Why Sustainable Arena Footing Matters More Than Ever
The equestrian world stands at a crossroads where performance demands meet environmental responsibility. Gone are the days when arena owners had to choose between superior footing and sustainable practices. Performance Footing’s revolutionary product line proves that eco-friendly materials can deliver championship-level performance while dramatically reducing water consumption, eliminating microplastic pollution, and minimizing maintenance requirements. From waterless ArenaGreen to plastic-free Noviun fiber and bio-based EcoStride, these innovative solutions transform how we think about arena sustainability.
Is Sustainable Footing Really as Good as Traditional Options?
The answer isn’t just yes – in many cases, sustainable footing actually outperforms conventional materials. Traditional arena footings create cascading environmental and operational problems. Crumb rubber releases microplastics that contaminate soil and water. Synthetic textiles shed billions of plastic fibers with each rain. Wood products decompose rapidly, requiring constant replacement and contributing to deforestation. Meanwhile, maintaining these materials demands thousands of gallons of water daily, creating both environmental strain and operational expense.
Performance Footing’s sustainable solutions address these challenges through innovative material science. Rather than adapting existing products for equestrian use, each solution was engineered specifically for arena applications using renewable, biodegradable materials that enhance rather than compromise performance. The result is footing that provides superior cushioning, consistent moisture retention, and exceptional durability while eliminating the environmental burden of traditional materials.
The Economic Benefits of Going Green
The economic benefits compound the environmental advantages. Facilities using Performance Footing’s sustainable products report 50-75% reduction in water usage, saving thousands annually in utility costs. Maintenance time drops dramatically when footing doesn’t require constant watering or frequent replacement. The longevity of these materials means one installation serves for years rather than seasons, eliminating the cycle of removal and replacement that plagues conventional footings.
ArenaGreen: The Revolutionary Waterless Footing Solution
How Does ArenaGreen Work Without Any Water?
ArenaGreen represents a paradigm shift in arena footing technology. This complete footing system combines performance fiber, sub-angular sand, and a proprietary organic coating that maintains ideal moisture and consistency without requiring any irrigation – ever. Created by renowned arena builder Dan Carr, ArenaGreen solves the perpetual challenge of maintaining consistent footing while eliminating water infrastructure entirely.
The secret lies in the proprietary coating that binds the components while maintaining optimal cushioning and traction. Unlike oil-based dust suppressants that create environmental hazards, ArenaGreen’s organic binding agent is 99% biorenewable. This coating prevents dust formation while maintaining the give and stability horses need for confident performance. The material arrives pre-mixed and ready to install directly on your arena base, eliminating the complexity of blending multiple components. ArenaGreen can be customized with more or less fiber depending on your specific discipline and performance needs, allowing facilities to dial in exactly the characteristics they require.
What Disciplines Work Best with ArenaGreen?
ArenaGreen adapts to virtually any discipline through its customizable fiber content. Dressage riders appreciate the consistent surface that allows for precise movements without unexpected variations. Jumpers benefit from the optimal shear characteristics during takeoff and cushioned landing. Western disciplines find the controlled slide perfect for reining and cutting work. The versatility stems from ArenaGreen’s ability to maintain consistent characteristics regardless of weather or usage patterns, with fiber ratios adjusted during manufacturing to match your specific requirements.
Installation simplicity makes ArenaGreen accessible for facilities of all sizes. The material arrives in super sacks ready for distribution. Simply spread to the recommended depth of 3-4 inches over a properly prepared base, level with standard arena equipment, and you’re ready to ride. No watering systems to install, no moisture levels to monitor, no dust control products to apply – just consistent, high-performance footing from day one.
Can ArenaGreen Be Used in Both Indoor and Outdoor Arenas?
Absolutely. ArenaGreen performs equally well in covered and uncovered arenas. For outdoor installations, the material’s moisture-resistant properties prevent both dust in dry conditions and bog formation during wet weather. Indoor arenas benefit from completely dust-free conditions without the humidity and maintenance challenges of watered sand. The non-oil-based formula means ArenaGreen won’t freeze or separate over time, maintaining consistent performance through temperature extremes.
Noviun: The Plastic-Free Fiber Revolution
Why Should I Be Concerned About Plastic in My Arena Footing?
Traditional synthetic footing additives introduce massive amounts of plastic into your arena. A typical 100′ x 200′ arena using conventional geotextile fibers contains approximately 15,000 pounds of plastic – equivalent to 500,000 plastic water bottles. These materials shed microplastics continuously, with billions of plastic fibers washing into groundwater with each rain. The environmental impact extends far beyond your property as these pollutants enter watersheds and food chains.
Noviun eliminates this plastic burden entirely. Developed through collaboration with Natural Fiber Welding (NFW), Noviun uses plant-based fibers including coconut coir that create structure and stability similar to root systems in soil. These natural fibers bind with sand particles to provide the grip, cushioning, and stability riders expect from premium footing – without introducing a single piece of plastic into the environment.
How Much Noviun Do I Need for My Arena?
