Spec it right. Built by a Ground Shapers network builder.
Performance Footing® specs your arena. Independent builders in our Ground Shapers network handle construction and installation.
Ground Shapers is a Performance Footing brand — our network of independent builders. The installers within it are independent contractors who run their own crews and contract with you directly. We've seen every footing problem and built the spec library to match — they bring the crews, equipment, and on-site execution.
See Our Work
Arena construction in action
Common Construction Mistakes Ground Shapers Network Builders Fix
Built wrong the first time?
Most failed arenas weren't unlucky — they were installed by crews who don't specialize in equestrian footing. These are the mistakes that force a full rebuild in 2–3 years. The Ground Shapers network builders exist to prevent them.
Inexperienced installers
General excavators who've never built a single arena learning on your dime
Inefficient base work
Shortcut bases that fail in 2–3 years and force a full tear-out and rebuild
Wrong sand spec
Mason sand, river sand, or quarry leftovers instead of a graded, sub-angular silica blend
Wrong base material
Round pea gravel or unscreened fill that shifts, drains poorly, and migrates up into footing
Layers installed incorrectly
Wrong depths, no compaction between lifts, geotextile pinched or skipped at transitions
No layered system at all
Sand dumped straight on dirt — no sub-base, no separation fabric, no stabilization
Why We're Different
Specialists, not generalists
Equestrian arenas are a discipline of their own. Here's how Ground Shapers network builders qualify, where most builds fail, and what changes when it's done right.
Arena-only crews
Recommended builders install equestrian footing systems exclusively — not driveways, not parking lots.
Laser-guided grading
Every lift verified to spec with laser equipment, not eyeballed off a string line.
Spec-backed materials
Sand, base stone, geotextile, and stabilization sourced to a written ArenaSpec™ — no substitutions.
Typical failure analysis
When a Ground Shapers network builder is called in to tear out and rebuild, this is what they find — almost every time.
Base failure
Uncompacted lifts, wrong stone gradation, no geotextile separation — the base shifts and the surface follows.
Wrong sand
Mason, river, or unwashed quarry sand instead of a sub-angular, graded silica blend specified for the discipline.
Drainage failure
Flat or reverse slope, no perimeter drainage, water sitting in the base for days after rain.
No stabilization
Sand sitting directly on stone with no geocell, mat, or fiber system — leading to deep spots, hard spots, and migration.
Before & after — same arena, done right
What changes when the mistakes above are corrected at the base.
Standing water 24–48 hours after rain
Rideable within 2–4 hours, fully drained overnight
Deep, inconsistent footing with hard spots
Uniform depth across the full surface, edge to edge
Dragged daily, still rutted by afternoon
Holds groom for multiple ride sessions
Dust clouds during every ride
Controlled dust with proper sand spec and moisture system
Base migrating into the footing within a year
Stabilized base locked in for 10+ years
Full rebuild needed every 2–3 years
Routine maintenance only — no tear-out
The Construction Process (Delivered by Ground Shapers Network Builders)
Your arena, built right — from the base up
Every build follows the structured process the independent builders in our Ground Shapers network use, so nothing is left to chance.
We Listen First
Every arena is different. We start by understanding yours — what you ride, what's not working, what you've tried, and what you're hoping to achieve. No generic recommendations.
Precision Base Construction
Recommended builders use laser-guided equipment to grade your arena to exact ArenaSpec™ specifications — proper slope for drainage, consistent depth across the entire surface. No high spots or low spots. This is the difference between an arena that works and one that almost works.
BaseCore™ HD or Arena Mats
For maximum longevity and performance, we supply premium stabilization systems for the builder to install. BaseCore™ geocell systems lock the base in place, while rubber arena mats provide superior cushion, drainage, and footing consistency.
Footing System
We assess your sand makeup and depth, then spec your custom ArenaSpec™ footing system — FIBR, FLEX, and LOCK ratios tuned for your discipline, climate, and sand type. A Ground Shapers network builder installs it to spec.
Equipment & Maintenance Setup
We match you with the right grooming and irrigation equipment for your specific footing blend, arena size, and maintenance capacity — so your surface performs from day one.
Arena Services
Engineered solutions for every arena need
Regrading & Laser Leveling Specs
Restore proper slope and eliminate inconsistencies so your arena rides the same everywhere. We provide the spec; a Ground Shapers network builder executes the regrade.
