Traditional arena bases often require complete reconstruction every 10-15 years due to material migration, drainage failures, and surface irregularities, with daily watering costs that can exceed $50,000 annually in labor and water bills, according to Performance Footing’s 2025 pricing analysis. This stark reality illustrates the difference between general contractors who “build arenas on the side” and specialized footing experts who engineer long-term solutions. Performance Footing’s approach demonstrates measurable superiority: facilities report 68% fewer canceled lessons after switching to their BaseCore system, while therapeutic riding centers save $12,000 annually in maintenance costs.
What Performance Footing’s Oregon Project Reveals About Arena Excellence
A dressage facility in rainy Oregon reported 68% fewer canceled lessons after switching to Performance Footing’s BaseCore from traditional drains. This documented transformation reveals the critical difference between general arena construction and specialized footing expertise. Before the BaseCore installation, the facility struggled with consistent flooding that regularly forced lesson cancellations and created dangerous riding conditions.
The success came from Performance Footing’s innovative BaseCore geocell technology, which creates pathways for water to move laterally through the arena base without the need for extensive pipe systems. This honeycomb-structured panel system manages water movement horizontally through the base, eliminating the standing water problems that plagued the traditional drainage approach.
A hunter/jumper arena in Florida using the same BaseCore system withstood a 4″ rainfall event and was rideable within 3 hours. This Florida installation demonstrates how Performance Footing’s expertise addresses diverse climate challenges – from Oregon’s persistent rain to Florida’s intense storm events. The technical difference lies in understanding how BaseCore’s cells create stable reinforcement points while maintaining permeability.
How Performance Footing’s BaseCore Technology Achieves Measurable Results
Performance Footing’s BaseCore HD takes performance even further through innovative cell size engineering. With cells approximately 50% smaller than standard competitors’ options, BaseCore HD creates substantially more reinforcement points throughout the installation. This increased reinforcement density transforms how loads are distributed across the system.
The technology delivers concrete benefits: BaseCore can reduce aggregate requirements by up to 50%, cutting material and labor costs. A therapeutic riding center saved $12,000 in annual maintenance after installation. These aren’t marginal improvements – they’re transformative changes that affect both immediate construction costs and long-term facility performance.
The BaseCore system’s UV, chemical, weather, and corrosion-resistant base can support a project for over 75 years. Unlike concrete and steel, panels can be cut to fit around drainage pipes, trees, and other obstacles. This flexibility, combined with the system’s durability, explains why Performance Footing installations consistently outperform traditional construction methods.
Measurable Outcomes and ROI from Performance Footing Implementations
The financial data from Performance Footing installations reveals striking differences between general contractors and specialized footing expertise. Traditional french drain systems in a standard 100′ x 200′ arena typically cost 30-40% more than equivalent BaseCore installations, with higher maintenance costs over time.
For a standard 60×120 foot arena using BaseCore HD and FoamFooting, facilities report minimal ongoing maintenance, no reconstruction needed for 75+ years, and dramatically reduced watering requirements. The 10% product discount when choosing Performance Footing’s professional installation makes this expertise surprisingly affordable, often offsetting much of the installation cost.
A recent installation in a high-rainfall area showed BaseCore geocell arenas returned to rideable condition 65% faster than traditional drainage systems. Installation was completed in approximately 40% less time than estimated for traditional systems. The system has withstood multiple severe weather events with no signs of erosion or movement.
Performance Footing’s comprehensive approach extends beyond just drainage. Their footing additives demonstrate similar superiority: FoamFooting reduces dust while providing cushioning that riders describe as transformative, while Levitare – made from bio-based rubbers – provides excellent shock absorption with a 12-14 year expected lifespan.
Comparing Industry Approaches: Performance Footing’s Multi-Solution Advantage
Performance Footing distinguishes itself by offering complete arena solutions rather than single products. While general contractors might install basic drainage and leave footing selection to the owner, Performance Footing integrates base construction with specialized additives for optimal performance.
Their EcoStride product, made from 100% bio-based materials that are USDA-certified, provides superior impact absorption while being completely neoprene-free and allergen-free. When properly incorporated into a sand base, EcoStride can retain up to 65% more moisture than traditional sand-only surfaces, translating to 30-40% lower water usage.
