Excerpt from Riding Arena Footing Material Selection and Management [Full Article PDF], Penn State University Riding Arena SurfaceUnfortunately, there are no universal recommendations for the perfect arena surface or footing material. A “perfect” arena surface should be cushioned to minimize concussion on horse legs, firm enough to provide traction, not too slick, not too dusty, not overly abrasive to horse hooves, resistant to freezing during cold weather, inexpensive to obtain, and easy to mai