Respiratory disease is one of the top three health concerns in stabled horses, and arena dust is a leading contributing factor — yet most arena owners still rely on water alone to manage it. Water works, but only temporarily. Watering a 22,000-square-foot arena multiple times daily can consume tens of thousands of gallons per year while still leaving the surface vulnerable during peak training hours. The right arena footing additives address dust, compaction, drainage, and long-term maintenance costs in a single investment.

This guide breaks down every major category of arena footing additive available through Performance Footing in 2026: eco-friendly options, dust-reduction blends, fully dust-free complete footings, compaction-reduction materials, and moisture-retaining solutions. You will learn what each product is made from, how it installs, what it costs where published data is available, and exactly what grooming equipment it requires. You will also find Performance Footing’s proprietary sand sieve specifications — a resource you can take directly to your local sand quarry.

What Arena Footing Additives Are — Through Real Product Examples

An arena footing additive is a material blended into the base sand of a riding arena to change one or more performance characteristics: dust, compaction, moisture retention, drainage, or surface resilience. Additives are not standalone footings — they work in combination with a base sand — with the exception of complete footing systems like Arena Green, which are covered separately below.

Performance Footing, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, has documented several distinct additive categories on its website and blog (PerformanceFooting.com, updated through 2026). Each category targets a specific pain point that plain sand cannot solve on its own.

Key distinction: Additives are blended into existing sand. Complete footing systems like Arena Green replace sand entirely and require no additive.

Eco-Friendly Arena Footing Additive Options

The equestrian community’s interest in sustainable arena management has accelerated since 2020. Traditional additives have historically contained synthetic plastics that can shed microplastic particles — a growing concern for both horse respiratory health and watershed contamination. Performance Footing’s 2023 guide identifies four eco-conscious alternatives.

1. Levitare — Bio-Based Rubber and Fabric

Levitare is manufactured from plant-based rubbers and fabrics, drawing design principles from early Nike arena footing technology. Its dual-material construction serves two functions simultaneously: the rubber component provides cushioning and compaction resistance, while the fabric component holds moisture. According to Performance Footing’s published documentation, Levitare retains more moisture than FoamFooting, making it the stronger choice for arenas in dry climates or regions with unreliable water access. It ships in 25-pound bags, installs with standard groomers or by hand-raking, and is compatible with most sand types.

  • Material: Plant-based rubbers and fabrics
  • Bag weight: 25 lbs (easy single-person handling)
  • Primary benefit: Moisture retention + compaction reduction
  • Installation tool: Standard groomer or hand rake
  • Eco status: No synthetic plastics

2. FoamFooting — Repurposed Yoga Mats

FoamFooting is created by processing used yoga mats into arena-grade footing material. This circular-economy approach diverts rubber foam waste from landfills and converts it into a functional arena surface component. Performance Footing notes that FoamFooting produces zero chemical odors, does not crumble into dust, does not discolor clothing, and is compatible with all arena sand types. It ships in 35-pound bags. While FoamFooting retains less moisture than Levitare, it still outperforms textile blends in drainage efficiency, making it well-suited for regions with unpredictable rainfall.

  • Material: Repurposed rubber foam (yoga mats)
  • Bag weight: 35 lbs
  • Primary benefit: Compaction reduction + zero dust crumble
  • Installation tool: Standard groomer, chain harrow, or hand rake
  • Eco status: Diverts landfill waste

3. Performance Footing Fiber  — Plant-Based Fibers

Performance Footing FIber is derived from plant-based fibers, offering a natural texture that balances grip and give across multiple equestrian disciplines. It ships in super sacks of approximately 250 pounds — heavier than FoamFooting or Levitare but significantly lighter than textile bales (500–700+ lbs). Performance Footing FIber can be offloaded by hand and integrated with existing grooming equipment, though Performance Footing recommends tined drags like the Arena Dragster for optimal performance.

4. EcoStride — Performance Footing’s Sustainable Fiber Blend

EcoStride is Performance Footing’s sustainable soft rubber additive, engineered to deliver surface resilience and cushioning while minimizing environmental impact. Designed for compatibility with most arena sand types, EcoStride integrates into existing footing systems to improve surface responsiveness and reduce compaction without introducing synthetic chemicals. It rounds out Performance Footing’s eco-conscious additive lineup, giving arena owners a third plant-friendly option to evaluate based on their specific surface goals and climate conditions.

