Yes, dust is a major problem for horse and rider. It can be the source of allergy reactions and sinus infections not to mention uncomfortable and very annoying in which to ride. However, the dust that comes from a lack of rain is not the worst thing that comes from improper moisture content. The long term soundness and performance of your horse is directly affected by the amount of water that you keep in your arena footing.

You see, water plays a critical role in your arena. Without 6-9% moisture in your footing, your arena is going to feel "flat" and will have very little cushion and give. However, you can take a bone-dry arena that has no "feel" to it and drag in the proper amount of water and your sand will come back to life! Often, arena owners will change out their footing when really all they needed to do was to keep it properly maintained!

And it's not just cushion that you're after; having a material that is "stable" and strong is foundational when it comes to proper footing. If you've ever taken a run on the beach you'll know what we're talking about.

It's miserable to run on a dry, deep beach! You can't get any traction and your feet are constantly pushing out from underneath you. It's the same for your horse working in a dry footing and it's the water that will give your sand a more stable and resistant feel. A stable footing makes your horse work less so he can give you more!

Without the cushion and stability in your footing that water brings, your horse is going to feel a significant increase in the concussion and inflammation of its joints and soreness in its muscles. These issues often have to be tended to by a Veterinarian. Joint injections and supplements are expensive and can often be avoided with proper footing.

Finally, with the soreness and achy joints, your horses' performance will suffer. Horses react to whatever stimulus is given them. Therefore, if you give them dry and "flat" feeling footing that causes them pain, they are not going to give you what you are asking them for.

Even in a drought, the moisture in your arena can be controlled if you have the right watering system. Traditional watering systems are expensive and truly ineffective. Watering Trucks can deliver a large amount of water but the lack of even distribution, mechanical maintenance and the damage they can do to an arena really makes them more of a hindrance than a help.

Sprinkling systems overlap and can saturate isolated spots in your arena. This will soften your base material risking damage to the base by horses or ineffective drags. Traditional water hoses are time consuming and cannot deliver enough water to make a difference.

There are products on the market that are both cost effective and efficient! A water wagon specifically designed for arenas, will give you even distribution and not tear up or rut your arena. With a hose sprayer attachment you can water into the corners of your arena and use the water wagon for many other applications! You can confront the results of the drought head-on by having a head start on brush fires or a mobile watering system for livestock or trees.

Moisture management supplements can stretch your water and make it last twice as long, control your dust as well as supply additional cushion to your footing.

The bottom line is that when your arena is dry you must do something about it! The soundness and performance of your horse really does depend on it! Call 877.788.7253 to speak with an expert about proper moisture management for your arena.