain better than the rest of the arena. Game changer.”
— Tom Martinez, Rising Star Stables
Strategic Implementation
Start with your worst problem and expand systematically:
- Identify critical issues: Map areas that consistently underperform
- Prioritize by impact: Address safety hazards first, then performance limitations
- Install incrementally: Complete one area before starting the next
- Monitor and document: Track improvements to justify continued investment
- Expand strategically: Use success to fund additional improvements
Maximizing Combined Benefits
While each upgrade delivers standalone value, strategic combinations create synergistic benefits that exponentially improve performance:
The Ultimate Dust-Free Surface
Combine Levitare + DustHalt™ + SprinklAir™:
- Levitare binds particles and retains moisture naturally
- DustHalt™ prevents remaining fines from becoming airborne
- SprinklAir™ maintains optimal moisture with 70% less water
Result: Virtually dust-free conditions lasting months between applications.
The Recovery-Performance Loop
Implement Stall Comfort Mats + Levitare arena footing:
- Superior stall rest improves recovery and readiness
- Enhanced arena footing reduces impact stress
- Combined effect extends careers and improves daily performance
Result: Horses that work better, recover faster, and stay sound longer.
The Stability Solution
Install BaseCore™ problem area reinforcement + Levitare surface treatment:
- BaseCore™ stabilizes underlying issues
- Levitare enhances surface consistency
- Together they create uniformly excellent footing
Result: An arena that performs consistently regardless of weather or traffic.
Implementation Strategy for Maximum Impact
Successful arena improvement doesn’t require implementing all upgrades simultaneously. Follow this strategic approach:
Phase 1: Immediate Impact (Months 1-2)
Start with upgrades offering instant, visible improvements:
- Install SprinklAir™ for immediate dust control and moisture management
- Apply DustHalt™ to eliminate respiratory irritants
Investment: Under $1,000 Impact: Dramatic improvement in daily conditions
Phase 2: Performance Enhancement (Months 3-6)
Build on initial success:
- Add Levitare to transform footing characteristics
- Install comfort mats in key stalls
Investment: $2,000-4,000 Impact: Noticeable performance improvements
Phase 3: Long-term Solutions (Months 7-12)
Address underlying issues:
- Install BaseCore™ in problem areas
- Expand successful upgrades facility-wide
Investment: Variable based on needs Impact: Lasting facility transformation
The Path Forward
Arena excellence doesn’t require starting from scratch. These five upgrades—each powerful alone, transformative in combination—prove that strategic improvements deliver better results than many complete rebuilds.
The question isn’t whether your arena needs improvement—it’s which upgrade to implement first. Start with your most pressing challenge:
- Dust problems? SprinklAir™ and DustHalt™ deliver immediate relief
- Inconsistent footing? Levitare transforms existing surfaces
- Poor recovery affecting performance? Stall comfort mats close the loop
- Drainage or base issues? BaseCore™ solves problems at their source
Every upgrade builds toward the ultimate goal: an arena where horses perform their best, stay sounder longer, and riders achieve their dreams.
Ready to upgrade your arena without the rebuild?
Visit performancefooting.com to explore these innovative solutions in detail. Our arena specialists can assess your specific challenges and recommend the optimal upgrade path for your facility and budget.
Stop accepting “good enough.” Your horses deserve great—and these upgrades deliver it without breaking the bank or disrupting your operation.
Performance Footing has spent two decades developing solutions that improve equestrian facilities without requiring complete reconstruction. From the arena to the stall, we’re committed to innovations that enhance performance, health, and enjoyment for horses and riders alike.