Arena Footing Additives for Dust Reduction

Dust in a horse arena is not merely an annoyance. Fine airborne particles from dry, unmanaged footing contribute to equine respiratory conditions including inflammatory airway disease and recurrent airway obstruction. Rider visibility is also compromised during intensive training. Performance Footing’s published documentation identifies four effective dust-management strategies.

1. Textile Blends — High Moisture Retention

Textile-based additives are among the most effective available for moisture retention and thus dust suppression. Performance Footing’s guide notes that textile blends require a dampness level comparable to “the edge of the water at a beach” to function correctly — and that when allowed to dry out, the footing becomes deep and soft. Textile blends arrive in bales weighing 500–700+ pounds and require silica sand as a base. Installation demands a manure spreader or rototiller, and grooming requires specialized textile-specific drags starting at $5,000. These upfront costs are offset by the strong moisture-holding performance.

2. Levitare and FoamFooting as Dust Suppressants

Both Levitare and FoamFooting contribute to dust reduction through their moisture-retention properties. Levitare holds more moisture than FoamFooting. Both require less water to maintain effective dust suppression compared to textile blends, making them lower-maintenance options for arena owners managing water costs or operating in drought-prone areas.

3. Dust Halt — Particle-Binding Enhancer

Dust Halt is a supplemental product rather than a primary footing additive. When activated by water, Dust Halt binds fine sand particles together — the particles most responsible for airborne dust — making them heavier and less likely to become suspended. According to Performance Footing’s pricing documentation, Dust Halt is available at $349 per bucket and covers up to 22,000 square feet. It is compatible with nearly all footing types and functions as an enhancement layer on top of an existing additive or sand system.

Dust Halt covers up to 22,000 sq ft at $349/bucket — one of the most cost-effective supplemental dust control products in Performance Footing’s lineup.

4. Magnesium Flakes (MAG) — Humidity-Dependent Option

Magnesium chloride flakes draw moisture from the atmosphere, making them a viable dust control tool in areas with consistent ambient humidity. However, Performance Footing explicitly notes their limitations: MAG can dry out horse hooves, and the corrosive nature of the flakes can rust metal grooming tools and equipment. MAG is appropriate where water availability is severely limited, but arena managers should factor in hoof care and equipment maintenance costs.

Dust-Free Complete Footing Solutions (No Sand Required)

The following products are complete footing systems, not additives. They are listed here because they appear in Performance Footing’s lineup and are often considered alongside additives during the planning phase. Unlike additives, these systems require no sand base.

1. Arena Green — Plant-Based, Chemical-Free

Arena Green blends plant-based fibers with a silica-like sand to create a complete footing requiring zero watering and producing no measurable dust. It contains no waxes or synthetic chemicals.

2. Polymer-Based Complete Footings

Polymer-binding systems use synthetic bonding agents to suppress dust without relying on moisture. Polymer options are available but at a higher price point than Arena Green and do not carry the same eco-friendly profile.

3. Wax-Bound Complete Footings

Wax-bound footings bind sand particles through a coating process. They deliver effective dust suppression but are temperature-sensitive: wax can soften in extreme heat and harden in cold, causing surface texture changes in climates with pronounced seasonal swings. These footings are best suited to climate-controlled indoor arenas.

Compaction Reduction: How Each Additive Protects Your Horse’s Legs

A compacted arena surface creates jarring ground-reaction forces that travel up through the horse’s hooves, pasterns, fetlocks, and tendons. Over time, repeated exposure to compacted footing contributes to soft-tissue injuries that can sideline performance horses for months. Performance Footing identifies compaction reduction as a primary function of several of its additive products.

FoamFooting — Primary Compaction Reducer

FoamFooting’s foam rubber base physically resists compression under repeated hoof impact. Because it does not crumble into dust and does not contain metals or chemicals, it maintains its structural integrity over extended periods. Performance Footing describes it as a long-lasting, eco-friendly choice for arenas prioritizing surface resilience.

