Horse Arena Thickness – Why It Matters and How to Maintain It

When it comes to your riding surface, thickness matters. Whether your arena is used for dressage, show jumping, or everyday schooling, the depth of your sand layer plays a huge role in how your horse moves, stays sound, and enjoys their work. Over time, however, arena surfaces naturally change – and if left unchecked, those changes can affect performance, comfort, and even safety.

A well groomed arena.

What Causes Sand Loss?

Every arena surface experiences gradual sand loss due to:

• Wind and weather – strong winds, rain, and drainage can carry away fine particles.

• Hoof action – repeated impact and movement push sand to the edges and into the base.

• Regular grooming – while essential, it can still contribute to minor surface displacement over time.

• Compaction and settlement – sand naturally settles and becomes denser, reducing effective depth.

Even with perfect drainage and professional construction, you can expect to lose a few millimeters of surface each month.

According to the FEI’s Equestrian Surfaces – A Guide and the FEI Knowledgebase, the recommended depth for the top layer of a sand or sand–fibre arena is around 150 mm (15 cm). This provides consistent cushioning, supports soundness, and ensures proper drainage and moisture balance. Regular maintenance helps preserve this optimal depth across the whole arena.

Worked Arena

Raking – The First Step in Surface Correction

If your arena has developed uneven depths or compacted areas, mechanical raking is the quickest way to restore consistency. Raking lifts and loosens the sand, reintroducing air into the surface and helping it ride softer.

At Harrogate Civil Equestrian, we use specialist equipment to:

• Break up compacted tracks.

• Pull sand back from the kickboards and redistribute it evenly.

• Smooth out high and low spots.

• Prevent base exposure in over-used areas.

Annual or Biannual Sand Top-Up

Even with consistent raking, there comes a time when topping up your arena surface is essential. Depending on use, most arenas need a sand top-up every 12–24 months to keep the surface riding as it should.

Benefits of topping up your arena surface include:

• Restoring the correct depth for optimal cushioning and grip.

• Protecting your geotextile membrane and base from exposure.

• Improving drainage performance.

• Reducing strain on your horse’s joints and tendons.

Equestrian Silica

Signs Your Arena Needs Attention

• Horses are riding “flat” or “dead” through the surface.

• You can see or feel the base layer in high-traffic zones.

• Water is pooling where it used to drain freely.

• The depth varies noticeably across the arena.

Our Recommendation

We suggest light raking weekly, deep raking monthly, and a sand top-up every 12–18 months depending on usage. Professional checks on your surface depth can prevent bigger problems and extend the life of your arena investment.

At Harrogate Civil Equestrian, we specialize in arena surface maintenance and topping-up services. We source high-quality silica and fibre blends, ensuring your arena rides beautifully all year round. Whether you need a quick rake, a full surface audit, or a fresh load of sand, we can keep your riding surface in top form.

Contact Sean on sean@harrogateequestrian.co.za or 068-211-0412Visit us at www.harrogateequestrian.co.za