The beauty of Noviun lies in its efficiency. Unlike conventional synthetic fibers requiring massive quantities, Noviun’s superior binding properties mean you need significantly less material. Most arenas require just 2.5 to 4 ounces per square foot of sand, depending on your specific sand type, depth, climate, and discipline requirements. A standard dressage arena typically needs 15-20 super sacks, with each sack weighing approximately 500 pounds or more.
Performance Footing provides customized estimates based on your specific arena characteristics. Sand particle size, existing depth, drainage characteristics, and intended use all factor into the optimal application rate. This personalized approach ensures you achieve ideal performance without over-applying material, maximizing both effectiveness and value.
How Do I Install Noviun in My Arena?
Noviun arrives in super sacks that need to be removed from the pallet with a tractor or similar equipment. Once positioned, the material can be broken up and raked into your existing sand, or for faster distribution, you can use a manure spreader to apply it evenly across your arena. Most facilities complete installation in 3 hours for a dressage arena or 6 hours for a 40,000 square foot arena using the spreader method. Once distributed, simply integrate the material into your sand using your regular arena groomer – any type of groomer will work perfectly with Noviun. Normal riding activity completes the integration process as horses work the surface.
The compatibility with existing sand makes Noviun perfect for arena renovations. Unlike solutions requiring complete footing replacement, Noviun revitalizes your current sand, extending its usable life while dramatically improving performance characteristics. This renovation approach saves thousands compared to complete footing replacement while delivering superior results.
EcoStride: 100% Bio-Based Performance
What Makes EcoStride Different from Other Rubber Alternatives?
EcoStride stands apart through its revolutionary composition – 100% bio-based materials that are USDA-certified for environmental safety. While traditional rubber footings raise concerns about chemical leaching, allergens, and microplastic pollution, EcoStride provides superior cushioning and performance using only plant-based ingredients. This isn’t recycled material with unknown contaminants – it’s purpose-engineered footing designed specifically for equestrian applications.
The neoprene-free, allergen-free formula ensures safety for horses, riders, and barn staff. No concerns about allergic reactions, no chemical odors, no breakdown into harmful particles. EcoStride maintains its integrity season after season, providing consistent cushioning that protects joints and soft tissues while allowing natural movement and energy return.
How Does EcoStride Handle Different Weather Conditions?
Weather resistance represents one of EcoStride’s standout features. The bio-based materials maintain consistent performance from sub-zero winters to scorching summers. Unlike rubber that becomes hard in cold or sticky in heat, EcoStride retains its cushioning and drainage properties across all temperature ranges. Rain doesn’t create slippery conditions, and drought doesn’t turn the material to powder.
The moisture management capabilities reduce watering requirements by up to 50% compared to sand alone. EcoStride naturally retains optimal moisture levels while still allowing proper drainage, creating goldilocks conditions – never too wet, never too dry. This self-regulating property eliminates the constant moisture monitoring required with traditional footings.
Is EcoStride Difficult to Maintain?
Maintenance simplicity defines EcoStride’s appeal. The material requires no special grooming equipment – your existing arena drag works perfectly. No need for specialized moisture products, no concerns about material separation or migration. Regular dragging to maintain level surfaces represents the entire maintenance protocol. The convenient 25-pound bags make installation straightforward, whether adding to existing footing or creating new surfaces.
Many facilities blend EcoStride with their existing sand or combine it with other Performance Footing products like Noviun for customized characteristics. This flexibility allows you to dial in exactly the performance you want while maintaining the environmental and maintenance benefits of bio-based materials.
FoamFooting: Transforming Waste into Performance
What Exactly Is FoamFooting Made From?
FoamFooting represents circular economy principles in action. This innovative additive repurposes high-density foam materials that would otherwise enter landfills, transforming waste into premium arena footing. The material arrives as colorful foam pieces that might surprise you initially – opening a bag reveals a rainbow of colors from the various source materials. However, once integrated into your arena, the colors become barely visible while the performance benefits shine through.
The foam’s unique properties provide exceptional benefits compared to traditional additives. Unlike rubber that can crumble and create dust, FoamFooting maintains its integrity while binding with sand particles. The material is hypoallergenic, contains no metal pieces or contaminants, and produces no chemical odors. This safety profile makes it ideal for facilities with sensitive horses or riders with allergies.
How Long Does FoamFooting Last?
Longevity represents one of FoamFooting’s strongest advantages. The dense foam structure resists breakdown far longer than wood products or low-quality rubber. The material’s ability to bind with sand means it stays in place rather than migrating to arena edges or decomposing into dust.
The economic value extends beyond just longevity. Because FoamFooting binds so effectively with sand, you need less material initially and rarely need supplementation. This efficiency makes FoamFooting one of the most cost-effective sustainable footing solutions available.
Combining Solutions for Optimal Performance
Can I Mix Different Performance Footing Products?
Absolutely, and many facilities find that combining products creates their ideal footing. The compatibility between Performance Footing’s products allows for customized solutions that address specific challenges or preferences. For example, combining Noviun’s structural fibers with EcoStride’s cushioning creates footing with exceptional stability and shock absorption. Adding FoamFooting to existing sand revitalizes tired surfaces while improving moisture retention.