Rubber Granules — Traditional Option with Caveats

Tire-derived rubber granules are a widely available compaction reducer. However, Performance Footing’s documentation notes that granules derived from car tires may contain trace metals, can produce a persistent rubbery odor, and tend to break down and crumble over time. Arena managers should request material safety documentation from any rubber granule supplier before installation.

Levitare & EcoStride — Cushion and Moisture Combined

Levitare’s plant-based rubber component provides compaction resistance, while its fabric component adds surface responsiveness. This dual-action makes it one of the more versatile options for arenas that need both impact cushioning and moisture management.

Textile Blends — Comfort at a Higher Maintenance Cost

Textile blends including synthetic carpet fibers provide notable compaction resistance and a plush surface feel. The trade-off is the maintenance requirement: specialized grooming drags ($5,000+), specific silica sand bases, and high water volumes for optimal performance.

Water-Reducing Arena Footing Additives: Cut Irrigation Without Sacrificing Surface Quality

Water costs are a significant ongoing expense for arena owners. A standard 22,000-square-foot outdoor arena watered twice daily can consume 50,000+ gallons per month depending on climate and evaporation rate. Footing additives that retain moisture effectively reduce watering frequency and volume, lowering both utility costs and labor time.

Levitare & EcoStride — Highest Moisture Retention in Additive Category

Performance Footing’s comparative documentation positions Levitare as the strongest moisture-retaining additive in its lineup — above FoamFooting and well above textile blends in terms of water efficiency. Levitare retains moisture while also providing drainage for excess water, preventing the surface from becoming waterlogged after rain events.

FoamFooting — Balanced Moisture Management

FoamFooting performs similarly to Levitare in moisture balance — retaining the moisture needed for dust suppression and surface responsiveness while allowing excess water to drain. This drainage capability makes FoamFooting well-suited to outdoor arenas in climates with unpredictable precipitation.

Textile Blends — High Retention but Drainage Risk

Textile blends hold significant water volume, which is their primary advantage for dust control. However, Performance Footing’s documentation notes that this same characteristic can become a liability: excessive water retention can lead to drainage issues and, in worst-case scenarios, mold formation. Arenas using textile blends require active moisture monitoring, particularly in humid climates.

The Performance Footing Sand Sieve Specification: Getting the Base Right

No footing additive performs to specification on the wrong sand base. Performance Footing publishes a proprietary sand sieve analysis that arena owners can take directly to a local sand quarry to source the correct particle size distribution. The sieve data distinguishes between indoor and outdoor arenas because evaporation rates, drainage demands, and footing depth requirements differ between environments.

Outdoor Sand Specification

For outdoor arenas, the Performance Footing target distribution concentrates the majority of particles in the US Mesh 60 and 100 ranges (target: 48.5% at Mesh 60 and 34.0% at Mesh 100). This creates a medium-fine sand that holds additives while providing adequate drainage for weather events.

  • US Mesh 18: 0.00% target
  • US Mesh 35: 7.40% target
  • US Mesh 60: 48.50% target (primary zone)
  • US Mesh 100: 34.00% target
  • US Mesh 140: 7.40% target
  • US Mesh 270: 1.50% target

Indoor Sand Specification

Indoor arenas use the same mesh target percentages but with a finer overall gradation profile. The US Mesh 270 pan retention for indoor sand shows 9.28% passing (versus 0.00% for outdoor), indicating a higher proportion of fine particles retained — appropriate for climate-controlled environments where drainage speed is less critical.

Take Performance Footing’s sand sieve report to your local quarry and ask them to match the particle distribution for your arena type. Download the reference chart at PerformanceFooting.com.

Installation Considerations for Arena Footing Additives

Installation method directly affects labor cost, equipment rental, and timeline. Performance Footing’s documentation provides specific guidance on the installation requirements for each product category.

Textile and Fabric Additives — Heavy Equipment Required

Textile bales arrive weighing 500–700+ pounds and require forklifts or large-team handling. Manufacturers specify silica sand as the required base. Integration requires a manure spreader or rototiller, which may need to be rented if not already on-site. Total installation cost for textiles is meaningfully higher than for lighter additive options.