Footing Optimization & Dust Control
Proper sand makeup, depth adjustments, and our natural additives matched to your discipline and climate.
BaseCore™ & Arena Mat Systems
Premium stabilized base systems using geocell technology or rubber arena mats for maximum longevity and drainage.
New Arena Construction (via Ground Shapers Network)
Full builds delivered by independent builders in our Ground Shapers network — engineered to a written ArenaSpec™ from site prep through first ride.
Why Choose Us
Spec + Ground Shapers network builders. No gaps.
Spec + Manufacturer — we engineer and manufacture our own footing additives, dust control solutions, and base stabilization systems
Independent builders in our Ground Shapers network — vetted arena-focused crews
Laser-guided precision — Ground Shapers network builders use state-of-the-art equipment so your arena is built to spec, not 'close enough'
Discipline-specific arena design — we tune footing depth, composition, and feel to how you actually ride
Nationwide footing support — we ship and consult across the U.S. in all climates and soil conditions; Ground Shapers network builders travel
Options for every budget — from regrades to full builds, standard bases to BaseCore™ HD stabilization
Where Ground Shapers Network Builders Work
Find your region. A Ground Shapers network builder works there.
Nationwide ArenaSpec™ consultation across all 50 U.S. states and Canada. Independent builders in our Ground Shapers network — travel to your site for construction.
United States
50 locationsReady to build, anywhere in the world? Get matched with a Ground Shapers network builder.
Spec'd for every kind of equestrian facility
Every facility type carries its own demands — usage volume, discipline mix, budget structure, and maintenance capacity. We tailor the ArenaSpec™ to fit the operation; a Ground Shapers network builder executes it on site.
Owner-built arenas for personal training and family riding.
High-use surfaces engineered for daily lessons and clients.
Durable, low-maintenance footing for mixed-discipline use.
Event-grade arenas built to handle horse-show volume.
Institutional builds for NCAA and IHSA programs.
Stable, predictable surfaces for adaptive programs.
Public-use builds engineered for high turnover.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who actually performs the construction and installation?
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Independent arena builders perform the construction and installation — Performance Footing® does not. We supply the ArenaSpec™ diagnostics, the written spec, the footing system, and the base materials. The physical site work, grading, base prep, and footing installation are carried out by independent builders you hire and contract with directly.
Does Performance Footing own or employ the builders?
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No. Performance Footing does not own, employ, or operate any construction crews. Ground Shapers is a Performance Footing brand that operates a referral network — but the builders inside that network are independent companies. They run their own businesses, carry their own insurance, and contract directly with the client.
How can Performance Footing help if you don't install?
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Two ways. First, we can equip you and your chosen contractor with helpful guides, written specs, best-practice checklists, and remote ArenaSpec™ oversight so the build is executed correctly. Second, if you'd prefer a vetted referral, we can refer you to the Ground Shapers network to locate an independent builder in your region — and you choose whether to engage them. The decision and contract are entirely yours.
Does Performance Footing build arenas in my state?
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No — Performance Footing® does not provide construction or installation services directly. We provide ArenaSpec™ diagnostics, footing systems, and base materials nationwide. If you'd like a builder referral, we can connect you with the Ground Shapers network to find an independent builder in your area.
Can you work with my local contractor?
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Absolutely. Many clients use their own excavator, landscaper, or general contractor. We provide the engineered design, written ArenaSpec™ materials list, laser grading plan, and best-practice guides for your local contractor to execute — with remote oversight from our team. No referral required.
What does horse arena construction cost?
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Construction pricing comes from the independent builder you choose — whether that's your local contractor or a builder in the Ground Shapers network. Performance Footing provides the footing/system spec and material pricing; build labor, equipment, and site work are quoted directly by the builder based on size, base system, and site conditions.
How long does a new arena build take?
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Most new arena builds run 2–6 weeks on site once materials are staged, depending on size, site prep, and weather. Regrades and footing refreshes are typically completed in 3–7 days. Timelines are set by the independent builder you hire.
What disciplines are arenas built for?
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We spec — and independent builders construct — arenas for dressage, hunter/jumper, eventing, reining and western, barrel racing and rodeo, polo, driving, lesson programs, and all-purpose ranch arenas. Each system is tuned to discipline, climate, and sand source.
If it's important, it's not worth compromising.
Get your free arena estimate
Tell us about your arena and what's not working. We'll follow up with a custom plan and budget range — no obligation.