Performance Footing’s experts help determine optimal combinations based on your specific needs. Factors like discipline requirements, climate conditions, existing sand quality, and maintenance capabilities all influence the ideal mixture. This consultative approach ensures you achieve maximum benefit from your investment rather than guessing at combinations.
Which Products Work Best for Different Disciplines?
Dressage Arenas: Benefit from combinations emphasizing stability and consistent surface characteristics. Noviun with FoamFooting creates the firm yet giving surface that allows for precise movements and proper energy return. The consistent moisture retention prevents dry spots that could affect performance.
Jumping Arenas: Require exceptional shock absorption with stability on takeoff. EcoStride combined with Levitare (another Performance Footing product) provides optimal cushioning for landing while maintaining the support needed for powerful takeoffs. The materials work together to reduce concussion while preventing excessive slide.
Western Disciplines: Needing controlled slide find ArenaGreen ideal, though combining Noviun with appropriate sand also works excellently. The ability to customize slide characteristics through product selection and application rates means achieving exactly the surface your discipline demands.
Installation and Integration Best Practices
Do I Need to Completely Replace My Existing Footing?
One of the greatest advantages of Performance Footing’s sustainable products is their ability to revitalize existing surfaces. Unless your current sand is contaminated or completely worn out, you can likely integrate these additives directly. This renovation approach saves thousands compared to complete replacement while delivering dramatic performance improvements.
The integration process varies by product but remains straightforward for all options. Noviun mixes directly into existing sand through normal dragging and riding. FoamFooting spreads over the surface then integrates through use. EcoStride blends with sand during installation. ArenaGreen, being a complete system, does require removing existing footing but installs quickly over your prepared base.
What About My Arena Base – Does It Need Modification?
For most additive products, your existing base remains unchanged. As long as drainage functions properly and the base provides adequate stability, you can apply Performance Footing products directly. This compatibility eliminates expensive base reconstruction that other footing systems might require.
ArenaGreen installations benefit from a properly graded and compacted base but don’t require the elaborate drainage systems needed for traditional sand arenas. The waterless nature of ArenaGreen actually reduces base stress since you’re not constantly introducing water that can undermine stability. For facilities with marginal bases, ArenaGreen’s lighter maintenance requirements can extend base lifespan significantly.
Long-Term Sustainability and ROI
How Do These Products Pay for Themselves?
The return on investment comes through multiple channels that compound over time. Water savings alone can justify the investment. Facilities using ArenaGreen eliminate irrigation entirely, saving thousands annually in water costs. Those using Noviun or EcoStride typically reduce water usage by 50-75%, generating substantial savings while conserving precious resources.
Labor savings multiply the financial benefits. Eliminating daily watering routines frees 10-15 hours weekly for productive work. Reduced dragging frequency, eliminated dust control applications, and extended replacement cycles all contribute to labor efficiency. Many facilities calculate saving thousands annually in labor costs after installing Performance Footing products.
The health benefits translate to direct cost savings. Reduced dust means fewer respiratory treatments. Superior cushioning decreases impact injuries. Consistent footing prevents slips and falls. Veterinary cost reductions are commonly reported. Additionally, boarders willingly pay premium rates for facilities with superior, dust-free footing.
What About Environmental Regulations and Incentives?
Increasing environmental regulations favor facilities using sustainable practices. Water restrictions in drought-prone areas make waterless solutions like ArenaGreen essential for continued operation. Microplastic regulations beginning to emerge could eventually prohibit traditional synthetic footings. By adopting sustainable solutions now, you’re ahead of regulatory curves rather than scrambling to comply later.
Many regions offer incentives for water conservation and sustainable practices. Agricultural water conservation grants, environmental stewardship programs, and green business certifications can offset installation costs. Some facilities have received grants covering 30-50% of their sustainable footing investment. Performance Footing can guide you toward applicable programs in your area.
Your Sustainable Arena Journey Starts Now
The transition to sustainable arena footing isn’t just an environmental choice – it’s a smart business decision that improves performance while reducing costs. Performance Footing’s comprehensive product line means you don’t have to compromise. Whether choosing waterless ArenaGreen, plastic-free Noviun, bio-based EcoStride, or recycled FoamFooting, you’re investing in proven solutions that deliver championship-level performance.
Every facility’s needs are unique, which is why Performance Footing offers free consultations to evaluate your specific situation. Their experts analyze your current footing, discuss your goals and challenges, and recommend customized solutions that maximize both performance and value. This personalized approach ensures you get exactly what you need rather than generic one-size-fits-all products.
The time for sustainable arena footing is now. Environmental pressures are increasing. Water costs continue rising. Riders increasingly choose facilities demonstrating environmental responsibility. By adopting Performance Footing’s sustainable solutions, you position your facility for long-term success while contributing to a healthier planet.
Contact Performance Footing at 877-835-0878 to begin your sustainable arena transformation. Whether you’re building new or renovating existing surfaces, their eco-friendly products deliver the performance you demand with the sustainability our world requires. Join the growing community of facilities discovering that the best footing for horses and riders is also the best for our environment. Your horses, your riders, and future generations will thank you for making the sustainable choice.