FoamFooting — DIY-Friendly in 35 lb Bags

FoamFooting’s 35-pound bag format eliminates the need for heavy machinery during installation. A single person can unload and distribute bags without equipment. It integrates with all sand types using a standard groomer or hand rake — no specialized tools required. This format makes FoamFooting the most accessible option for owner-installed arena upgrades.

Levitare & EcoStride— 25 lb Bags, Universal Sand Compatibility

At 25 pounds per bag, Levitare is the lightest-packaging option in Performance Footing’s additive lineup. Like FoamFooting, it installs with a standard groomer or hand rake and works with most sand types. Its lighter bag weight makes it particularly practical for single-person installation or facilities without equipment access.

Performance Footing FIber — 150-500 lb Super Sacks, Hand-Offloadable

Performance Footing FIber ships in super sacks — significantly more manageable than textile bales, but heavier than FoamFooting or Levitare. Performance Footing notes these can be offloaded by hand with proper technique and team coordination. Performance Footing FIber is compatible with most sand types and can be groomed with existing equipment, though tined drags like the Arena Dragster are recommended for optimal results.

Grooming and Maintenance: Matching Your Drag to Your Additive

Selecting the wrong grooming equipment for your chosen additive can accelerate footing breakdown, create uneven surfaces, and increase maintenance frequency. Performance Footing’s documentation maps each additive category to its optimal grooming tools.

FoamFooting, EcoStride and Levitare — Broad Grooming Compatibility

Both FoamFooting and Levitare work with the widest range of grooming equipment in Performance Footing’s lineup. Compatible tools include adjustable-tine drags with depth gauges (such as Performance Footing’s own Arena Dragster), chain harrows, and the EquiGroomer — a two-row adjustable-tine drag with a rear leveling roller. This flexibility means most arena owners can maintain FoamFooting or Levitare with equipment they already own.

Performance Footing FIber — Best Paired with Tined Drags

Performance Footing FIber performs best when groomed with precision tined drags, with the Arena Dragster specifically recommended by Performance Footing. The EquiGroomer is also identified as a high-performance option for Performance Footing FIber maintenance. Its adjustable-tine and rear-roller design ensures even integration and surface consistency.

Textile Footings — Specialized Drags Required

Textile footings require dedicated grooming drags designed specifically for synthetic fiber blends. Performance Footing notes that these specialized drags start at $5,000 and are non-negotiable for maintaining textile footing integrity. Using standard or chain-type drags on textile footings risks damaging the fiber structure and creating uneven, unsafe surfaces.

The EquiGroomer’s dual-row tine design followed by a rear leveling roller is Performance Footing’s recommended premium grooming solution for FoamFooting, Levitare, and Performance Footing FIber.

Practical Implementation Guide: How to Select and Install the Right Arena Footing Additive in 2026

Based on Performance Footing’s documented product specifications, installation requirements, and grooming guidance, the following framework helps arena owners move from evaluation to installation efficiently.

Step 1 — Identify Your Primary Problem

  • Dust is your #1 issue: Start with Levitare, FoamFooting, or Dust Halt as a supplement.
  • Compaction is your #1 issue: FoamFooting, EcoStride or Levitare. Avoid tire rubber if metal contamination is a concern.
  • Water costs are your #1 issue: Levitare for maximum moisture retention, FoamFooting for balanced moisture with better drainage.
  • You want zero watering and zero dust: Consider Arena Green as a complete footing replacement.
  • Eco-credentials matter: FoamFooting (landfill diversion) or Levitare (plant-based, no synthetics).

Step 2 — Source the Right Sand

Download Performance Footing’s sand sieve specification from PerformanceFooting.com. Bring the chart to your local quarry and specify whether your arena is indoor or outdoor. Confirm that your quarry’s sand matches the target particle distribution before ordering any additive — mismatched sand is the most common reason footing additives underperform.

Step 3 — Plan Your Installation Resources

  • FoamFooting (35 lb bags): No equipment needed. One or two people, standard groomer.
  • Levitare (25 lb bags): No equipment needed. One person, standard groomer or hand rake.
  • Performance Footing FIber ( super sacks): Small team for offloading, existing groomer or Arena Dragster.
  • Textile blends (500–700 lb bales): Forklift or heavy equipment, manure spreader or rototiller, specialized drag ($5,000+).