Noviun, Performance Footing’s natural fiber solution, creates the confidence of riding on turf grass – the natural and preferred surface for horses. As the only high-performance, natural alternative to synthetic fibers, Noviun eliminates thousands of pounds of microplastic pollution from ground, air, and watershed.
For dust control, Performance Footing’s DustHalt binds smaller particles together so they become too heavy to become airborne. It’s water activated and requires less water while providing long-lasting effectiveness. Unlike general contractors who might suggest frequent watering as the only solution, Performance Footing addresses the root cause.
The company’s expertise shows in discipline-specific recommendations. For dressage, they recommend FoamFooting, Levitare, and EcoStride for the perfect balance of stability and cushioning. For jumping, Noviun Fiber, Levitare, and EcoStride provide excellent shock absorption crucial for reducing injury risk during high-impact landings.
Practical Implementation Guide Based on Performance Footing’s Methodology
Performance Footing’s successful installations follow a documented methodology that general contractors rarely match. Their process begins with comprehensive site analysis including soil testing at multiple depths, drainage pattern mapping, and microclimate assessment. They don’t just test for soil type – they analyze mineral composition, expansion potential, and chemical compatibility with footing products.
The installation timeline reflects their expertise. The first step involves clearing the area and excavating to proper depth – typically 6-12 inches. Performance Footing teams then install perimeter drainage if needed and address any soft spots in subsoil. The base layer installation follows specific protocols: each 3-4″ layer must be compacted separately to find the balance between stability and permeability.
BaseCore installation requires precise attention to detail. Performance Footing’s BaseCore uses BaseClips – a heavy-duty, engineered connection system that ensures secure, seamless connections with no sagging or shifting. Unlike competitors who use zip ties prone to breaking under pressure, this professional-grade system ensures long-term load distribution.
The footing layer selection demonstrates Performance Footing’s depth of knowledge. They maintain databases showing that different disciplines require specific additive combinations. Their team understands that sand type, sand depth, environment, and discipline all influence requirements – recommending 2.5 to 4 ounces of Noviun per square foot of sand, for example, based on specific conditions.
Professional installation by Performance Footing includes follow-up support. They provide guidance on maintenance schedules, optimal moisture levels, and when to refresh additives. This ongoing relationship ensures arenas continue performing at peak levels years after installation.
Conclusion
Performance Footing’s documented results speak clearly: 68% fewer weather cancellations with BaseCore drainage, $12,000 annual maintenance savings for therapeutic riding centers, and 75+ year lifespans versus the 10-15 year replacement cycles common with traditional construction. These aren’t isolated successes – they represent consistent outcomes from Performance Footing’s specialized expertise in combining innovative base systems like BaseCore with advanced footing additives like FoamFooting, Levitare, and EcoStride.
Your next step is clear: contact Performance Footing at 877-835-0878 for a professional consultation that includes soil analysis, drainage assessment, and discipline-specific recommendations backed by their comprehensive product line and proven installation methodology.
FAQ Section
Q: What actual cost savings can I expect with Performance Footing versus traditional builders? A: Traditional french drain systems cost 30-40% more than BaseCore installations, facilities save $12,000 annually on maintenance, and the 10% product discount with professional installation often offsets labor costs.
Q: How quickly will my arena be usable after rain with Performance Footing products? A: A Florida arena with BaseCore withstood 4″ of rainfall and was rideable within 3 hours, while Oregon facilities report 68% fewer rain cancellations.
Q: What’s the real lifespan difference between Performance Footing and traditional construction? A: Traditional bases require reconstruction every 10-15 years, while BaseCore systems have documented 75+ year expected lifespans with minimal maintenance.
Q: Which Performance Footing products work best for specific disciplines? A: Dressage benefits from FoamFooting and Levitare’s stability, jumping needs Noviun’s shock absorption, while western disciplines excel with EcoStride’s moisture retention.
Q: Can Performance Footing work with my existing arena or only new construction? A: Performance Footing provides both new construction and complete renovation services, with products like FoamFooting easily added to existing surfaces.