Step 4 — Add Dust Halt if Needed

For any additive system where residual dust remains after installation, Dust Halt can be applied as a water-activated supplement covering up to 22,000 square feet per $349 bucket. Apply after the primary additive is fully integrated and the surface has been initially groomed.

Step 5 — Establish a Grooming Schedule

Performance Footing’s documentation consistently emphasizes that grooming frequency and tool selection determine long-term footing quality. For FoamFooting and Levitare, standard groomers maintain surface quality effectively. For Performance Footing FIber, use the Arena Dragster or EquiGroomer. For textiles, use only purpose-built textile drags. Groom after every heavy training session or competition use, and monitor moisture levels at least twice weekly in dry climates.

Conclusion: The Right Footing Additive Is a Long-Term Investment in Horse Health and Arena Performance

Arena dust remains one of the most preventable sources of equine respiratory stress — and yet water-only dust management is still the default for most facilities. The products documented in this guide represent a measurable improvement: Levitare and FoamFooting reduce watering frequency while managing both dust and compaction; 

The decision ultimately comes down to your arena’s primary pain point, your installation resources, and your long-term maintenance budget. Use Performance Footing’s sand sieve specification to ensure your base sand is correctly graded before investing in any additive. An incorrect sand base undermines even the best additive system.

To get a personalized footing recommendation based on your arena’s size, climate, and use case, request a free quote at PerformanceFooting.com or call 877-835-0878.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arena Footing Additives

Q1: What are the most eco-friendly horse arena footing additives?

EcoStride leads the category as Performance Footing’s USDA Certified Organic additive. Performance Footing Fiber follows closely as a 100% plant-based, zero-synthetic option. FoamFooting, made from repurposed yoga mats, is a strong landfill-diversion choice. Levitare blends EcoStride’s organic rubbers with synthetic fibers, making it a high-performance hybrid rather than a fully natural product.

Q2: What is Performance Footing Fiber and what makes it different?

Performance Footing Fiber is a 100% plant-based additive containing no synthetic materials. It supports moisture retention while keeping the surface free of man-made fibers or chemicals. While it doesn’t carry EcoStride’s USDA Organic certification, it remains one of the cleanest natural additive options available for horse arenas.

Q3: Can I install arena footing additives without heavy equipment?

FoamFooting (35 lb bags) and Levitare (25 lb bags) are designed for owner installation using a standard groomer or hand rake — no machinery required. Textile bales arrive at 500–700+ lbs and require forklifts and specialized mixing tools. Visit PerformanceFooting.com for installation details on EcoStride and Performance Footing Fiber.

Q4: How do I reduce arena dust without constant watering?

Performance Footing Fiber and Levitare both retain moisture longer than unmodified sand, reducing how often you need to water. Dust Halt binds fine particles when activated by water and covers up to 22,000 square feet per bucket. For a permanent zero-water solution, Arena Green complete footing requires no irrigation at all.

Q5: What sand should I use with arena footing additives?

Performance Footing publishes a proprietary sand sieve specification targeting primarily US Mesh 60 and Mesh 100 particle distribution, with separate charts for indoor and outdoor arenas. Download the specification at PerformanceFooting.com and bring it to your local sand quarry to source the correctly graded base sand before installing any additive.

Disclaimer

This article references publicly available information from Performance Footing (a division of Impulsion Solutions LLC, Scottsdale AZ) including official website content, product documentation, blog posts, and the Performance Footing Sand Sieve Reference document dated 2023–2026. All metrics, pricing, and product descriptions are sourced from PerformanceFooting.com as published. Results described are specific to the documented product formulations and may vary based on arena size, climate, base sand quality, usage frequency, and implementation approach. Arena Green pricing of $4.97/sq ft and Dust Halt pricing of $349/bucket reflect published rates at time of article production; verify current pricing at PerformanceFooting.com. For current product information, installation guidance, or a free arena assessment, contact Performance Footing at 877-835-0878 or visit www.performancefooting.com.